Book overview
Game On! How to Train Your Brain to Learn, Play, and Succeed at Sports is a fun, practical guide that helps young athletes master the mental side of sport. Written by Steven Mather - a dad inspired by his own son's sporting journey - it turns the big ideas of sports psychology into simple, engaging lessons that any child can use to play with more confidence, focus, and joy.
When Steven's son Horace began competing in tennis, he saw that talent and training were only part of the story. The real challenge was mental - coping with nerves, pressure, and self-doubt. Game On! was born from that experience to help children train their brains just as they train their bodies.
The book introduces two memorable characters: Coach Brain, the cautious voice that overthinks, and Player Brain, the instinctive voice that loves to play. Through short, story-based chapters, readers follow Jake as he learns to balance these two voices, discovering how to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and find the flow that makes sport fun again.
Each chapter includes:
- A story children can relate to, showing how mindset affects performance.
- A mini challenge to help them practise the lesson straight away.
- A parent's section explaining the psychology in clear, friendly language.
Rooted in proven sports psychology, Game On! teaches that mistakes aren't failures but feedback, that confidence comes from practice, and that calm focus leads to better performance and enjoyment. It's a book for children aged around 7-14 who play any sport - football, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, athletics and more - and for parents or coaches who want to build confidence and resilience.
Game On! helps children understand that the most important game they'll ever play is the one inside their head. When they learn to listen to the right voice, trust their body, and focus on what matters, they discover that success isn't about being perfect - it's about learning, enjoying the journey, and playing with heart every time.
