Bigger Better Tennis - Paul Dale

I Need Players Who Empty Their Tank:  The Mindset That Separates Champions By Paul Dale The 3AM Method The Message That Woke Me Up I was jolted awake by the persistent buzzing of my watch. A series of messages were coming through from Joy, one of the players I work with. She'd just finished playing in a doubles final—a match that hadn't gone her way. The messages came in quick succession: updates about the match, frustration about missed opportunities, analysis of what went wrong. But it was the final message that stopped me cold:  "I hate losing." Three simple words that revealed everything about what makes a true competitor. The Tale of Two Players As I sat there in the dim light of my room, those words echoing in my mind, I couldn't help but think about another player I'd been working with. This player had talent—real talent—but when matches got tough, when the pressure mounted, something entirely different happened. Instead of fighting harder, they ...

The Serve Question That Puzzled Me for Years (And What I Finally Discovered) Two proven approaches, one surprising connection, and the insight that changed how I teach the serve By Paul Dale | 50 Years of International Coaching The Question That Started It All Throughout my coaching career, I've encountered two distinct approaches to serving technique, each championed by excellent coaches and successfully utilised by elite players. The Snap Method: Sharp wrist action with the racquet tip leading through contact.  The Pronation Method: Smooth forearm rotation with the left edge leading (for right-handers) Both produce powerful, accurate serves. Both have scientific backing. Both create champions. For years, this puzzled me. How could two seemingly different techniques achieve such similar results? Recently, I discovered something that brought it all together—and it's changed how I approach serve coaching entirely. The Observation That Changed My Understanding I was working wit...

    Master the Two-Handed Backhand: 4 Essential Tennis Techniques for Control and Power By Paul Dale | The 3AM Method Complete guide to developing a versatile two-handed backhand with professional-level control, spin, and directional accuracy The two-handed backhand can be one of tennis's most reliable and powerful strokes when executed with proper technique. However, many tennis players struggle with consistency and versatility because they focus on rigid grip positions rather than understanding the fundamental mechanics that create control and power. These five essential elements will transform your two-handed backhand from a defensive liability into an offensive weapon. By mastering hand positioning, power generation, and directional control, you'll develop the backhand versatility needed for competitive tennis success. 1. Bottom Hand Positioning: Controlling Your Contact Zone Length The bottom hand grip position directly plays a part in the length of your two-handed backha...