From tennis lessons to a development system: the story behind 359.
The 359 approach grew from practice: years of coaching, observing, improving and understanding what players need beyond technique.
What started as a personal search for better coaching grew into a complete system — built, tested and proven at the National Tennis Centre.
The 359 Explainer — since 2015
In 2015 we created this video to clearly communicate the 359 Method internally to our coaches. The content still forms the foundation of everything we do.
From idea to the 359 Method as it is taught today
Five key moments in the development of the 359 Method.
±2005
The Beginning
Roland Laurense starts developing his own coaching approach — based on player development rather than just technique.
The seed of a new method
The Beginning
Roland Laurense starts developing his own coaching approach — based on player development rather than just technique.
The seed of a new method
2010
Method Takes Shape
The three pillars — Fit, Fun, Focus — are defined. The approach is structurally applied at the NTC.
From intuition to structure
Method Takes Shape
The three pillars — Fit, Fun, Focus — are defined. The approach is structurally applied at the NTC.
From intuition to structure
2015/2016
First Coach Education
In collaboration with experts from sport and performance, the first internal 359 coach education is set up. 12 coaches are trained.
From method to transfer
First Coach Education
In collaboration with experts from sport and performance, the first internal 359 coach education is set up. 12 coaches are trained.
From method to transfer
2016–2024
Continued Development
The method is refined and tested in practice — with thousands of players, at multiple locations, in different contexts.
Proven in practice
Continued Development
The method is refined and tested in practice — with thousands of players, at multiple locations, in different contexts.
Proven in practice
2025
Official Launch
The 359 Coach education is opened externally for the first time — with certification, selection and recognition.
Now available for coaches
Official Launch
The 359 Coach education is opened externally for the first time — with certification, selection and recognition.
Now available for coaches
Archief & Evolutie
Van idee naar methode
Van eerste schetsen en gesprekken tot trainingen, opleidingen en programma's — de 359 Method is stap voor stap opgebouwd.
"Built on the court.
Not in theory."
Experts & Partners
The people who contributed to the development of the 359 Method.
Roland Laurense
Founder 359 Method
Peter Murphy
ActionType founder NL
Bennie Douwes
ActionType Academy
(†2025)
Henk Kraaijenhof
Vortex
Hugo de Bruijne
AanZee / New Story
Sven Groeneveld
ATP/WTA pro
Leonard van Utrecht
Football / Personal approach in sport
The First 359 Coaches
Class of 2015/2016 — the coaches who built the method in practice.
NLP / Mental
Padel
Football
Wheelchair — head coach France
This isn't a new programme.
This is 20 years of development — now officially available for the first time.