The Coaching Edge: Capturing High-Performance Coaching and Athlete Development in Mesa, Arizona
November 1, 2025 – Arizona Athletic Grounds, Mesa, Arizona
Sports photography is more than capturing action. It is about documenting development, teaching moments, leadership, and athlete mindset. I had the opportunity to photograph and produce video coverage for The Coaching Edge Coaching Clinic, a full-day event designed to help coaches develop athletes for long-term success on and off the court. The clinic was held at Arizona Athletic Grounds and featured respected leaders in volleyball coaching, mindset training and performance development.
Event Details:
The Coaching Edge Coaching Clinic
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fieldhouse A, Arizona Athletic Grounds
6321 S Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
Registration and information: https://www.azathleticgrounds.com/
View my sports photography portfolio: www.paultumpson.com/sports
While I covered the coaching sessions, I intentionally focused on photographing movement, teaching, interaction, and emotional connection, as these are the moments that matter in coaching education and are most sought after in professional sports media work.
Event Purpose: Developing the Complete Coach
The clinic’s theme was coaching the whole athlete. Sessions were led by some of the most respected minds in volleyball and performance development, including:
Dave Rubio Former University of Arizona Head Coach. Led technical training and program building discussion.
Gabby Cole Leadership and performance strategist. Led mindset and communication training. https://www.theboldbreak.com/
Kyle OlryStrength and conditioning specialist. Taught performance movement and injury resilience.
RJ Abella Director of Elite Development at p1440. Led both indoor and sand coaching demonstrations. https://www.p1440.org/
Kamaile Hiapo Professional athlete. Demonstrated on-court skill application and answered Q&A during lunch.
Event partner: Franklin Sports
https://www.franklinsports.com/
Primary facility partner:
https://www.azathleticgrounds.com/
What Made This Event Meaningful
This was more than documenting volleyball drills. The clinic focused human connection. Leadership. Athlete trust. Coaches collaborating to grow the culture of their teams.
There were moments where you could see lightbulbs go off in real time. Coaches writing notes with urgency. Laughing during shared experiences. Athletes listening with engaged eyes.
As a photographer and videographer, these are the moments I look for because they tell the story beyond the scoreboard.
Why Professional Sports Photography Matters for Clinics
High-quality photo and video media helps:
Clubs and directors promote future events
Coaches retain lessons through visual reinforcement
Athletes and parents see the value of developmental learning
Organizations build credibility and community presence
For clinics like this one, strong media coverage becomes part of the long-term brand identity.
If you are hosting a sports clinic, coaching summit, training camp, or showcase event, I provide full photo and video coverage that highlights:
The energy and learning environment of your sessions
Candid interactions and teaching moments
Key speakers and guest coaches
Athlete development and movement
Your brand identity, partnerships and sponsors
You put the time into creating a meaningful coaching experience.
I create the imagery that communicates that value clearly.
To inquire about availability:
Email: paultumpson@gmail.com
Call / Text: 239-784-5890
Portfolio: www.paultumpson.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/paultumpson
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Photography and Coaching Clinics
What are the best camera settings for indoor sports photography?
Indoor sports usually require a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. I typically shoot at shutter speeds between 1/1000 and 1/2000, with an aperture between f/2.8 and f/4, and adjust the ISO based on the lighting conditions inside the venue.
How do you capture movement in sports photography without blur?
The key is to use both shutter speed and anticipate the action. Instead of reacting late, I follow the play flow and shoot at high speed to catch the exact peak moment of movement.
Do coaching clinics benefit from professional photos and video?
Yes. High-quality media helps clubs promote future clinics, improve brand credibility, and give coaches valuable visual material they can reference later.
Can you create both photos and highlight videos at the same event?
Yes. My workflow is designed for hybrid capture. I shoot both photography and vertical video clips so organizations can use them on websites, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
How quickly can photos and videos be delivered after the event?
Most coaching clinics receive fully edited images and a social media-ready highlight video within 7 days. Rush delivery options are available.
