Get Better at Beach Volleyball

In this conversation, Mark Burik and Christoph Dressler discuss the intersection of mental training and performance in beach volleyball. Christoph shares his four-step serve routine, emphasizing the importance of visualization and self-regulation in achieving optimal performance. They explore the significance of rituals, the balance between technique and intuition, and the impact of coaching philo...

In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik discusses the essential elements of effective volleyball coaching, focusing on building a strong team culture, designing engaging practices, and the importance of feedback and communication. He emphasizes the need for coaches to create competitive environments, understand individual player needs, and learn from past practices to enhance fu...

In this conversation, Mark Burik and Christoph Dressler explore various aspects of beach volleyball coaching and competition. They discuss Christoph's journey in the sport, the pathways to becoming a professional player in Austria, and the importance of multi-sport participation for youth athletes. The conversation delves into coaching philosophies, tactical analysis, and the significance of repet...

In this conversation, Kahlee York, a professional beach volleyball player, discusses her journey in sports and the critical importance of women's health, particularly how hormonal cycles affect athletic performance. She emphasizes the need for better understanding and communication around women's health issues in sports, the misconceptions that exist, and the role of coaches in creating a supporti...

In this engaging conversation, Valentina Gottardi, an Italian beach volleyball player, shares her journey from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball, highlighting the influence of her partner and mentor Marta Menegatti. Valentina discusses her experiences in the Olympics, the importance of communication and teamwork, and her preparation for upcoming competitions. She emphasizes the significance of...

In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik discusses essential coaching techniques and leadership development strategies. He emphasizes the importance of maximizing player repetitions during practice, eliminating waiting times, and engaging parents to enhance the training experience. Mark also shares insights from a recent leadership conference, focusing on personality assessments...

In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, host Mark Burik discusses the evolving landscape of professional volleyball in the U.S. with guest Marlie Monserez. They explore Marlie's journey from indoor to beach volleyball and back to indoor, the differences between the Pro Volleyball Federation and Lovb league, player salaries, and the importance of maintaining joy in the sport. The conversati...

In this conversation, Matt Hazle interviews Miles Partain, a prominent volleyball player, about his journey from indoor volleyball at UCLA to pursuing a career in beach volleyball and aiming for the Olympics. They discuss the challenges and decisions involved in this transition, including the technical aspects of setting and jump setting in volleyball. Miles shares insights on training techniques,...

In this conversation, Coach Matt speaks with Anastasija Samoilova, a two-time Olympian from the Latvian national beach volleyball team. They discuss her journey into beach volleyball, the importance of Olympic committee support, and the dynamics of her partnership with teammate Tina. Anastasia shares her experiences with coaching, overcoming adversity, and the significance of setting high goals. T...

In this episode of the Better Beach Podcast, Megan Rice shares her inspiring journey from being an indoor volleyball player to becoming the AVP Rookie of the Year. She discusses her experiences at UC Santa Barbara and Loyola Marymount University, the challenges of overcoming a significant knee injury, and her transition to beach volleyball. Megan reflects on her memorable moments in beach volleyba...

In this conversation, Brandon Joyner, co-founder of Better at Beach, discusses the importance of creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment in coaching. He shares his journey from player to coach, emphasizing the significance of mindset, trust, and respect in fostering player development. The discussion highlights various coaching techniques that promote joy and engagement, ultimately...

In this episode of the Better at Beach Podcast, host Mark Burik interviews John Drake, a former AVP player and current manager of Grand Sands Volleyball in Loveland, Ohio. They discuss John's transition from a competitive player to managing a successful volleyball facility, the unique playing style he developed with his partner Chris Lures, and the operational growth of Grand Sands. The conversati...

In this conversation, Sophie Bukovec, a professional beach volleyball player for Team Canada, shares her journey to becoming an Olympian. She discusses her early career, the decision to focus on beach volleyball, and the challenges she faced during her Olympic qualification process. Sophie reflects on her experiences at the World Championships and the Olympics, including the injuries she dealt wit...

In this conversation, Savvy Simo shares her journey from college volleyball to the professional circuit, discussing the challenges of transitioning to a more individualistic sport, the mental health struggles she faces, and the importance of confidence and mindset in achieving success. She reflects on her best season yet, the impact of her partner and coach, and the lessons learned from both victo...

In this conversation, Tyler Penberthy shares his journey in beach volleyball, discussing his experiences from early partnerships to nearly qualifying for the Olympics. He emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, the impact of losses on growth, and the value of community in the sport. Tyler also reflects on his coaching philosophy and offseason training strategies, encouraging players to...

In this conversation, Mark Burik and John Mayer delve into the intricacies of coaching, particularly in volleyball. They discuss the evolution of coaching perspectives, the importance of understanding external versus internal focus, and the role of constraints in skill development. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability in coaching styles, the significance of continuous learning, an...

In this episode, Mark Burik introduces Marine Kinna, a new member of the Better Beach team, who shares her unique journey as an international athlete navigating the NCAA recruiting process. The conversation explores the differences in sports culture between France and the U.S., the challenges faced by international players, and the importance of education in sports. Marine discusses her experience...

In this conversation, Avery Drost shares his journey as a professional beach volleyball player, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of setting, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building strong relationships within the volleyball community. Drost also highlights the significance of training, especially during the off-season, and the unique as...

In this conversation, Mark Burik discusses the basics of passing in beach volleyball. He emphasizes the importance of posture and mental preparation before every point. He provides tips on how to start every point with the right mindset and how to create a stronger mental game. He also talks about the athletic posture and the importance of staying in that position throughout the game. Mark explain...

In this episode, I interview LJ Luciano, the owner and operator of ATX Beach, the largest beach volleyball facility in Austin, Texas. We discuss LJ's journey into volleyball, the growth of the Sand Wannabes Facebook group, and the challenges of starting a beach volleyball venue. LJ shares his experience in raising money through crowdfunding and emphasizes the importance of having a site before see...

Join us as we explore the Palma Real Resort in Punta Cana 🌴, where our Better at Beach volleyball camp 🏐 takes place! We’ll show you the amazing restaurants 🍽️, pool bars 🍹, gym 💪, and beautiful beach—all included with your stay. We’ll also check out the adults-only areas and the relaxing spa. Plus, we'll cover key details like booking, transportation, and upcoming camps. Don’t forget to join...

In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Colby discuss the recruiting process for beach volleyball. They provide advice for coaches, club directors, and players on how to stand out and get noticed by college coaches. They emphasize the importance of creating impressive highlight videos, being persistent in reaching out to coaches, and providing clear identification in videos....

In this episode, Logan Weber and I discuss the Paris 2024 Olympics and upcoming beach volleyball camps. We analyze the matches and teams in the men's competition. The conversation covers topics such as the Olympic qualification process, the top teams to watch out for, and the importance of serve receive and control in beach volleyball. In this conversation, we also discuss the performance of vario...

In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Brandon Joyner and I discuss the AVP Huntington tournament and share our observations and insights. We praise the AVP for its coverage and accessibility on YouTube, allowing viewers to easily watch matches from all courts! We also discuss strategies and tactics used by players, including the importance of simplifying the game when playing with new pa...

🏐BOOK YOUR SPOT IN OUR UPCOMING CAMPS: MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST 7 SEPTEMBER! https://www.betteratbeach.com/camps   In this episode, Brandon and I discuss our upcoming tournament and our preparation strategies. We talk about our dream tournaments and the different vibes and competitiveness of various events. We emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between fun and competition....