Join Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner as they sit down with Marine Kinna, Better at Beach's marketing coordinator and newest AVP champion, for a deep dive into her incredible journey from France to AVP gold. Marine shares her transition from indoor to beach volleyball, navigating the NCAA system as an international student, becoming a dual-sport All-American, and now thriving on the AVP and international stage. You'll discover the mental strategies that transformed Marine from a player stuck at 5th...
Jul 02, 2025•55 min
Mark Burik shares the proven training formula behind lasting improvements in arm swing and vertical jump mechanics. In this episode, he breaks down the coaching approach that helps athletes make permanent corrections and walks you through a step-by-step video analysis you can apply directly to your own training. It’s an insightful deep dive into the techniques that help players overcome common flaws and unlock their full jumping potential. Whether you’re a coach or athlete, this episode delivers...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min
A workout routine for beach volleyball is just as important as training your technique as an athlete. Have you ever felt like you could dominate at the net, but something is just missing? It’s because your body needs a consistent workout regimen. Mark and Brandon break down how to build real athleticism that translates to the court without wasting time. They share the foundational principles behind vertical jump gains, explain why most players are training the wrong way, and provide simple, powe...
Jun 19, 2025•52 min
Being in the right place at the right time isn't just about luck - it's about mastering your approach. In this episode, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner give a masterclass on the four-step approach and tackle the timing issues that trip up players at every level. They settle the debate on whether three-step or five-step approaches actually make a difference, and reveal the secrets that transform chaotic scrambles into smooth, powerful attacks. Drawing from their extensive camp experience, they shar...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr
What separates powerful hitters from the rest? It's not just raw strength - it's efficiency. In this episode, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner break down the integrated mechanics that create explosive hitting power. They reveal the critical connections between your approach, jump, and arm swing that transform average hits into weapons. Drawing from their extensive coaching experience, they share the exact techniques they teach at Better at Beach camps to help players. This episode unpacks the secre...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Every setter's been there - that moment when a pass is heading straight for disaster and all eyes turn to you. In this episode, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner dive into the chaotic world of emergency setting, where split-second decisions make the difference between a highlight play and a blooper reel moment. We're breaking down the art of turning volleyball lemons into lemonade. Whether you're a setter who wants to level up your rescue skills or a passer-hitter trying to understand your setter's ...
May 27, 2025•42 min
What do coaches see that players miss? In this episode, Brandon Joyner shares insights from his coaching sessions and reveals the setting mistakes he immediately spots from the sidelines and explains the fixes that transform players. Drawing from thousands of coaching hours across all levels, he breaks down the three most common errors, and the technical flaws, decision-making errors, and partner chemistry issues that hold setters back. Whether you're a coach looking to better communicate settin...
May 21, 2025•41 min
Summary In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss the recent AVP tournament in Huntington Beach, focusing on the new single elimination format and its implications for teams. They analyze the performance of top teams, the stakes involved in qualification for the league, and the dynamics of key matches. The conversation also highlights emerging talents in both men's and women's beach volleyball, as well as the impact of injuries on players' careers. In ...
May 16, 2025•55 min
The FIVB just dropped a major update to the setting rules — and it’s already shaking up the beach volleyball world. In this episode, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner break down exactly what’s changing, why it matters, and how it might impact players, coaches, and the game itself. Whether you're a setter, a coach, or just trying to keep up, we’ve got you covered with clear explanations, real examples, and our take on the rule shift. Dive into the details and talk about what this could mean for the f...
May 09, 2025•49 min
Summary In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, hosts Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss the best tournaments for amateur and open players, share insights on upcoming training camps, and delve into recent developments in the AVP. They also provide strategies for blockers and defenders, and highlight their favorite tournaments, including FUDS and SmackFest, while comparing them to the iconic Six Man tournament. In this conversation, Brandon Joyner and Mark Burik explore various volleyb...
May 03, 2025•45 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss strategies for succeeding in beach volleyball tournaments, particularly focusing on B and A level competitions. They share insights on the importance of serving, controlling the game, and limiting errors. The hosts also provide details about upcoming training camps and emphasize the significance of mindset and preparation for players at all levels. 🔥 SAVE 5% WITH OUR MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNT CODE for Workout Prog...
Apr 24, 2025•37 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joiner discuss the importance of making mistakes the right way in beach volleyball. They emphasize the significance of focusing on the process rather than just results, celebrating recent successes in the sport, and the necessity of technique and feedback in improving performance. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that comes with growth and the value of trusting the learning process. 🔥 SAVE 5% WITH OUR MEMBERS ...
Apr 18, 2025•34 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, hosts Mark Burik, Logan Webber, and Brandon Joyner delve into the world of Norseca beach volleyball tournaments. They discuss the structure and significance of Norceca qualifiers, the role of USA Volleyball, and the challenges faced by athletes in the beach volleyball system. The conversation also highlights the unique experiences and camaraderie found at Norceca tournaments, along with humorous anecdotes from their own experiences. The episode con...
Apr 09, 2025•54 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss Brandon's transition from beach volleyball to triathlons, the mental challenges of stepping away from competitive sports, and the joys of solo training. They delve into the differences in coaching beginners versus pros, the importance of goal setting in drills, and the complexities of tournament formats. The conversation also highlights the growing community within volleyball and upcoming camps and opportunitie...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min
In this conversation, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss the intricacies of playing four on four volleyball, emphasizing the importance of proper positioning and strategy. They introduce the Kings and Queens league, a new initiative aimed at providing consistent play opportunities for volleyball enthusiasts. The discussion also covers the Complete Training Blueprint, a structured program designed to enhance players' skills through coaching and video analysis. The hosts delve into serve receiv...
Mar 20, 2025•48 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, hosts Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner welcome Tania Moreno, an Olympic beach volleyball player representing Spain and a senior at TCU. They discuss Tania's journey to the Olympics, the challenges of balancing college and elite sports, and the differences in coaching styles between her experiences in Spain and at TCU. The conversation also delves into the technical aspects of beach volleyball, particularly the importance of handsetting and how it impa...
Mar 15, 2025•50 min
Summary In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik discusses essential statistics for improving beach volleyball performance. He emphasizes the importance of tracking passing, serving, setting, and attacking percentages to identify areas for improvement. Mark also shares success stories from his coaching sessions and provides details about upcoming camps and coaching opportunities for players looking to enhance their skills. The conversation highlights the significance of communi...
Mar 08, 2025•32 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss various aspects of volleyball training, focusing on passing techniques, building strength and stability, and the importance of simplicity in performance. They share insights from their coaching experiences and emphasize the significance of trusting the process in athlete development. In this conversation, Brandon Joyner and Mark Burik discuss various techniques and drills for improving beach volleyball skills, ...
Mar 02, 2025•46 min
In this conversation, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss the importance of vision in beach volleyball, focusing on how players can improve their ability to read the defense and make quick decisions while attacking. They also touch on team development at Better at Beach, sharing insights on hiring and coaching strategies. The discussion includes practical tips for enhancing players' offensive skills and decision-making processes, culminating in an invitation to join their comprehensive trainin...
Feb 20, 2025•41 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss the top mistakes they made during their beach volleyball careers. They emphasize the importance of consistent coaching, health and nutrition, and the dynamics of teamwork. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of chasing cheap sponsorships and the need for players to focus on their own development rather than external validation. 🔥 SAVE 5% WITH OUR MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNT CODE for Workout Programs, Onlin...
Feb 12, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, host Mark Burik interviews professional volleyball player Corinne Quiggle. They discuss Corinne's preseason training regimen, her recovery from hip surgery, and the importance of nutrition in her performance. Corinne shares her experience with genome testing to optimize her diet and how she manages her nutrition during training and competition. The conversation also touches on the significance of film analysis for self-improvement and injury manage...
Feb 06, 2025•35 min
In this conversation, Mark Burik outlines a structured approach to fitness and performance improvement for volleyball players. He introduces a yearly challenge that includes setting personal records (PRs) and emphasizes the importance of tracking progress. Mark discusses common mistakes athletes make in their training, such as not testing their abilities, focusing too much on workouts rather than skill practice, and the importance of community engagement in achieving fitness goals. He encourages...
Jan 30, 2025•44 min
In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik discusses the top 10 workout mistakes that volleyball players should avoid. Drawing from his extensive experience as a professional beach volleyball player and a certified strength and conditioning specialist, he emphasizes the importance of proper warmups, mobility, recovery, technique, and nutrition. Mark provides actionable tips to enhance performance and prevent injuries, encouraging players to adopt a holistic approach to their trai...
Jan 24, 2025•24 min
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 philosophy on athlete development. The discussion highlights how mental practices can create neural conne...
Jan 16, 2025•27 min
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 future training sessions. The conversation also highlights the significance of structure and engagemen...
Jan 10, 2025•30 min
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 repetition in skill development. They also highlight the qualities of effective coaches and the methodolo...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 19 min
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 supportive environment. Kahlee also shares insights on stress management, nutrition, and practical advice fo...
Dec 24, 2024•59 min
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 mental strategies in sports and reflects on her ambitions for the future, including her aspirations...
Dec 17, 2024•49 min
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 and their impact on coaching styles. He encourages coaches to create a supportive community for thei...
Dec 10, 2024•31 min
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 conversation also touches on the skill levels in college versus professional volleyball and the mental approac...
Dec 03, 2024•50 min
