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, the importance of timing and adaptability in approaches, and the significance of storytelling in te...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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. The conversation also touches on the current state of beach volleyball competitions and the challenge...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 volleyball, the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and her first season on the AVP tour, culmi...
Nov 12, 2024•56 min
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 leading to better performance and growth for athletes. In this conversation, Mark Burik discusses th...
Nov 04, 2024•56 min
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 conversation highlights the importance of consistency in high-level play, the challenges of adapting to differ...
Oct 28, 2024•50 min
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 with and the emotional rollercoaster of competing at such high levels. She also touches on her passion ...
Oct 21, 2024•56 min
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 victories and setbacks. In this conversation, Mark Burik shares insights on building confidence through c...
Oct 15, 2024•58 min
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 find joy in the game and learn from every experience. 🔥 💪 🏐 GET DAILY VOLLEYBALL TIPS, ADVICE &a...
Oct 07, 2024•55 min
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, and the impact of player mindset on performance. They also touch on recruitment insights for college c...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 13 min
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 experiences in junior college and the transition to playing at a higher level in the U.S., providing valuable ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 34 min
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 aspects of playing with a goofy foot approach. The discussion wraps up with insights on what makes a g...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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 explains the concept of rooting into the ground and maintaining balance while passing. He also discusses fo...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min
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 seeking investors. We also discuss the significance of building a comprehensive business plan and under...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 24 min
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 our Facebook group for updates and download our app for free courses and more! 🌟 🔥 💪 🏐 GET DAIL...
Aug 29, 2024•56 min
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. They also discuss the importance of honesty and transparency in the recruiting process and the need...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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 various beach volleyball teams at the Olympics and the upcoming AVP events. We analyze the struggles of c...
Jul 30, 2024•56 min
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 partners, all by highlighting the impressive performance of Sean Rosenthal and Cody Caldwell, as well ...
May 26, 2024•56 min
🏐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. I share my insights on using statistics to improve performance and make informed decisions, while Brandon f...
May 23, 2024•55 min
🔥 💪 🏐 GET DAILY VOLLEYBALL TIPS, ADVICE & DRILLS 🔥 💪 🏐 https://www.betteratbeach.com/pcdrillbook CLICK THE LINK AND WE'LL SEND YOU 🔥My 36 Most Effective Beach Volleyball Drills 🔥My 3 Favorite 50-Minute Workouts For Volleyball Players 🔥My YouTube Playlist Clarifying The Biggest BVB Arguments & Rule Disputes 🔥My Top 20 Lessons Learned From 15 Years As Professional Volleyball Player 🔥SAVE 5% WITH OUR MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNT CODE for Workout Programs, Online Coaching, Camps, Swag &a...
Apr 17, 2024•50 min
🔥 💪 🏐 GET DAILY VOLLEYBALL TIPS, ADVICE & DRILLS 🔥 💪 🏐 https://www.betteratbeach.com/pcdrillbook CLICK THE LINK AND WE'LL SEND YOU 🔥My 36 Most Effective Beach Volleyball Drills 🔥My 3 Favorite 50-Minute Workouts For Volleyball Players 🔥My YouTube Playlist Clarifying The Biggest BVB Arguments & Rule Disputes 🔥My Top 20 Lessons Learned From 15 Years As Professional Volleyball Player 🔥SAVE 5% WITH OUR MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNT CODE for Workout Programs, Online Coaching, Camps, Swag &a...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This was a webinar/mastermind taken from our very first Complete Coach Academy meeting! If you want to join the Complete Coach Academy, you can learn more and sign up here: www.betteratbeach.com/team Mark Burik discusses his mission to make coaching easier and bridge the gap between conversations in the volleyball community. He shares his experience teaching adults and the importance of equipping coaches with knowledge and systems. He emphasizes the need to train coaches to put out quality servi...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min
🔥 💪 🏐 GET DAILY VOLLEYBALL TIPS, ADVICE & DRILLS 🔥 💪 🏐 https://www.betteratbeach.com/pcdrillbook CLICK THE LINK AND WE'LL SEND YOU 🔥My 36 Most Effective Beach Volleyball Drills 🔥My 3 Favorite 50-Minute Workouts For Volleyball Players 🔥My YouTube Playlist Clarifying The Biggest BVB Arguments & Rule Disputes 🔥My Top 20 Lessons Learned From 15 Years As Professional Volleyball Player 🔥SAVE 5% WITH OUR MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNT CODE for Workout Programs, Online Coaching, Camps, Swag &a...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Summary In this episode, Mark Burik interviews Adam Roberts, a storied player on the AVP. They discuss Adam's refusal of social media and his current efforts in preseason training. They also explore the potential of St. Pete as a beach volleyball hub and the shift from Fort Lauderdale to St. Pete. Adam shares his experience hosting elite players at his place and his approach to training and development. They also discuss Adam's ability to play with different partners and his coaching style, emph...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Summary In this conversation, Mark Burik and DJ Klasnic discuss the importance of hard work and early development in beach volleyball. They talk about the challenges of not having access to qualified coaches and the need for personal coaching and self-improvement. They also discuss the benefits of having a great start and the difficulty of finding coaching. DJ shares the elements he is adding to his game, such as improving his defense and optioning skills. They also discuss the Brazilian style o...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In this episode, Mark Burik and Travis Mewhirter discuss the transition from playing to coaching in beach volleyball. They explore the challenges and rewards of coaching, including the importance of building trust and effective communication with athletes. They also discuss the use of constraint training and creative problem-solving in coaching. The conversation extends beyond the realm of sports, as they explore how coaching techniques can be applied to personal relationships. They emphasize th...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Mark Burik and Sarah Putt discuss the importance of nutrition, hydration, and supplements for athletes, specifically beach volleyball players. They emphasize the need for actionable advice and provide practical tips for incorporating healthy habits into daily routines. Sarah shares her gratitude for the opportunities Mark has created for beach volleyball players and explains her passion for nutrition. They discuss the challenges of navigating the abundance of nutrition information and the import...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Get ready for some volleyball wisdom with Mark, Brandon, and Nolan Albrecht from Better at Beach camps! They're diving into the world of indoor, beach, and grass volleyball – talking about the vibe, mindset, and what it takes to dominate on the court. From coaching tactics to the latest rule changes, it's all here. And hey, they've got some exciting camps and coaching opportunities coming up, so don't miss out! 🎙️ LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST 🎙️ LISTEN ON SPOTIFY 🎙️ LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCAST Timest...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 22 min
In this episode, we delve into the world of volleyball with King of the Beach, Hagen Smith. Join us as we explore various aspects of the game, from strategy and mental toughness to the evolution of play styles. 🎙️ LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST 🎙️ LISTEN ON SPOTIFY 🎙️ LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCAST Timestamps: 03:27 - What's your favorite part about volleyball? 04:11 - How would you describe your mental game? 11:38 - Do you think that you're a different type of player if you play indoor versus if you play...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Logan Webber, a seasoned blocker from Team USA, joining us. Logan will shed light on the intricacies of pre-season practices and what AVP players actually focus on during this crucial period. 🎙️ LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST 🎙️ LISTEN ON SPOTIFY 🎙️ LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCAST Timestamps: 03:18 - Do you have any new directions? 08:53 - What did the FALL look like for you? 14:22 - Do you think you are more focused on the past? 18:41 - It is NOT how hard you wor...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 21 min
In this insightful episode of "Better at Beach," hosts Mark Burik and Matt Hazle dive deep into a common challenge faced by beach volleyball players: not getting enough block touches. With a focus on lineups and peeling strategies, this episode offers quick fixes that can significantly enhance your defensive game at the net. Episode Highlights: Understanding Block Touches: Mark and Matt start by breaking down the importance of block touches in beach volleyball. They explain how effective blockin...
Aug 26, 2023•35 min
