In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner interview Tomas Goldsmith, a volleyball player and community builder. They discuss Tomas's journey from indoor to grass and beach volleyball, the importance of community in the sport, and key strategies for winning in different formats. The conversation also touches on the differences between grass and beach volleyball, the significance of ball control, and the evolving demographics and positions within the sport. In this conversation, Tomas discusses the growth of the beach volleyball community in Milwaukee, the establishment of Volley Life, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships with local parks. He shares insights on managing volleyball leagues, organizing tournaments, and the philosophy of stewardship over ownership in community sports. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of running a sports organization and the commitment to fostering a vibrant volleyball culture.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Volleyball Community
03:00 Transitioning Between Indoor, Grass, and Beach Volleyball
06:03 Key Strategies for Winning on Grass
08:58 The Differences Between Grass and Beach Volleyball
11:59 The Importance of Ball Control
15:02 Physicality vs. Strategy in Volleyball
18:02 Diversity in Volleyball Styles
21:04 The Evolution of Volleyball Positions
23:57 Building a Volleyball Community with Volley Life
26:39 The Evolution of Beach Volleyball in Milwaukee
31:54 Establishing Volley Life: A Community Commitment
39:43 Navigating Partnerships and Contracts with County Parks
42:05 Stewardship Over Ownership: A Community Perspective
46:09 Lessons in Tournament Organization and Management
54:44 Engaging the Community: Opportunities for Players

In this episode of Better at Beach, Mark Burik and Logan Weber discuss the challenges faced by beach volleyball players, particularly regarding FIVB tournaments and visa issues. They delve into the dynamics of training with USA Volleyball and the structure of A2 and A1 teams in men's beach volleyball. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic planning in travel and tournament participation, as well as the support systems available to athletes. In this conversation, Logan Webber discusses the intricacies of the A1 and A2 teams in USA Volleyball, explaining the ELO ranking system and its implications for player evaluations and benefits. The dialogue also covers the support systems available to players, the roles of various coaches, and the logistics of tournament participation. Additionally, the conversation highlights the contributions of Ed Keller, a dedicated volleyball enthusiast, and delves into training regimens focused on ball control and competitive practices.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Better at Beach and Upcoming Camps
02:25 Challenges of FIVB Tournaments and Visa Issues
11:41 Training Dynamics and USA Volleyball Support
24:05 A2 and A1 Team Structures in Men's Beach Volleyball
25:03 Understanding the A1 and A2 Teams
28:12 The ELO Ranking System Explained
29:21 Evaluating Player Participation and Benefits
30:48 Support Systems in USA Volleyball
32:40 Coaching Dynamics and Roles
35:40 Tournament Participation and Coaching Logistics
37:24 The Role of Ed Keller in Volleyball
39:21 Training Regimens and Ball Control Practices
44:41 Wrapping Up: Insights and Future Plans

In this episode, Bruno shares his inspiring journey from Cameroon to Canada, his challenges transitioning from indoor to beach volleyball, and his ambitious plans for the 2028 Olympics. Discover how dedication, innovative training, and leveraging social media can propel a volleyball career and coaching business.

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💪 🏐 VOLLEYBALL TECHNIQUE & STRATEGY 🔥 VOLLEYBALL COACHING 🔥 WORKOUTS FOR VOLLEYBALL 🔥

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement
03:02 Bruno's Journey in Volleyball
05:54 The Volleyball Culture in Cameroon
08:56 Club Systems and Competitions in Cameroon
12:12 University Sports and Tournaments
15:09 Transitioning to Beach Volleyball
20:15 Challenges in Beach Volleyball
26:04 Learning and Adapting to Beach Volleyball
28:09 Adapting to Beach Volleyball Challenges
30:12 Transitioning to Canada for Beach Volleyball
33:12 Networking and Building a Volleyball Community
37:31 Growing an Online Presence and Coaching Business
42:57 Aiming for the 2028 Olympics and Future Goals
47:34 Insights on Coaching and Business Development

In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner discuss their experiences at the Phil Dauhauser Beach Volleyball Academy, highlighting the journey of campers who evolve into coaches. They share insights on coaching philosophies, the importance of building a solid offense, and effective communication on the court. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding personal strengths in volleyball and the need for simplicity in executing plays. The episode concludes with a call for more coaches to join their growing community and celebrate their recent milestone of 100,000 Instagram subscribers.

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LOOK BETTER AT THE BEACH 🎽👕 Grab Your Swag Now!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Phil Dauhauser Beach Volleyball Academy
02:40 The Journey from Camper to Coach
05:28 Upcoming Camps and Coaching Opportunities
06:53 Phil Dauhauser's Impact on Beach Volleyball
10:20 Lessons from Phil's Coaching Style
13:31 Partnership Dynamics in Beach Volleyball
15:51 Building a Coaching Pipeline
17:15 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement
19:12 Mastering the Volleyball Mind: Building Your Offense
24:41 Understanding Your Swing: The Key to Success
26:07 The Importance of Reliable Swings
27:34 Setting Strategies: Fixed vs. Relationship
30:03 Passing and Setting Dynamics
32:30 Shot Selection and Swing Reliability
35:24 Analyzing Performance: Shot Charts
39:04 Special Plays and Unique Situations
42:33 Designing Your Offense: Control and Strategy

If you’re waiting for warm weather to start training, you’re already behind. In this episode, Mark and Brandon break down the 3 Preseason Non-Negotiables you need to dominate 2026. Stop "WebMD-ing" your volleyball game with random drills. It’s time to identify your actual weaknesses (stop lying to yourself!), build a concrete plan, and get the results you want.

Chapters

00:00 Preseason Preparation Essentials
02:57 Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses
05:51 Creating a Concrete Training Plan
09:08 Skill and Physical Assessments
12:04 Effective Communication in Training
15:03 Analyzing Performance and Making Adjustments
24:24 Customized Training Programs for Athletes
25:57 The Importance of Professional Guidance
26:56 Avoiding Self-Inflicted Misunderstandings
28:24 The Role of Individual Feedback in Coaching
30:33 Accountability in Training
31:41 Tracking Progress and Setting Goals
36:02 The Journey to Optimal Health
39:37 The Dangers of Misinformation in Self-Improvement
43:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner dive into the latest buzz surrounding beach volleyball partnerships and player dynamics. They kick off with a light-hearted introduction, teasing some 'dirty rumors' about who’s playing with whom and the anticipated changes in the volleyball world. The conversation quickly shifts to upcoming training camps and events, highlighting the excitement for both players and fans alike. Mark shares details about various camps across the U.S., emphasizing the unique opportunities for players to enhance their skills and connect with top coaches. As the episode progresses, the duo delves into the shifting landscape of partnerships in beach volleyball, particularly on the women's side.

They discuss notable changes, including Megan Kraft's new partnership with Kelly Chang and the return of Molly Turner with Tony Rodriguez. The hosts express their enthusiasm for these pairings, highlighting the potential for exciting performances in the upcoming season. They also touch on the importance of mentorship in the sport, especially regarding blocking techniques, and the evolving nature of women's beach volleyball, which is becoming increasingly aggressive and competitive. Overall, the episode is a blend of insider information, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of the sport's growth. In this episode, Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner delve into the evolving landscape of beach volleyball, discussing the pressures and challenges faced by athletes on the World Tour. They reflect on the importance of passion for the game, as exemplified by top players who balance their love for volleyball with the grind of travel and competition.

The conversation shifts to the dynamics of team partnerships, highlighting the fluid nature of player relationships and the impact of personal choices on performance. They also touch on the potential changes within USA Volleyball's structure, debating the merits of a centralized coaching system versus a more free-market approach to partnerships. The episode wraps up with insights into the current state of men's and women's volleyball in the U.S., emphasizing the need for strategic changes to enhance competitiveness on the international stage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beach Volleyball Rumors
01:28 Upcoming Training Camps and Events
06:02 Shifting Partnerships in Women's Volleyball
10:01 Exciting New Pairings and Player Dynamics
15:31 The Evolution of Women's Beach Volleyball
20:00 Mentorship and Coaching in Volleyball
24:03 The Passion for Volleyball
25:30 The Grind of Travel and Competition
27:54 Partnership Dynamics in Volleyball
33:56 USA Volleyball's Future Direction
40:38 The Need for Strategic Changes

Can you turn your passion for beach volleyball into a thriving business... even after retiring? In this episode, we sit down with Steve Stacey, a former Navy Captain who used Better at Beach’s systems to launch Naples Beach Volleyball from scratch. Steve shares his blueprint for building a local volleyball community, negotiating with city officials for free court space, and why curiosity is the ultimate superpower for coaches.

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💪 🏐 VOLLEYBALL TECHNIQUE & STRATEGY 🔥 VOLLEYBALL COACHING 🔥 WORKOUTS FOR VOLLEYBALL 🔥

LOOK BETTER AT THE BEACH 🎽👕 Grab Your Swag Now!

Summary In this episode of the Better at Beach podcast, hosts Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner share exciting updates about their recent trip to Punta Cana and Mark's upcoming move to Tampa, Florida. They discuss the highlights of their volleyball camps, the vibrant community they foster, and the personal and professional changes that come with Mark's relocation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in sports, the evolution of their coaching methods, and the potential for growth in the volleyball scene in Florida.

💪 GET YOUR FREE DRILLBOOK to level up your game

OR CHECK OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP & WORKOUTS AND GET:

💪 🏐 VOLLEYBALL TECHNIQUE & STRATEGY 🔥 VOLLEYBALL COACHING 🔥 WORKOUTS FOR VOLLEYBALL 🔥

LOOK BETTER AT THE BEACH 🎽👕 Grab Your Swag Now!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:39 Upcoming Camps and Coaching Opportunities
04:57 Coaching Philosophy and Learning from Others
09:52 Drill Mastery and Focus in Practice
14:35 Utilizing Court Space and Assistant Coaches
18:59 Punta Cana Trip Highlights and Community Engagement
23:20 The Transformation of Campers
25:53 Building Community and Positivity
28:04 From Campers to Coaches
30:41 The Unique Experience of Dominican Camps
31:52 Mark's Big Move to Florida
36:22 Creating a New Community in Florida