Finding the Edge

Most baseball training lives too much in the middle to encourage meaningful exploration, while also not being representative enough to prepare athletes for competition.

Brice Crider joins Garrett Boyum and Kyle Dupic to explain how coaches can design richer learning environments that stay out of the middle. They discuss the difference between learning days versus performance days, Brice’s reverse-hourglass practice model, the power of having pitcher-hitter “sparring,” the importance of productive failure, why physical and skill preparation should support the same athlete rather than operate in separate silos and long-term athlete development.

This conversation was recorded while Brice was working at Driveline Baseball. He has since founded Rubicon Performance, where he provides athlete training, consulting, and education grounded in first-principles training design.

ABOUT BRICE CRIDER

Rubicon Performance:https://www.rubicon-performance.com/

Brice will return to Finding the Edge for a second conversation exploring how these ideas have evolved through his work at Rubicon Performance.

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ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS RESOURCES

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CREDITS

Hosted by Garrett Boyum and Kyle Dupic

Intro music by Muellzy:https://soundcloud.com/muellzymusic

We had Rafe Kelley (Evolve Move Play) on to draw from his wealth of experience from martial arts, gymnastics, and early U.S. parkour coach to adopting ecological dynamics into his practices, where he learned to use environments and constraints to drive skill without over-coaching. We discuss play as a natural self-education process, how flow relates to challenge and competence, and how coaches can design simple, safe games and warm-ups that build adaptable athletes while managing injury risk.

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

In this episode of the Finding the Edge podcast, we continue exploring the book 'Dynamics of Skill Acquisition.' We delve into the concepts of adaptability, affordances, and the performer-environment relationship. We aim to demystify these complex ideas and explain their importance in coaching and athletic development. This episode sets a theoretical foundation for better practice design and effective skill transfer.

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

@RobertFrey40

In this episode, we kick off a new series aimed at making the motor learning academic literature more approachable for average coaches. We explore the foundational ideas of Ecological Dynamics through an overview of the seminal book ‘Dynamics of Skill Acquisition’ and a guided walk through of Chapter 1.

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

@RobertFrey40

In this episode we dive into the concepts of stability, meta-stability, and skill acquisition in sports. We discuss how to balance stability and adaptability through an ecological approach, and share practical examples from baseball and softball training. Discover how to create a dynamic practice environment to foster adaptability and improve performance.

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠⁠⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠⁠⁠⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@RobertFrey40

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

In this episode of Finding the Edge podcast as we delve into an intriguing thought experiment with frequent guest of the show Tanner Pruitt. We discuss whether it's better to focus on recruiting highly skilled pitchers and then develop their velocity, or to recruit hard throwers and then develop their skill? We dive into the nuances, trade-offs, and methods for optimizing pitcher performance both on and off the field.

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠⁠⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@RobertFrey40

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

Subscribe on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@findingtheedge⁠

On this episode we talk with Tommy Johnson, the owner of Primal 1 Baseball facility in Gaithersburg, MD. Tommy is a seasoned baseball coach with a unique journey from professional baseball to earning a doctorate in kinesiology. Tommy shares his deep dive into various training methodologies, biomechanics, and the importance of skill acquisition frameworks for player development.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:25 Tommy's Baseball Journey

02:17 Rebranding and Business Evolution

06:08 The Importance of Teamwork in Player Development

11:51 Gateway to Skill Acquisition

22:44 Strength and Conditioning Insights

48:24 Sub-Max Training and Injury Risks

48:51 Training Tendons with Isometrics

49:25 Integrating Different Training Modalities

50:55 The Importance of Apprenticeship

52:20 Breathing and Biomechanics

53:56 PRI and FRC in Pain Management

54:44 Challenges with PRI and FRC

55:32 The Role of Posture and Movement

58:04 FRC and Athletic Performance

01:04:14 The Spiral Line and Fascial Slings

01:24:12 Perception and Reaction in Training

01:30:38 Innovative Eye-Tracking Device for Athletes

01:31:46 Perception and Performance in Sports

01:32:45 Exploring Functional Variability

01:33:35 Virtual Reality in Sports Training

01:34:51 Visualization and Automaticity

01:35:57 Biomechanics and Performance Anxiety

01:37:30 The Role of Biomechanics in Skill Acquisition

01:39:44 Ecological Dynamics and Target Connection

01:42:28 Exploring and Exploiting Constraints

01:44:44 The Interplay of Biomechanics and Performance

01:51:35 Cultural Biomechanics and Training Adaptations

02:08:15 Contextualizing Stats in Baseball

02:08:46 Determining the Right Angles for Players

02:09:01 Stages of Learning and Repetition

02:09:32 Evaluating VBA and Player Performance

02:10:37 Advanced Bat Tracking and Analysis

02:12:10 Importance of Variability in Training

02:12:27 Role of Coaches as Guides

02:13:20 Integrating FRC into Hitting

02:16:28 Challenges in Applying Motor Preferences

02:17:40 Complexity in Movement and Training

02:23:10 Importance of Contextual Learning

02:41:53 Balancing Strategy and Mechanics

02:46:33 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@RobertFrey40

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

Subscribe on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@findingtheedge⁠

In this episode of the Finding the Edge, we explore the age old pitching debate about velocity and command. The question is can we train command? If so what does it look like to develop command using ecological principles?

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Introduction

00:05 Velocity vs Command: The Eternal Debate

00:23 Analyzing Walk Rates and Team Performance

02:08 Year-to-Year and In-Season Walk Rate Correlations

03:56 Ecological Perspective on Command Development

12:02 Understanding Fatigue and Its Impact on Command

20:26 Exploring Variability in Pitching Mechanics

33:27 Balancing Exploration and Execution in Training

38:41 The Role of Weighted Training in Skill Adaptation

39:28 Exploration and Training Residuals in Skill Development

41:41 The Importance of Intentional Exploration

48:06 Guiding Exploration Through Structured Activities

54:30 Balancing Routine and Adaptability

59:42 Ecological Approach to Improving Command

01:13:31 Varying implements to Enhance Command

01:16:59 Final Thoughts on Command and Attention

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠  / muellzymusic  ⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / ⁠emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@RobertFrey40

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

Subscribe on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@findingtheedge⁠

In this episode, we explore the role of exit velocity in baseball and moving beyond one dimensional evaluations towards the use of an ecological approach. We discuss the importance of context and the athlete-environment relationship with regard to what the game rewards as being our level of analysis.

Video podcast featured in this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/live/oZix5Pq4mYw?si=UgJzvKnoPD0bX23k

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Debating the Value of Exit Velocity

02:00 The Role of Analytics in Baseball

04:48 Balancing Analytics with Ecological Approaches

08:02 Contextualizing Data in Baseball

24:13 Pitching Strategies and Analytics

37:14 Affordances and Hitting Strategies

39:28 Ecological Approach in Sports

39:45 Affordances and Athletic Performance

40:39 Impact of Field Conditions

41:00 The Role of Launch Angle and Exit Velocity

41:44 Adapting to Changing Conditions

42:16 Top Spin Line Drives vs. Backspin

44:15 Ecological Dynamics in Coaching

45:17 Skill Adaptation and Analytics

47:30 Practical Applications in Coaching

57:22 Challenge Points and Training Intensity

01:13:18 Mental Approach and Player Confidence

01:17:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Intro music by: Muellzy  / muellzymusic  

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠

Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠ buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics Resources

Resources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.

Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Educational Products: ⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠

Social MediaTwitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt⁠⁠

Patreon:⁠⁠   / emergentmvmt⁠⁠  

Follow Us!Join our Discord: ⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠⁠

Find us on Twitter: @FTEpod

@gboyum01

@RobertFrey40

@kyledupic

@Coachgbaker

Subscribe on Youtube: ⁠⁠@findingtheedge

In this episode of Finding the Edge podcast, we delve into the process-oriented vs results-oriented dichotomy. We discuss the importance of a principled-based approach, developing adaptable athletes, pitch calling strategies, and creating effective practice environments. Emphasizing the need for athletes to balance conviction with adaptability, we explore how these elements come together for successful performance.

Intro music by: Muellzy⁠⁠⁠@muellzymusic⁠⁠⁠

Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)⁠Donate to Finding the Edge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/ftepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ecological Dynamics ResourcesResources from Emergence a movement skill education company dedicated to helping coaches learn how to apply an ecological approach to understanding and developing movement skill.Get 7% off most courses by using code: Edge7

Emergence Educational Products: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Social Media

Twitter: ⁠⁠@Emergentmvmt

⁠⁠Instagram:@Emergentmvmt

⁠⁠Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Emergentmvmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us!

Join our Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/3a07z1B⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find us on Twitter:@gboyum01 @RobertFrey40 @kyledupic @Coachgbaker

Subscribe on Youtube: ⁠⁠bit.ly/34dZ7