
Advertise on podcast: Finding the Edge
Rating
4.5from
This podcast has
71 episodes
Language
EnglishExplicit
No
Date created
2019/10/11
Latest episode
2026/09/14
Average duration
92 min.
Release period
46 days
Description
Finding the Edge: Exploring Skill Acquisition and Analytics for Player Development. We are a group of guys who are passionate about baseball and player development. Join us as we explore how motor learning, skill acquisition, and data analytic theories can be applied to improving game-day performance. Hosted by Garrett Boyum, Robert Frey, Garrett Baker, and formerly Brock Hammit.
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Check latest episodes from Finding the Edge podcast
Staying Out of the Middle: Designing Rich Learning Environments feat. Brice Crider
2026/09/14
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.
FOLLOW FINDING THE EDGE
Website:https://ftepod.com/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@findingtheedge
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ftepod/
X/Twitter:https://x.com/ftepod
Support Finding the Edge:https://buymeacoffee.com/ftepod
ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS RESOURCES
Explore educational products from Emergence:https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/
Save 7% on eligible courses with code: EDGE7
CREDITS
Hosted by Garrett Boyum and Kyle Dupic
Intro music by Muellzy:https://soundcloud.com/muellzymusic
The Art of Play: Rethinking Player Development with Rafe Kelley
2026/06/25
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
A Walkthrough of Dynamics of Skill Acquisition - Chapter 1, Part 2
2026/02/13
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
Unpacking the book Dynamics of Skill Acquisition - Chapter 1, Part 1
2026/01/27
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
Exploring Meta-Stability & Skill Acquisition in Sports
2026/01/08
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
Recruiting Dilemma: Prioritizing Velocity or Skill?
2025/12/22
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
Beyond Drills: A Multi-Discipline Foundation for Player Development with Tommy Johnson
2025/11/26
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
Combating Walk Rates: Developing Command
2025/10/29
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
Beyond Exit Velo: Insights from Ryan Jeffers' Approach
2025/08/27
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
Moving Beyond The Process Vs Results Dichotomy: A Principled Based Approach
2025/07/02
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
How Representative is Representative Enough? Transfer of Training and the Ecological Approach
2025/06/02
In this episode we discussion the core principles of transfer of training for skill development. How do we develop skill and have the things we do in practice transfer to the game? We delve into the importance of understanding and applying ecological dynamics concepts such as the constraint-led approach and representative learning design to develop skills that transfer to the game.
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 @Coachgbaker
Subscribe on Youtube:
The Role of Intent in the Pitcher-Batter Duel
2025/03/24
In this episode we dive into the concept of skilled intentionality with regards to the pitcher-batter interaction. We explore how intention shapes a player's behavior and performance, the importance of perceiving relevant information within the game (becoming attuned) and being calibrated is the basis for successful performance outcomes. We also discuss practical training strategies and the nuances of guiding player intentions.
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:12 Understanding Skilled Intentionality
02:13 Pitcher-Hitter Dynamics
04:47 Intent and Self-Organization
07:01 Heuristics and Intent in Sports
14:15 Affordances and Calibration
25:31 Practical Applications in Coaching
37:29 Pitching Strategies and Hitter Disruption
37:44 Boxing Analogy for Pitch Sequencing
39:15 The Concept of Attunement
40:02 Higher Order Variables in Sports
44:54 What is the specifying information and high order variables in hitting?
57:21 Pitching and Hitting Strategies
58:26 Training Environments and Adaptability
01:08:09 Guiding Athletes Through Questions
01:10:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Intro music by: Muellzyhttps://soundcloud.com/muellzymusicSupport Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)Donate to Finding the Edge:buymeacoffee.com/ftepodEcological 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: Edge7Educational Products: https://emergentmvmt.com/shop-2/Social MediaTwitter: @EmergentmvmtInstagram: @EmergentmvmtPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/EmergentmvmtFollow Us!Join our Discord: bit.ly/3a07z1BFind us on Twitter:@FTEpod@gboyum01@RobertFrey40@kyledupic@CoachgbakerSubscribe on Youtube: bit.ly/34dZ7
EcoD Basics: Seeing Beyond The Performer-Environment Asymmetry
2025/02/18
In this episode of the Finding the Edge Podcast, we explore the fundamentals of ecological dynamics and its application for baseball. We discuss the mutual relationship between athletes and their environment, the importance of variability and attunement to specifying information, and the idea of skilled intentionality. The conversation touches on player autonomy, collaborative coaching, and how ecological dynamics can lead to better transfer of training from practice to game scenarios.
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 MediaTwitter: @EmergentmvmtInstagram: @EmergentmvmtPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/EmergentmvmtFollow Us!Join our Discord: bit.ly/3a07z1BFind us on Twitter:@gboyum01@RobertFrey40@CoachgbakerSubscribe on Youtube: bit.ly/34dZ7
Square1 Round Table: Application & Experiences
2024/12/31
This episode we had on Zach Jungles, Jared Slater, and Rob Blanc on to discuss their personal experiences utilizing Square 1 with their athletes. Zach Jungles is a strength coach who has worked with athletes from the high school level to the professional level. He and Jared Slater will be teaming up to bring Square 1 to the Charleston, South Carolina area soon! Rob Blanc works remotely with many baseball players nationally and works in the health and wellness industry overseeing multiple health and wellness facilities.
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 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: Edge7Educational 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
@Coachgbaker
Subscribe on Youtube: bit.ly/34dZ7
Applying an Ecological Approach at the D3 Level
2024/12/17
On this episode we had on Kyle Dupic who recently was hired at Wartburg College as their new co-pitching coach. Kyle has spent the past 7 years coaching at the high school level. He has more recently been diving into applying an ecological approach to pitching and we had him on the podcast to discuss his coaching experience with this new approach.
Intro music by: Muellzy
https://soundcloud.com/muellzymusic
Support Us & learn more about Ecological Dynamics (links below)
Donate to Finding the Edge:
buymeacoffee.com/ftepodEcological 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 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
@Coachgbaker
Subscribe on Youtube: bit.ly/34dZ7
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