Optimum Beach was established in 2014 as a high level beach volleyball training program with an international approach. Director Pri Piantadosi-Lima recognized early on that there was a need for a more dynamic approach to the beach athlete, and she wanted to offer a methodology rooted in Brazilian principles, with evolving techniques and focus on the whole athlete. What began with a core group of 5-6 players, eight years later is currently over 65 players, including; NexGen players (ages 9-13), Juniors (ages 14-18), College Recruiting Training Program (ages 15-18), adult women and men (A-AA-Open) and AVP pros.
The Optimum Beach approach relies on a unique methodology, which includes Brazilian principles, technical innovations, and a focus on developing the whole athlete for peak performance. Pri and her coaches keep their fingers on the pulse of beach volleyball, especially on FIVB game strategies and employ new systems into their practice plans on a continuous basis. The training combines elements of beach volleyball with strength and conditioning, sports psychology, mindset, recovery, nutrition and overall education about the sport and competition.
“We stress accountability and communication, and believe these core skills make a huge impact on athletic performance,” said Piantadosi-Lima.
Depending on the age and level, athletes will practice two to five times per week. The club prepares players for all levels, including high school, indoor, college, adult competition and pro tournaments, and so far boasts over 94 NCAA recruited players.
In order to coach at Optimum Beach, the coaches must all complete the Optimum Beach Coaches Training and Game Theory program. Current coaches have playing and coaching experience at the Olympic, AVP, and Collegiate levels. The enthusiastic staff is made up of talented and accomplished beach volleyball professionals who endeavor to instill respect amongst their players, equal opportunity and an atmosphere grounded in passion and dedication for the sport of beach volleyball.
“We provide our coaches with a training program that begins with a 25-page Coaches Manual. It is crucial to not only train our coaches to carry out our drills, strategy training and whole athlete methodology program, but also important that they understand their role and relationship to the player, parents, peer coaches and administration,” shared Piantadosi-Lima.
In addition, Optimum offers apprenticeships for coaches with limited beach…
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