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 of coaching and the importance of observing and analyzing players before making changes. They end the conversation by discussing drills for improving defense and working on reading and positioning. In this conversation, DJ Klasnic and Mark Burik discuss various aspects of beach volleyball, including defensive techniques, the complexity of defense, the importance of technique, the value of fans and competing internationally, the beach volleyball culture in the US, favorite US partners, and the importance of energy in partnerships. DJ Klasnic also shares his thoughts on moving to Florida or California and provides information on how to find him on social media. Takeaways There are different defensive techniques in beach volleyball, and players should experiment to find what works best for them. Defense in beach volleyball is complex, and players need to constantly work on improving their technique and positioning. The US beach volleyball culture offers more opportunities and support for players compared to other countries. Players in the US should take advantage of the resources available to them and pursue international competition. Having a backup plan is important in beach volleyball, as it may not provide a sustainable income in the long term. Energy and chemistry between partners are crucial for success in beach volleyball. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 The Importance of Hard Work and Early Development 05:58 The Need for Personal Coaching and Self-Improvement 08:19 The Minimum Requirement for Improvement 09:07 Overcoming Challenges and Putting in Extra Work 10:02 The Importance of a Great Start 11:19 The Difficulty of Finding Coaching and the Need for Patience 13:12 The Benefits of Having a Personal Coach 14:33 Adding New Elements to the Game 15:20 Working on Defense and Optioning 21:57 The Brazilian Style of Coaching and Technique Analysis 23:05 Observing and Analyzing Players Before Making Changes 27:46 Drills for Improving Defense 32:17 Working on Reading and Positioning 36:28 Different Defensive Techniques 38:23 The Complexity of Defense 40:19 The Importance of Technique 43:39 The Value of Fans and Competing Internationally 48:30 The Beach Volleyball Culture in the US 53:41 Moving to Florida or California 58:48 Favorite US Partners 01:03:12 The Importance of Energy in Partnerships 01:05:01 How to Find DJ Klasnic 01:07:50 Closing Remarks