Finding the Edge

Garrett Boyum and Kyle Dupic
  • 4.5 (13)
  • Baseball

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 and Kyle Dupic. Former frequent hosts Brock Hammit, Robert Frey, and Garrett Baker.

  1. Jun 25

    The Art of Play: Rethinking Player Development with Rafe Kelley

    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

  2. Feb 13

    A Walkthrough of Dynamics of Skill Acquisition - Chapter 1, Part 2

    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

  3. Jan 27

    Unpacking the book Dynamics of Skill Acquisition - Chapter 1, Part 1

    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

  4. Jan 8

    Exploring Meta-Stability & Skill Acquisition in Sports

    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

  5. 12/22/2025

    Recruiting Dilemma: Prioritizing Velocity or Skill?

    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

  6. 11/26/2025

    Beyond Drills: A Multi-Discipline Foundation for Player Development with Tommy Johnson

    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

  7. 10/29/2025

    Combating Walk Rates: Developing Command

    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

  8. 08/27/2025

    Beyond Exit Velo: Insights from Ryan Jeffers' Approach

    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

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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 and Kyle Dupic. Former frequent hosts Brock Hammit, Robert Frey, and Garrett Baker.

Information

  • Creator
    Garrett Boyum and Kyle Dupic
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Garrett Boyum and Kyle Dupic
  • Show Website
    Finding the Edge

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