IYCHTH 103: TJ Defalco on How to Train to Become an Elite Player

[@primevolley3577]

As a setter the best left side is one who can just take a tough ball and still score and is still willing to give feed back to the setter so they can improve the set in a constructive way.

[@primevolley3577]

It is crazy to listen to pro players like this they are clearly so knowledgeable about even the most meta parts of the game. As a setter it is so comforting when your OH just says just give me the ball i gochu. it is so comforting when you are struggling.

[@thevolleyballstrengthcoach2325]

TJ nailed it at 34:14 with the training aspect. To help answer Micah’s question, on top of training the muscles there’s certain things you can do to help train the strength of then tendons as well. Things like slow eccentrics and isometrics will help build the patellar tendon or Achilles along with building the muscle. That way when you’re gaining weight your body is more ready to handle the increased forces from the extra weight

[@tree8103]

Yea, too many kids rush into the weight room and lose their athleticism to injury and loss of mobility from imbalances

[@hanjiplayer]

I would argue slow eccentrics and isometrics do not train the “strength” of the tendon, it is positive non spring load that helps with health on a non healthy tendon. When people phrase tendon work in this way, i think it gives people the impression that “tendon training” is what they need to do to be more athletic, when muscle work is more important in raising your ceiling.

[@GSH924]

@@hanjiplayerit 100% does train the strength of the tendons though. They become bigger and stronger just like muscles. When you increase the TUT with tempo training you train the muscles and also train the tendons to a larger degree than faster reps will

[@lacynylons6317]

This interview is so much fun! Always a Hawaii VB fan but just couldn’t deny the talent and fire TJ had during NCAA years - what a Beast! Glad to see how successful he is doing in Poland. I hope to see all four of u representing the USNT ❤

[@loupafoid]

30:55 in regards to Micah's question, TJ hip hinges a good amount every time he lands from a jump and that definitely helps off-load the knees

[@A--lex]

Landing mechanics are overrated tbh

[@jrmayun]

I had the same reaction to the 20kg gain thing. All that while also playing volleyball is crazy.

[@hecticcookies2626]

i appreciate you gage for asking all these hitters how to swing faster.

[@gissneric]

Gage must be so ecstatic that top players think opposite is the easiest position. It's like you've accepted it that it's libero then they say opposite 😁

[@OzzyTragic]

The disbelief when TJ said 22 kilos 😂

[@jennypepster1462]

Awesome, awesome episode. Very informative and fun!

[@pauaguilar755]

Wait a second.. Don't they have fitness coaches in theses professional teams? I am currently studying Ciences of sport and physical activity at a Barcelona university, and there's definitely ways to improve power (force x speed) on a muscle group, and I can assure it's not just with balance between "pull" and "push" muscle groups. If that's the case and they have these personal trainers, I think these type of questions would be better answered if asked to the actual personal trainer. Sorry for my english.. Thanks a lot for the videos ^^. Super cool channel

[@loupafoid]

get Aaron Russell next, please

[@woodyharrelson2624]

I have a 90 Mph standing float serve

[@thebram]

1:08:06 Gage: French TJ: Lucky. ME: I feel the same way too since World League 2015 when they won the championship. But to be honest, there's really some sort of luck for french team when they win championships. IDK, I just observed it. That they were not the strongest team (ever, my personal opinion) in an specific tournament, but somehow they get away with gold.

[@gissneric]

I mean they have Grebennikov as their libero which he is the best currently right now so they have great defense

[@ceboo9154]

The goat, slunk king

[@Jamnongsuphol-wn5vs]

Love you TJ.😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@Itstime1231]

BRO GAINED 35 LB IN A YEAR, HIS BODY WAS WAITING HAHA

[@ATP980]

What does TJ mean when he’s talking about triangles when he’s talking about what shots you should have

[@repacharge431]

What is the worlout routine that tj defalco used to gain that much muscle in a year? I want to figure it out so I can copy it and have a good workout routibe

[@joaquindc.147]

What does it mean by throwing into the triangle?

[@acneattack7676]

I have a question for you guys, I just got to the college level and think if I am going to play it's going to be at outside. What do you guys think I should work on first? (I have been a setter thus far in my career)

[@OutofSystemOfficial]

reception

[@kyleezumach363]

Pleaseeeeeeee get Zoe Fleck on the pod

[@g2volleyball]

im trynna get bigger

[@mmaannuueellful]

Lol😂 there’s no way in the world that TJ gained 20kg in a season. I would never believe that hahaha is not possible. The guy must be a genetic machine to do that. There’s no way😂 not even cbum! Anyways, leaving that statement behind haha TJ is such a respect. One of the most impressive players currently

[@gd-qh9wj]

It was most likely over two years he said he was 182lbs in college and he probably gained 15kg not 20 but still ridiculous

[@samoanthor4131]

If I’m not mistaken, He’s talking from 2019 to 2021.. LOL I can’t believe 20 kgs in one year let alone a season HAHA

[@thebram]

51:00, actually Matt was not in the team that tournament. The team has Ensing ang K Russ, but couldn't deliver that's why you end up playing as OPP. Hahahah, TJ actually played better than those 2 OPPs. hahahahha

[@zackd2852]

You should have asked him about how he got away with his demeanor on court times after times.

[@larsandreashaberg1980]

What type of demeanor?

[@zackd2852]

@@larsandreashaberg1980 The type that makes you want to not be his teammate lolol.

[@arwena1659]

@@zackd2852 Micah isn't saint himself

[@zackd2852]

@@arwena1659 Of course. There are videos of Micah going crazy on the court when he played overseas.

[@hecticcookies2626]

@@zackd2852 kid loves the game can you blame him