"You can’t sprint every day" - Brian Xicotencatl (Ep. 2)

In Part 2 of this episode of WET – Waterpolo Expert Talk, I
continue the deep performance conversation with Brian Xicotencatl,
founder of WaterPolo Strong, with a strong focus on training
structure, sprint physiology, recovery monitoring, and data-driven
coaching. We discuss why it is physiologically impossible to sprint
every day, how different energy systems work in water polo, and why
proper recovery windows are non-negotiable for long-term
performance. Brian explains how to structure training weeks using
low days, stimulation days, and true sprint days, and why this
approach protects both performance and athlete health. A central
topic of this episode is heart rate variability (HRV) and how
wearable technology can help coaches objectively assess nervous
system stress and recovery. We talk about how HRV data can be used
to adjust training loads, prevent overtraining, and make smarter
coaching decisions based on real physiological feedback instead of
guesswork. We also dive into long-term athlete development, the
role of puberty in sprint capacity, and why children must not be
trained like adults. Brian breaks down the three key pillars of
success for modern water polo coaches: long-term development
planning, understanding metabolic systems, and consistent
self-care. Finally, Brian explains his collaboration with 6-8
Sports, how movement quality, power output, and game performance
can be measured together, and why mobility problems are always
performance problems. Part 2 is available now on Spotify, Apple
Podcasts, Podigee, and all major platforms.