From the Field
These write-ups began long before I had a website, published any books, or started a consulting practice. They originated as written observations about performances that didn’t align with the explanations I was hearing at the time.
Over more than a decade, those observations were influenced by questions from coaches, parents, and athletes who were trying to understand why effort alone often failed to yield the expected results.
What you will find here is a reflection of real situations I have encountered in my work as a performance consultant and physician, rather than theoretical problems, trends, or recycled advice.
Most people come to me with a specific issue in mind. Please feel free to browse, skim, or search for the performance, sports injury, or athletic mindset questions you need answered.
Basketball Cheat Sheet for Parents New to HOOPS.
If you’re new to basketball, here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you up to speed. You’re going to love this game, nearly as much as your kid will!
Why We’re not Experts to our Kids (Even if You’re a Sports Professional)
Why Your Kids Don’t See You as the Expert
Ever wonder why your kids listen to their coach or teacher—but not to you?
This honest, funny, and relatable read explains why being “just Mom” or “just Dad” is actually a superpower, not a setback.
Learn how to embrace the village and still be the most important voice in their world.
The Groin Pull Deconstructed: Beyond the Obvious Strain
This is a common sports injury at all levels. But – there may be more to it than just a simple muscle workup. The hip and the way the entire system MOVES has a lot to do with how fast you recover. Get educated and get back in the game!
An unpopular opinion for high school off-season basketball training
What should a high school student prioritize in their training: strength, power, or hypertrophy? Let’s explore the best option and the reasons behind it.
Soccer Cheat Sheet! (This is for you, Americans!)
Soccer isn’t hard. It’s not boring. It’s called the beautiful sport and is the most played sport on planet Earth! Get with the program =. This writeup is built to give you a better lens to view the world most insane and fantastically fun sport. and hey….your kids LOVE it!
What do I think of “Select Sports?”
No one has all the answers when it comes to raising kids or choosing the perfect path for them—not even us as parents.
But this article offers down-to-earth insights that can help you feel more confident and less stressed about decisions like youth sports, school activities, or just letting your child be a kid.
It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about finding what fits your child and your family best.
Elbow Pain in a High School Tennis Player
Elbow pain in young tennis players doesn’t always match the labels athletes see online. For Ella, a high school player moving from JV to varsity, pain on the inner side of the elbow showed up after equipment changes and increased competition. This PPC Lab injury story explains why naming an elbow injury too early can limit solutions, how inflammation, grip mechanics, and load sequencing matter, and why a layered, adaptive approach often resolves elbow pain faster than chasing one-size-fits-all protocols.
Anterior Knee Pain in a Growing Middle School Athlete
Knee pain just below the kneecap is common in growing athletes, especially during middle school growth spurts and busy multi-sport seasons. For Casen, the pain came in waves and raised concerns about long-term damage and lost opportunities. This PPC Lab injury story explains why Osgood-Schlatter’s is a management issue rather than a career-ending diagnosis, how growth and activity load interact, and why early, intelligent adjustments can keep kids active and confident through their development.
AC Joint – Shoulder Pain in a High School Linebacker
When a hard-hitting linebacker is diagnosed with an AC joint injury, fear sets in fast. Understanding the severity — and what not to rush — makes all the difference between panic and a confident return.
Heel Pain in a Multi-Sport Middle School Athlete
Heel pain in young athletes is common, confusing, and often scarier than it needs to be. For Lucas, a middle school athlete playing overlapping seasons in cleats, the pain came and went and raised big questions about his future in sports. This PPC Lab injury story explains what Sever’s really is, why it behaves in phases, how footwear and activity modification can help, and why growth-related heel pain rarely means the end of a child’s athletic journey.
Shin Pain in a Senior Cross Country Runner
Shin pain is one of the most common early-season injuries in cross country runners, and one of the most misunderstood. For Justine, a senior state contender with college commitments on the line, the pain felt frightening and relentless. This PPC Lab injury story breaks down why vague labels like “shin splints” create fear instead of solutions, how ankle mobility and anterior lower-leg mechanics often drive the problem, and why smart modification—not shutdown—can save an entire season.
Quad Soccer
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These pieces reflect patterns and questions I’ve seen repeatedly over many seasons, not trends or tactical buzzwords.
