The Athlete’s Edge
Honest Insights for Parents and Athletes
FROM ACL TEAR TO COLLEGE PLAY
How Audrey Defied the Odds and Overcame the Physical and Mental Challenges of One of the Most Devastating Injuries in Sport
The Three Components Every Explosive Athlete Needs to Keep Improving
Athlete performing vertical jump test at Ignite Performance Winston-Salem
Arm Care During Baseball Season Is More Than Just Rest
Baseball pitcher showing proper throwing mechanics for arm health and injury prevention.
What In-Season Training Should Actually Look Like for Softball Players
By Nathan Long The season is here. Games are stacking up. Tournaments are filling the weekends. For a lot of softball players, training either stops completely or keeps pushing at the same intensity it was before the season started. Both of those approaches create...
Why Stretching Before Practice May Be Hurting Your Athlete
By Nathan Long Walk through any youth sports warm-up, and you will see it. Athletes lined up, legs straight, reaching for their toes. Holding it for a count. Moving to the next stretch. Repeating it because that is what has always been done before practice or a game....
Why the Game Feels Faster for Some Athletes
Youth football players in action representing the speed of the game
If Your Athlete’s Knees Touch When They Land, Pay Attention
Female athlete demonstrating proper knee alignment and stability during a landing drill
Soccer Players Are Getting Stronger Than Ever. What Does That Mean for Your Athlete?
Youth soccer player training for explosive power at Ignite Performance Winston-Salem.
The Real Reason Your Volleyball Player’s Shoulder Is Sore.
By Nathan Long Volleyball is an overhead sport, but for many athletes, volleyball shoulder pain becomes a constant barrier to performance. Spiking.Serving.Blocking. Hundreds of overhead swings every week. A sore shoulder here and there is common. But when soreness...
Football Offseason Training: Build Power, Not Fatigue
By Nathan Long Football players are taught to embrace hard work. Sweat is good.Exhaustion feels productive.If a workout leaves an athlete completely drained, it must have been effective. That mindset makes sense during the season. It does not make sense in the...
Why ACL Injuries Are Rising in Basketball
By Nathan Long ACL injuries in basketball seem to be talked about more than ever. Parents are hearing about them in middle school. High school teams lose key players every season. Social media makes every injury feel close to home. It raises a natural question. Why...
How to Increase First Step Quickness in Soccer
By Nathan Long First step quickness allows attackers to create separation and space. It allows defenders to recover, close gaps, and stay connected to the play. Out of all the physical qualities on the field, it may have the biggest impact on how the game unfolds....