Smart Programs Don’t Guess—They Test Returning Athletes After Summer Ball

Most summer baseball injuries go undetected until fall—unless you’re looking for them. This blog explains why top college and high school programs use sports performance evaluations when athletes return from summer leagues. Learn how these evaluations catch hidden injuries, joint instability, and overuse patterns early—so they can be fixed before they become season-ending problems.

SUMMER BASEBALL

Coach Leo Young

7/9/20252 min read

Smart Programs Don’t Guess—They Test Returning Athletes After Summer Ball

Your athlete’s body tells the truth—even when they don’t.

After summer ball, players come back with stories.
"Great summer, Coach."
"Feeling good."
"Ready to go."

But smart coaches know better.
They don’t rely on answers. They rely on evaluations.

▶️ Does your athlete get a physical assessment after summer? Should they? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

The First Weeks of Fall Are for Assessment—Not Assumptions

In top college programs, the athletic trainer is the first stop after summer:

  • Joint testing

  • Range-of-motion checks

  • Functional screens

  • Instability detection

  • Pain response protocols

Because most injuries don’t announce themselves—they hide.
And unless you’re looking for them, they’ll slip into fall unnoticed… until they derail a season.

The Most Common Post-Summer Issues Are Hidden

Most players return with:

  • Sore elbows

  • Stiff shoulders

  • Tight hips

  • Early signs of tendonitis

But they won’t always say it out loud. Some are scared. Some just don’t know.
Others lie because they don’t want to sit.

That’s why testing matters. The body doesn’t lie.

Families Should Adopt the Same Mindset

You don’t need a full training staff to be proactive.

Before fall workouts ramp up, do this:

  • Schedule a sports performance evaluation

  • Test shoulder and hip stability

  • Review any soreness, swelling, or tweaks

  • Adjust workload and throwing based on what you find

It’s a small step that could save your athlete months of recovery.

Don’t Wait for a Blow-Up—Catch the Pattern Early

Ligaments don’t tear out of nowhere.
Elbows don’t just explode.
Breakdowns begin as small warning signs:

  • Instability

  • Lack of control

  • Missed routines

  • Overuse

Evaluations catch those signs early—and give you time to adjust.

Why This Matters to Sore to Soaring

Our system doesn’t just track growth—it tracks risk.

We evaluate athletes regularly, especially after unstructured periods like summer. Because development isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart and staying available.

If you want to protect your athlete long-term, start with honest testing.

📕 BASS: Barrel Accuracy and Swing Strength – The Path to Elite Level Hitting
👉 Visit: www.luposbaseball.com

Disclaimer:
The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.

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