Plain English with Derek Thompson The Mysterious Rise of Major Injuries in Professional Sports
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Jul 9, 2025 
Vern Gambetta, a renowned conditioning coach and trainer, dives into the alarming rise of major injuries in professional sports. He addresses the puzzling surge of Achilles tears among NBA players, traditionally seen in older athletes, and links it to pressures on modern sports performance. Gambetta also discusses the increase in Tommy John and ACL surgeries, the impact of footwear design, and the balance between skill development and injury prevention. His insights shed light on the delicate balance between athletic excellence and athlete well-being.
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Early Specialization Limits Movement Literacy
- Early sport specialization limits cross-training and reduces movement literacy.
- Repeated sport-specific motions at a young age increase injury risk later.
The Hidden Reasons Behind the Surge in Pro Sports Injuries Explained
Vern Gambetta reveals that the rise in major sports injuries isn't just bad luck but the result of systemic factors.
He highlights early specialization in youth sports leading to narrow, repetitive motions without foundational movement prep, increasing wear and injury risk.
Economic and competitive pressures push athletes to train harder and specialize earlier, while improved medical technology creates a "permission structure" where injuries are expected and even accepted.
Gambetta stresses the importance of holistic training — preparing athletes comprehensively rather than obsessively optimizing for singular skills — to reduce injuries while maintaining elite performance.
Train Pitchers as Athletes First
- Develop young pitchers as athletes first, pitchers second.
- Build body awareness, strength, and agility before focusing on throwing velocity.
