June Q&A #2: Performance Assessments, Return to Play, and Optimizing Knee Health

June Q&A #2: Performance Assessments, Return to Play, and Optimizing Knee Health

Author: Mike Robertson June 26, 2026 Duration: 41:21

Okay my friend, we’re back for Round #2 this week!

Last week, I had some AWESOME questions for the show, so that made for a fun episode that got a ton of positive feedback.

But I got so many good questions about assessments and return to play, I wanted to put all those into a second Q&A episode for this week!

Here we’ll not only cover my assessment process for both gen pop clients and athletes, but also take a deep dive into return to play – and how to navigate those waters with both a ton of OR minimal technology and resources.

There’s a ton of ground to cover here so let’s dive in!

 

Quotable Quotes:

If you don’t have the mobility and you’ve got extra fluid in your knee, you’re not going to have optimal strength

 

Start with a CMJ first, and then, when they’re ready for it, the better test for return to sport is the CMJ rebound

 

Don’t let a lack of resources hold you back. If you can dial in the details, I think in a lot of cases, you’re gonna get 90% of what you need to out of the rehab process without a ton of tech.

 

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:

  • How to get assess and get GREAT results in return to play (RTP) with minimal tech and resources
  • The 6 “steps” every RTP athlete needs to go through to get back to 100%
  • An overview of my assessment process with both gen pop clients and athletes
  • How I’ve evolved my basketball assessment to dive in to the specific needs of hoopers
  • The technology and tools I use to evaluate my athletes
  • Specific tests and metrics I use for clearing athletes on my end in a RTP setting
  • The cadence that I’ve found works best when collaborating on an athletes injury
  • How to make an RTP collab work when the practitioners aren’t in the same location
  • The Stack, Slide and Swivel approach to bulletproofing knees
  • What changes when I’m writing an R7 program for basketball versus a “standard” program
  • The physics of lateral movement, and why the medial heel and arch are such key pieces to the puzzle

 

 

Related Links:

 

Supercharge Your Decision-Making and Program Design with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates!

Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.

Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.

You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.

Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.

And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.

With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.

To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.

 

Subscribe, Rate & Share!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.

Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!

The post June Q&A #2: Performance Assessments, Return to Play, and Optimizing Knee Health appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.


Mike Robertson hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast, a space dedicated to the intricate craft of building better athletes and more effective coaches. Instead of quick fixes or fads, conversations here focus on the principles and practical details that form the foundation of sustainable performance. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts from the health and fitness world, breaking down complex concepts into actionable strategies. You’ll hear honest explorations of training methodologies, injury prevention, and the nuanced decisions that separate good programs from great ones. This podcast serves as a continual education for anyone serious about understanding the ‘why’ behind physical preparation, whether you’re designing regimens for others or refining your own athletic journey. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, aiming to sharpen your critical thinking and provide tools that can be implemented immediately. Tune in for a consistently insightful look at how intelligent training philosophy translates into tangible results, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of human performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Physical Preparation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Buffer Zones, Optimizing Training and In-Season Workouts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:39
Okay my friends, today we’re trying something 100% and completely NEW with this podcast! Yes, even after 500 episodes, I’m still looking for ways to keep it fresh and exciting, so I really hope you enjoy it. In today’s M…
7 Thoughts on Coaching Young Athletes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:25
If you train young athletes, this episode is for you! Here I’m going to share 7 powerful insights from my 25 years of coaching young athletes. Whether it’s customizing your communication, monitoring your energy, or pract…
2025 Review, 2026 Preview, and Lessons Learned Over the Past Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:48
What a year it was in 2025! Serious growth with IFAST Basketball. The gym is humming along. And my kids are getting BIG! But even with all the good stuff, there’s always a need to look back and reflect. Sure some things…
Building a High-Performance Model on a Budget with Dr. Anne Beethe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:29
Are you a smaller college, facility or business owner who is looking to take their sports performance program to the next level? If so, you’re going to LOVE today’s episode. Dr. Anne Beethe currently serves as the Direct…
Building a Fitness Business that Works for YOUR Life with Andy McCloy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:25
Look my friend – like it or not, 2026 is right around the corner. Which leads me to a simple question: Will this be your best year EVER? Whether we’re talking about growing your fitness business, becoming a better coach,…