How should families prepare a young athlete throughout the year so they arrive ready for preseason? Jonathan Packer, MD, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Physician at the University of Maryland Medical System, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and team physician for University of Maryland Terrapins Athletics, describes a year‑round approach. This episode covers prioritizing sleep and timed nutrition, tracking hydration and fluid loss after practice, immediate recovery strategies (icing, stretching, protein, foam‑rolling), and structured off‑season strength and conditioning. Dr. Packer also reviews injury‑prevention steps—including ACL‑prevention warmups that studies suggest can substantially reduce ACL tears when started 4–6 weeks before preseason—why multi‑sport play can lower overuse risk, how to spot red flags like joint swelling or instability, and communication tips to get kids to report problems early. The guide includes practical at‑home adaptations and guidance on when to seek urgent care or a specialty evaluation, so parents can help athletes stay healthy and ready. 

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