Book Release Date - 11.19.25

This playbook takes you inside the enemy’s locker room. Written in the spirit of The Screwtape Letters, it reveals how the adversary schemes to twist Christian families’ love for sports into idolatry, distraction, and misplaced identity. Through 34 fictional letters from “Lucien” to his apprentice “Trace,” parents will see how common sideline struggles — pride, comparison, burnout, misaligned priorities — are part of a deeper spiritual battle. But The Playbook of Deception is more than creative storytelling.

It’s a wake-up call.

Three Playbooks. One Mission.

Expose the lies. Embrace the truth. Execute your family plan.

Sports can form hearts—or deform them. This all-in-one resource of three playbooks will help you expose the lies of a sports-driven culture, embrace the truth of Scripture, and execute a family game plan that honors God both on and off the field.

Inspired by and written in the spirit of The Screwtape Letters, The Playbook of Deception will show you how the enemy subtly distorts priorities, identity, and faith through sports.

After the 34 letters and the epilogue we have included a companion study and a personal playbook for the family.

In The Playbook of Truth, you’ll replace those lies with biblical habits and heart-level transformation. In The Personal Family Playbook, you’ll turn conviction into action—crafting Christ-centered vision, values, and rhythms for your home.

This is more than a book. It’s a movement — calling families and mentors to raise a generation that loves God and likes sports for His glory.

“Davidson’s Playbook of Deception is a brilliantly convicting and powerfully imaginative work that exposes the subtle spiritual battles waged on the sidelines of youth sports…It’s a wake-up call for Christian parents involved in sports, reminding them what truly matters most. This book will challenge, disturb, unsettle, and inspire you to see youth sports through the lens of eternity and not just earthly metrics.”

— Brian Smith, author of The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports and Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports

Every team needs a playbook. Every family does too. Whether you are learning to recognize the enemy’s schemes, training in the truth of God’s Word, or building your own family game plan, these playbooks will help you step onto the field of life with clarity, confidence, and Christlike purpose.

What People Are Saying

*

What People Are Saying *

“A powerful reminder of how youth sports shape not only our children but also us as parents. It challenged me to see how the enemy distorts good things and distracts us from what matters most. May we have the courage to examine and guard our hearts as we shape our children through the journey of sport.”

— Jordan Sorrells, Clemson Football General Manager

“This book thoughtfully addresses the many ways well meaning, supportive parents can unintentionally miss the mark. Much like C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters offered profound insight into the unseen spiritual battles hindering believers, Brian masterfully unveils the subtleties of the serpent within the world of parenting athletes.”

— Kelly Deyo, National Champion at Notre Dame, WNBA Draft Pick, Broadcaster

“This is a must read for all youth sports parents, Brian Davidson has put these crucial decisions youth sports parents need to make in an accessible method. We will use this book at Briarwood Soccer Club extensively.

Ryan Leib, Executive Director of Briarwood Soccer Club (700+ players) & Father of Two D1 Athletes