Published August 22nd, 2007 by Gabby
Youth Soccer Drills and Nutrition
Soccer is obviously a very energetic and fast paced sport. During games,practice and youth soccer drills nutrition and hydration is very important. As a coach and parent I am always amazed at the fact that many kids often show up to practice without adequate water or looking lethargic from not eating properly. When asked if they have prepared for the practice or game by eating a good meal and hydrating the answer is often no! As a coach it is imperative to stress the importance of proper nutrition and hydration not only for performance but for safety. Without proper nutrition and hydration many complications could occur and could easily be prevented.
To insure proper hydration the young athlete should be trained to begin hydration about two hours before a practice or a game, water or water and a sports drink combination is best. Avoid sports drinks or fruit juices that have to much sugar. The liquid of choice should be close to room temperature as they are absorbed by the body and available faster than very cold water. There are many sports drinks that can be used to hydrate and add to water, these drinks provide the salts and minerals that water alone does not. Electrolyte replacement is very important when training and playing in games. potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium are all lost with heavy exercise an sweating and must be replaced to reduce the risk of muscle cramps and spasm.
Hydrating before games and practice should help to prevent dehydration, but continue to offer players breaks during youth soccer drills and practice. With frequent breaks during practice the young athlete will be taught the proper way to hydrate on their own.
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