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Q. I’m the coach of both a youth football team and a youth baseball
team in the summer, I’ve have noticed that the kids ask for water breaks during
baseball more often than in the fall. Since the weather is typically cooler in
the fall, should I schedule less water breaks or should I give the football
players the same drinking opportunities as the kids in the summer?
ANSWER:
Yes, you should indeed schedule as many water breaks! For youth football players, the weather can become tropical inside their uniforms. They can sweat a lot, even if the weather feels cool for the coaches and parents. Yet, because the weather is cool, the kids may not think to drink as often.
ANSWER:
Yes, you should indeed schedule as many water breaks! For youth football players, the weather can become tropical inside their uniforms. They can sweat a lot, even if the weather feels cool for the coaches and parents. Yet, because the weather is cool, the kids may not think to drink as often.
If the kids become dehydrated, they will be cranky, tired,
and have less fun. One goal of youth sports is to have FUN! So please do offer
your team frequent drinking opportunities. You can use the breaks as a time to
educate the kids about the importance of staying well hydrated so they feel
better and prevent needless fatigue.
As for what to drink, water is generally fine for youth
sports. As long as they have had a pre-practice snack, they will have the
energy they need to perform well and will not need sugar-based sports drinks.
They will not be sweating enough to require the little bit of sodium
(electrolyte) that is in a sports drink. Sports drinks are designed to be taken
during endurance exercise that lasts for more than 1.5 hours, such as
marathons; sports drinks generally are not essential for youth sports.
While many kids enjoy sports drinks before, during and after
practices and games, I’d encourage wholesome foods before exercise (banana,
bagel, orange, graham crackers), water during, and chocolate milk afterwards
(if the kids will not be eating a meal soon thereafter). Chcolate milk for
recovery contains both carbs to refuel the muscles, as well as protein to build
and repair muscles – as well as calcium for growing bones.
With best wishes for a rewarding season,
With best wishes for a rewarding season,
Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD
Sports nutrition counselor, consultant, speaker
Sports nutrition counselor, consultant, speaker
www.sportsnutritionworkshop.com (Philly 1/24; Pitt. 2/7; online 24-7)
www.nancyclarkrd.com (books, handouts, PowerPoint talks)
Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook NEW Fifth Edition
Food guides for soccer, new runners, marathoners, cyclists
Twitter.com/nclarkrd iPhone app: Recipes for Athletes
1155 Walnut St, Newton Highlands, MA 02461
Phone: 617.795.1875 Fax: 617.963.7408
