by Coach Tom Phillips
What type of fruit, vegetable, etc. (if any) is recommended between periods for 13-14 year old boys? Thank you.
I'm glad you asked this question, as this is a pet peeve of mine. When I am walking by a team having their half time refreshment, it often reminds me of a tea party. The only reason for eating immediately before, or in the middle of, an athletic competition is to head off running out of energy. Research has shown that a soccer player who is following a good diet in the days previous to the competition will not exhaust his energy reserves. During the very brief half time alloted players should be using their time to re-hydrate while listening to the coach and resting. Any solid food ingested will only slow down rehydration. The best vehicle for rehydration is a solution of energy drink, such as Gatorade, mixed with an equal amount of water. The sweetness will get them to drink more of it, the water it contains will give them what they need. Very small amounts of water loss cause a loss of performance. Larger amounts risk heat stroke. Pay attention to what is important, and the results will follow.
Tom Phillips
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