The Importance of Hydration in Soccer

Rochak October 7, 2019 0

Playing soccer involves actively engaging nearly all of one’s body parts in physical activity. From running to jumping, shooting and heading a ball, soccer, like many other sports, require a healthy body. One of the most important aspects of maintaining good health and a fit body for soccer is hydration. Hydration is the level of water that is available in the human body at any given time. As we perform physical activity, the body maintains temperature by giving off water in form of sweat. Yet, we have to make sure that we have enough water in the body to continue performing optimally. The human blood needs water, and so does every other organ in the body.

The importance of drinking enough water regularly is acknowledged as a crucial component in high performance soccer. While other sources of fuel are made available for players during games, there is really no substitute for water. Given that a human body is composed of about 75% water, other fluids containing flavors lack the ability to act as substitutes for the core function water performs. For good body functioning, it is recommended that everyone should drink about 75% of their body weight in ounces daily. So for example, if you weigh 100 lb, you should consume 75 oz of water for proper soccer hydration. Proper hydration can influence a player’s soccer levels only in positive ways. Let’s take a look at them.

Enhances Performance

Taking in adequate amounts of water on a consistent basis keeps a player in the ideal shape and form needed for effective play. Because water is a solvent for the body’s biochemical reactions, a player who takes sufficient amounts of it in conjunction with a well-regulated diet will have next to no worries regarding indigestion or any metabolic setbacks during games. This provides liberation for a player to run onto the pitch and play to his strengths without any worries.

Supports Good Health

A well hydrated soccer player is different from colleagues in that his appearance will always radiate a look of good health, even with comparable levels of physical exertion as his teammates. Among the many functions of water in the body, is that it flushes out toxins and supports muscles, joints and bones, enabling them to be at their peak.

Maintains Body Balance

During a soccer game, an active player will often switch from states of relative rest to sudden bursts of speed. Those are moments when replenishment is needed, hence the advice that soccer players take time for regular “sips” of water. The recovered energy from these sips keeps the player balanced for other times during games when those bursts of pace may be required.

Builds Energy Reserves

As previously indicated, water is not the only fluid players can take during games. Professional soccer teams could have flavoured drinks to supplement water (though some could be due to sponsorships purposes) on the field. Water, however stands out as a true source of lasting energy for players because the flavoured drinks actually create a thirst for it after they have been consumed. Ultimately, good hydration creates a store of energy for players to tap into during games, especially in such games where the level of play is non-stop movement from “end to end”.

Refreshes and Rejuvenates

The requirement to be well hydrated remains with soccer players even when they are not on the field of play. While it is possible for a human being to survive for weeks without food, we could not go more than a couple of days without water. For a soccer player who can expect to often lose water due to regular physical activity, it is necessary to have a good quantity of water in the system when not playing. It helps a player gain a deeper understanding of their bodies, get more rest and enhances mental vigilance.

Promotes Growth and Development

Young soccer players need to stay hydrated to ensure they develop well physically and mentally. In addition to ingesting nutrient-rich meals, proper hydration in young players will serve to boost their immune system thereby providing protection from harmful organisms that could pose a challenge to their healthy growth. Regular consumption of fruits and fruit extracts is also an effective method of increasing one’s hydration and this will certainly complement the intake of direct minerals derived from water.

Conclusion The significance of hydration in soccer cannot be overstated. Whether cold or hot weather, it is inevitable that a soccer player will deplete his water stores, while engaged in active play. Because this is an unavoidable reality, it is essential that you pay attention to this in particular, if you are a parent. A well hydrated player, as opposed to one who is not, could be the difference between a top performing athlete versus one who has potential, but often comes up short.