[dela]

Hello,
I'm looking for a bit of advice. I'm 27 and play for a top Major's team. Most of our games are on weekends but there is the occasional weekday evening match that I dread, because usually I have to practically go to the game directly from the office after working and being on my feet for 9+ hours (and after getting up early in the a.m. mind you).

I've always had a problem with fatigue in this instance and it ticks me off because my play suffers. What is the best way for me to either increase my energy before the game -OR- to sustain it throughout my work day??

I tried drinking a RedBull an hour before the game (despite the obvious reasons NOT to), and all it did was make me real shaky, impatient, and it made me super tired once it wore off. ie. STUPID! (yeah I know I asked for it).

So what are your thoughts? Should I perform a certain routine on game days when I know I'll be working all day prior? Is there anything I can do to quickly increase my energy before a game (ie. foods, drinks, vitamins, etc.)

[CC05]

Well, taking anything with caffiene really will probably just build up your energy for a minimal time then wear off before the end of your game and your energy level will just drop. Try making sure you're getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water (usually helps me)... I really don't know what to tell ya though, working 9+ hours standing would be tiring, especially on game days :\.

[dela]

Originally Posted by CC05

working 9+ hours standing would be tiring, especially on game days :\.

I guess I was exaggerating a bit. I'm not standing for 9 hours straight. EEKS!

Sleep = essential

Water = I need to drink more of this.

Thanks.

[SCoach]

There is a reason that practically every professional sports team uses Powerade, Gatorade, Accelerade, etc. It works better than water for hydration before, during, and after significant depletion. Two days prior to your weekday game, drink your normal amount of water, but also consume a gallon extra of a quality sports drink. On match day, have one an hour before you leave the office. You might also want to supplement with a good multi-vitamin to make sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. Mind your diet and make sure you are getting significant raw foods as they give far more energy. You may also want to carbo load a bit and have high carb foods for the 2-3 days prior to the event, laying off on match day. Also, try to consume some significant protein within 4 hours after the match to smooth your post-game healing.

Good luck.

[NHRef]

One of the main issues is probably not physical, but mental, work all day, depending on the job can be mentally taxing which wipes you out physically as well. If this is the case, you need a mental wind down between, anything might work, music with a good beat etc, anything to switch your mind from work to play mode while getting the adrenalin going.

[ERIMUS]

eat a good breakfast, nutritious lunch and a good evening meal e.g. pasta, potatoes etc

A good sleep is essential too, dont just do this as a one off, every evening try going to bed 5 mins earlier than usual so your body will get used to it. its harder when you try a time your not used to just on a one off

keep well hydrated through the day with drinks of water, suck an orange before the game and at 1/2 time

Also if you have things on your mind that will not help, try to keep a clear mind

[dasoccerplayafosho]

I cannot drink full strength gatorade. Given I have seen the commercials and whatever that it says it gives u back the stuff u need, and it does, but too much. The amount of sugar in gatorade tricks your stomach into thinking you ate food, starting the digestive system going, and leaving a sticky feeling in your mouth. Half strength is great though. I buy the mix and do about half strength.

[Gr33kziLLa]

OK... dis wut i do... im am only 15 so i am not sure if age will effect the result.... before game eat fruit fruit fruit bananas especially!... have a plastic box and cut up all sorts of fruits such as oranges bananas apples pear kiwi fruit stuff like that ... Natural sugas .. low glycemic level.. energy doesnt die.. also not to much at half time.. may cop a stitch.
hope it works..for you as much as it does for me

peace out

[dienasty]

i thought i was the only one that suffered from fatigue like that but mainly just condition yourself really well and try to breath really deep before the game starts.

[soccerboy8815]

Last summer at Rutgers University soccer camp, I learned that if you drink gatorade during the game, most of the sugars aren't broken down until after the game is over. I was advised to mix it with water during the game, 1/2 and 1/2. Before the game drink gatorade. I drink it during the day before the game and it works for me. Also NO caffine or junk.