Youth Soccer Tournaments
5 Tips to Maximize Performance and
Prevent Injuries
Every year there are several soccer
tournaments held all over the world
for youth soccer players. These
tournaments last for a day, a
weekend or a week depending on where
you go.
These soccer tournaments are also a
place where several preventable
injuries occur. So in order to get
the most out of the soccer
tournaments you participate in there
are some things you can do
pre-tournament and during the
tournament to maximize your
performance.
1)
Proper Nutrition: You want to eat as well as you can the
week prior to the tournament.
Generally speaking most concession
stands at tournaments serve hot
dogs, burgers and pizza!
Unfortunately these foods, a much as
they are appealing to you, just sit
in your belly, slow you down and
give you cramps. If possible mix up
a protein shake in between your
games.
During your ride to the tournament
have small snacks and once you get
there at smaller meals through out
the day to prevent cramps and
nausea.
2)
Hydration: Next make sure you drink plenty of fluid
before during and after games. You
only need to lose two percent of
your body weight through
perspiration and sweat for your
energy and soccer performance to
drop. Do the best you can to stay
hydrated and the chance of getting
injured reduces.
3)
Rest and Relax: In between games it is important to get
rest before you play your next game.
These soccer tournaments take a lot
out of you. Travel time can be any
time from one hour or more, as well
as the mental stress of high
expectations. Bring an iPod, iPhone
or what ever works for you in your
spare time.
If you are flying to your tournament
it is vital that you get up and walk
the aisles at least 2 or 3 times
during your flight. This helps to
maintain circulation and avoid
"heavy" legs due to pooling of
blood.
4)
Warm Up: Give yourself plenty of time to warm up
before the game. If you are short on
time, focus on dynamic movements of
the muscles that feel the tightest.
5)
Check the Field: As part of your warm up walk or jog
through the area of the pitch where
you will be spending most of your
time. It is important to get a feel
for the playing surface.
Follow these five tips and you will
show well in the soccer tournament.
Remember the better prepared you
are, the more successful you will
be. Have fun!
