Proper hydration during any exercise or sports activity is important for optimal performance
Why is it important to stay hydrated playing sports?
Performance in any sport relies on staying properly hydrated. The body requires not only an ample amount of water to remain hydrated, during extended activity, it also requires carbohydrates, potassium and sodium. If your sports activity is longer than 60 minutes or requires intense exercise, you will need to form a hydration plan.
You can maintain fluid balance with water, sports drinks and foods such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, citrus, etc. to keep you hydrated. If you are practicing all day long, having a variety of ways to keep hydrated will keep your body going and help you to focus on the game.
Some signs of dehydration during sports activities can include-
• Loss of coordination
• A decline in energy
• Muscle fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Loss of focus
• Reduction of performance or ability
Establishing hydration breaks to replace the fluids lost during sports activity is important to keep you at your maximum performance. It is recommended to intake 4-8 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes to remain hydrated, depending on your body weight.
For best performance, proper hydration is key in any exercise or sports program. To go the distance and be at your best in any sport activity, know how to stay hydrated with adequate fluid intake.
Hydration Timing
Fluid intake recommendations before, during and after practice
When & How Much
Before exertion 2 to 3 hours before: 16 ounces (about 1 water bottle)
15 minutes before: 8 ounces
During exertion 4 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes (2 to 3 large gulps)
After exertion 16 to 20 ounces of fluid for every pound lost (1 to 1½ water bottles per pound lost)
Weigh yourself before and after you exercise to get a sense of how much fluid you typically lose.
Hyponatremia
Water intoxication, or drinking too much water, was a concern of the “drink, drink, drink” mantra and now recommendations are suggested to, “Drink Less.” For many exercisers, water intoxication is a very real and very serious complication from drinking too much water. Excessive hydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which may result in symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures. Athletes should prioritize hydration strategies that balance both fluid intake and electrolyte replenishment, ensuring optimal performance while maintaining health. After all, athletic success requires hard work, and proper hydration plays a crucial role in that equation. In addition to physical performance, proper hydration is essential for supporting youth sports and mental health. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, affecting decision-making and coordination during games. By promoting adequate hydration practices, coaches and parents can contribute not only to the physical well-being of young athletes but also to their overall mental resilience on and off the field.
At Baseball Tips, we have sourced quality hydration and cooling products for your team or sports program. We have included some below. Click here to see our full line of Sports Hydration & Cooling products in our field equipment section. In addition to keeping your team hydrated and cool, it’s essential to ensure players have a solid foundation in their skills. For those looking to improve performance, proper baseball mechanics explained can significantly enhance training effectiveness. Explore our resources to help your athletes excel both on and off the field. Incorporating young athlete training techniques into your practice regimen can lead to noticeable improvements in performance and confidence. These methods focus on building a strong foundation and promoting injury prevention while fostering a love for the game. By combining skill development with proper hydration and cooling strategies, you’ll create an environment where young players can thrive.
Practical Hydration Stations & Cooling Fans
The 6 player Constant Chill Water Cart is a 2 wheel all-purpose cart with larger 10″ turf tires that carries a 10-gallon cooler that’s been lined with copper cooling coils. It will deliver a team’s worth of constantly chilled cold water!
Just attach your standard garden hose and fill it with ice to get a constant flow of cold water that’s delivered through 6 coiled, retractable drinking hoses with nozzle shut-offs. Great for all sports teams where hydration can be limited to one area of the playing field.
The 8 Player A-Frame Drinking Tree is a “swingset frame-design” with coiled hose & nozzles with shut-offs. Legs detach for easy daily transport. Just add your hose to the inline filter and you have a team station for quicker water breaks. The extra room is great for football teams in full uniforms!
The Rechargeable 8 Player Hydration Tanker is a 35-gallon water tank mounted on a 4 wheel cart to serve larger numbers of players such as in a typical football team program. Allows for anywhere water where no electrical power is available. Includes a top shelf for your water bottles and can be towed or pushed to practice field or sidelines. This versatile hydration solution is ideal for teams looking to enhance their training methods for baseball players, ensuring that athletes stay refreshed throughout rigorous practices. With its durable design, the tanker can withstand the demands of outdoor settings, making it an essential addition to any sports program. Additionally, its mobility allows coaches to easily adapt hydration access during drills and games, promoting optimal performance on the field.
The Tidi-Cooler Stand will look familiar to any golfer. It’s a mounted cooler stand above and a wastebasket below to discard paper cups. Offered with or without 5 gal. cooler. Great for everywhere from dugout, sideline or a factory warehouse floor!
The Team Rolling Water Cooler Cart is a simple cooler cart that will accept your 5 or 10 gallon igloo-style cooler and includes a wire rack below that will hold your paper cups, team towels or misc. An economical solution for quick water breaks
The Powered Misting Fan is our popular rolling misting station that lowers temperature from 10-20 degrees up to 50 ft. away. Just fill the tank and plug it in to cool an entire dugout or bench of players. A simple buy-it-once product that you cannot believe you have lived without!
View Our Entire Line of Sports Hydration & Cooling Equipment
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Product on saleTeam Sports Hydration Station – Rechargeable 35 Gallon Tanker For 8 PlayersOriginal price was: $2,999.00.$2,790.00Current price is: $2,790.00.
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Misting Fans For Team Cooling | Our New Outdoor Portable Cooling System$2,590.00
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Tidi-Cooler Water Cooler Stand & Basket w/ Optional 5 Gallon Igloo CoolersPrice range: $359.00 through $459.00