Game Day Hydration by Andrei Daescu

by Andrei Daescu / photo by Jonathan Oe

Hydration actually starts the day before matches are played. The night before, I start drinking electrolyte drinks along with water, and continue in the morning before matches start. Hydration is a losing battle during matches so it is really important to hydrate the night before and in the morning of so your body can start the day with a full tank of fluids and electrolytes.

During matches I drink a lot of coconut water and electrolyte drinks combined with water. If you under-hydrate the first effect is overall low energy. After that I get light-headed and if it continues I get dizzy. Next step is cramping which I've experienced before and it's no fun at all, so hydrate well before and during matches.

It is very hard to over-hydrate but if you do it you feel bloated and heavy. Over-hydration is definitely better than under-hydration but you should monitor the way you feel and find that perfect balance for hydration. You will know when you're perfectly hydrated when your energy levels are high, your body feels light and your mind is sharp!