3 Ways to Properly Fuel the Body of a Softball Player
Not only are softball players responsible for bettering themselves as players, but they should also be taking steps towards improving their overall health. It’s easy to get caught up in the softball grind. Practicing during the week with the team and on your own, takes a toll. Traveling to in-state and out of state tournaments on the weekends, some being in entirely different climates. Many softball players are also involved in additional sports throughout the year. The wear and tear on the body that the sport of softball causes is common. It’s important that players, coaches, and parents are monitoring the grind of in-season and off-season workouts and ensuring that players are taking care of themselves mentally and physically.
As softball players grow and develop, they will practice more than just their position and swings. Weight and speed training will be introduced on top of the team and individual practices. Then add school and other sports and activities to the mix, and you will have one tired athlete by the time the sun sets on most days. It’s important for softball players and all-around athletes in general to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to fuel their body and mind off the field.
Below are three ways to properly fuel the body of a softball player.
Eat Breakfast: It’s easier said than done, especially when an extra 10 minutes of sleep every day is on the line. Starting the morning off every day with breakfast is important. Whether you are a softball player who wakes up and heads right to school, to the weight room, or too early morning tournament games on weekends, it’s important to eat breakfast. Experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You are putting fuel into your body that will enable you as an athlete to get through the morning and whatever it may bring. Take the time to eat breakfast, it’s an excellent way to start the day and will wake up the metabolism.
Drink Liquids: Softball players need to stay hydrated. In a sport that is performed mostly outside until the winter months in most states, it’s important to drink fluids. Softball friendly fluids include water and Gatorade. Soda is tempting and will be sold at all tournaments, but it’s not something that should be consumed by outdoor athletes. Soda dehydrates the body, add in some heat from the sun and being on a hot field all day, and you will have a weak and sick feeling softball player. Encourage your players to stay away from soda and drink water or Gatorade, which is full of electrolytes. Also don’t just drink liquids on game days, start drinking liquids throughout the week and on the days leading up to games. That way your body will be properly fueled and ready to go when the game day comes.
Get Rest: it’s important that softball players get enough sleep at night. Prioritizing sleep is crucial and necessary for all athletes to be able to perform at their best. It’s important that athletes develop time management skills because they will always have something going on. Homework, softball practice, a second sport to practice, music, etc., sleep also needs to be a priority. If athletes are involved in all of the above and aren’t getting the appropriate amount of sleep, they will be unable to complete their day and the events listed to the best of their ability.
