Hydrate or Die in Street Soccer Soccer is one of the most intensive sports you can play. The sport requires constant running over a onehundred to one-hundred and twenty yard field for about 80 minutes with few opportunities to rest. Substitutions are rare and your best is required of you almost non-stop. Your body works hard to cool you down during this time by sweating.
Drink every 15-20 minutes That water needs to be replaced if your body is going to continue to cool you down so you can keep playing. Soccer players are encouraged to drink every 15-20 minutes to keep up a good water supply. The need is even greater when considering the heroes that head out to the asphalt to practice or play street soccer. Grass is nice to the players by not retaining and reflecting the heat back up. Although there can be a low level of humidity after its watered, it doesn’t affect the player’s hydration as much. Asphalt does not offer the same level of comfort. Asphalt and concrete make a city grow warmer than neighboring rural settlements. These two substances absorbs the suns heat as it beats down, and emits it back upward to the world. Those standing on concrete or asphalt not only feel the rays of the sun beating down on them, but they also get the leftovers from the asphalt rising from below. The double attack of heat can really get to a player if they’re not careful. A body faints if you try to push it beyond its ability to cool itself off. Your mind kicks in and tells your body to slow down some of the processes that are heating it up.
Heat stroke Heat stroke is often the result. When these victims are taken to the ER, they are cooled down and often rehydrated quickly with an IV. Providing water directly to the blood stream helps the body use it again quickly. Those who play soccer on the streets of the city should be aware of this very real danger and protect themselves from it.
Hydrating every 12 to 15 minutes can help you avoid heat stroke and keep playing the game you love. Water is always an excellent choice but sports drinks and chocolate milk can often reenergize you while providing essential liquid to keep you cool. Drop to the sideline between goals or run by for a substitution when you feel yourself thirsty. Try to stay ahead of your thirst to maximize your hydration though. The feeling of thirst is a signal to your brain that you are moving below the amount of liquid your body needs to keep going. Preempting that thirst by regularly drinking can help your body keep up with your activities, staving off thirst and overheating before it can slow down your game. Calle Soccer is a DJC clothing store that makes clothing to help players in style and functionality while they participate in street soccer. Their DJC clothing offers you unique shirts, styles and clothing that combines elements of utility, function, and movement. Photo credit: SawshaW, Ben