What Is The Thing To Drink If You Are A Football Player At Half Time?

Football players must drink plenty of water or healthy sports drinks before, during and after practices and games -- especially in hot and humid weather conditions. They should be thoroughly hydrated before game time and regularly consume fluids to remain hydrated. Half time provides an excellent opportunity to refuel the body for the remainder of the game.

The Need for Hydration

Football players can become dehydrated very quickly if they don't maintain proper fluid intake. The body regulates body temperature through sweating. Wearing helmets and bulky padding causes players to sweat heavily during intense competition. Players commonly sweat away a gallon of fluid during a game. Just 1 percent dehydration can affect performance, and 2 percent hydration can cause players to feel thirsty.

Dangers of Dehydration

As players become more dehydrated, debilitating muscle cramping may occur. Excessive loss of liquids can cause body temperatures to soar. Severe dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death as the body begins shutting down.

Substances Football Players Should Drink

Water is an adequate drink for hydration. But players also lose large amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium during the game and burn lots of calories. To keep the body fueled properly, players can drink healthy sports drinks. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages actually raise the risk of dehydration by causing water loss through urine. Orange juice provides a great amount of potassium, but not enough sodium.

Pre-Game Hydration

The hydration process begins two or three hours before the game, when players should drink 16 ounces of water or a healthy sports drink. They should drink another 8 ounces just 15 minutes before the game.

In-Game, Half Time and Postgame Hydration

Players should consume fluids every 10 or 15 minutes during the game and use the half time break to become thoroughly hydrated. Healthy sports drinks help refresh the body's energy supply. Within 15 minutes of the game conclusion, players should drink lots of fluids to replenish the body. Players should drink two 8-ounce glasses of fluid for every pound of body weight lost during the game.