As with any other sport, staying hydrated while playing basketball is key to staying safe and healthy on the court. How well you are hydrated while playing basketball, however, can sometimes be misleading, since it is often played indoors away from the sun's rays. Indoor courts can also trap humidity and heat, increasing the likelihood of cramps resulting from dehydration. Educate yourself on how to stay hydrated while playing basketball to get as many minutes as you can on the court.
Step 1
Drink water throughout the day of your game. Hydration problems on the court are most often the result of poor hydration leading into the game. Gorging on water shortly before or during the game will only make you feel sick and sluggish, and it will do little to improve your hydration.
Step 2
Drink 8 oz. of water 15 minutes before the start of the game. Or drink a sports-energy drink like Gatorade, which will infuse your body with natural sugars to give you an energy boost.
Step 3
Consume around 8 oz. of fluids every 20 minutes. Depending on how much or how little you are playing and/or exerting yourself, this number should be adjusted. If you are playing on an outdoor court in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, try to consume 20 oz. of water every 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4
Sip water frequently during breaks and timeouts. The old saying goes that if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated, so drink water continually to avoid becoming thirsty.
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