Pre-game meal

[Trav386]

I've played soccer all my life and I've had quite a few coaches tell me/feed me different things for a pre-game meal. And, I'm still not exactly sure whats the best thing. I'm in college and I've noticed that some games I have tons of energy but some games I'm just sucking wind. I think its due to my pre-game diet. So, I was wondering what would be the best thing to eat the day before a game and the day of a game and how many hours before the game I should eat. We normaly don't play until about 6 or 7. Any advice would be great.

 

[Trav386]

anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Sim882]

Eat lots of low GI carbs (oats, sweet potatoe) on the day before and of the game, in order to ensure your glycogen stores are relatively fool during the match.

As to when you should before the match and how soon, I think this can depend on how you tolerate exercising full. I personally eat oats + milk an hour before my tennis matches, but for some people they would feel too bloated, and may need their carbo meal 2-3 hours before.

As I final obs, just bring some gatorade with you during the matches. I have found that during tennis competition, this recharges me if I seem to be suffering energy lapses. I only consume this if I notice some fatigue, but I've noticed the professinoal athletes will sip on this, eat some banana during the match regardless