Issue 8 - Playing Tennis or Cricket in the summer heat
Nutrition E-Bites Edition 8 January 2009
Australian Open is on and it's hard not to get drawn into the excitement of the tennis tournament each January. Sports nutrition plays a vital role in supporting these players to be the world's best. Players competing in international tennis tournaments require a high level of skill, and matches involve repeated short bursts of high intensity exercise that may last several hours. Often players need to back this up by playing another match later that day, or the next day, which puts a large demand on fuel usage. Probably what is noticed most during the Australian Open is the great risk of dehydration due to hot temperatures. The fluid needs of tennis players during training and games are generally high because: See our fact sheet on Tennis for more great tips. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cricket is another Australian summer favourite; a capacity crowd uniting as one to cheer a much needed wicket, or to congratulate a batter on their century (100 runs), are part of the thrill of being a spectator. From a nutritionperspective, determining food and fluid needs during cricket matches lasting more than a few hours can be difficult, as this depends greatly on whether individual players are batting or bowling. Those batters that have a long innings at the crease will obviously have much higher requirements than those who are out ("dismissed") after only a short period of time. Therefore, having a plan for base food and fluid for the day, as well a plan for "extra fuel" to consume when actually participating in the game (as opposed to sitting waiting to bat) can be a good way to ensure adequate volumes are consumed. Like tennis, cricket matches also pose a risk for dehydration. Impaired bowling accuracy, decreased concentration, and overheating are just some of the consequences of not drinking enough fluid to cover sweat losses. It's a good idea for both tennis and cricket players to know their approximate sweat rate in different conditions. Weight before and after sessions and games, taking into account fluids consumed and urine loss, can give a good guide as to how much fluid needs to be replaced. Sports Dietitians often assist players in working out their individual fluid plan. The Cricket fact sheet as well as the Sports Drinks fact sheet can assist with further information. SDA hope you find this a useful e-resource. If you have any suggestions of content or sports nutrition information you would like to know about, we will happily take ideas on board. Please email info@sportsdietitians.com.au Yours in sports nutrition, Sports Dietitians Australia **If you would prefer to receive these e-newsletters directly then please email info@sportsdietitians.com.au PLAYING TENNIS OR CRICKET IN THE SUMMER HEAT