| Sports drinks like Gatorade and others are flavored | | | | a quick buzz and burst of energy, as Red Bull has the |
| fluids fortified with electrolytes, potassium and sodium, | | | | amount of caffeine equal to about 2 cups of coffee. |
| all which are lost by the body during intense exercise. | | | | But the energy buzz is very short lived and the player |
| However, its is unlikely according to most experts that | | | | is then left in a lethargic state. The caffeine actually |
| the loss of your bodies stores of these minerals is | | | | acts as a diuretic and robs the body of fluids, adding to |
| anything to worry about unless you are doing intense | | | | the dehydration caused by heavy activity. Make sure |
| workouts of 3-5 hours or longer. In the long intensity | | | | your parents know this and do not allow their kids to |
| activities of 3-5+ hours, the athlete can be at risk for | | | | use these types of drinks before, during or even after |
| over hydration called hypoantremia, due to drinking | | | | practices. |
| excess water without proper sodium replacement. | | | | Numerous scientific studies have shown that a well |
| For youth football player practicing 2-2 1/2 hours at a | | | | hydrated player will play with greater intensity, speed |
| time, the biggest danger seems to come from not | | | | and with much higher concentration levels than a |
| drinking enough fluids. Numerous studies have shown | | | | poorly hydrated player. |
| that kids will drink more of a sport drink that normal | | | | Make sure your players are well hydrated. Ask them |
| water. So compared to water, sports drinks are better | | | | to bring water bottles or jugs with their names on |
| as the player will stop drinking water much sooner than | | | | them to make your breaks flow smoother and to |
| a sports drink. | | | | avoid confusion. It's usually pretty hot for most of us |
| Youth football players should drink at least 16 ounces | | | | during that first month of practice, this can be a life or |
| of fluids at least 2 hours before the activity and | | | | death situation for some players. Always error on the |
| another 48 ounces during a typical 2 hour practice. | | | | side of safety. Don't neglect to push fluid replacement |
| Energy drinks should be avoided. Anything with | | | | even during cold weather games in November, |
| caffeine like Red Bull will give your youth football player | | | | something many youth football coaches forget about. |