subject: How do you prevent cramp during soccer? [print this page] How do you prevent cramp during soccer? How do you prevent cramp during soccer?
We've all suffered cramp during our lifetime, some more than others. If you've experienced it, you'll know it can be extremely painful and can seriously affect performance.
Cramps occur when there is a build up of lactic acid in the muscle. Athletes do not want lactic acid as it makes legs feel slow and heavy. Cramps happen when you don't have enough "fuel in the tank".
I suffered for many years with cramps. Every part of my body was affected, calfs, hamstring, quadriceps, you name it. It has caused me not to reach my full potential for many years that was until I found simple solutions.
I improved my diet. More carbs and protein less fat.
Eating a bannana just before training or games.
Making sure I was hydrated. I did this by drinking 2 litres the day before exercise and about a litre and a half the morning of the game. I also drank half a litre of isotonic sports drink.
The most important thing I did was purchase "Skins Compression Sox" to wear around my calfs. These help blood circulation and help get rid of lactic acid in the muscles. I also wear these on my quadriceps. They have helped me greatly.
These simple precautions helped me in winning my battle against cramp. Just make sure to hydrate, get enough pottasium and also make sure you get enough salt, especially in the summer where a lot is lost in sweat.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate is the most important thing. I really can't stress this enough.
