| Every year there are several soccer tournaments | | | | performance to drop. Do the best you can to stay |
| held all over the world for youth soccer players. | | | | hydrated and the chance of getting injured reduces. |
| These tournaments last for a day, a weekend or a | | | | 3) Rest and Relax: In between games it is important |
| week depending on where you go. | | | | to get rest before you play your next game. These |
| These soccer tournaments are also a place where | | | | soccer tournaments take a lot out of you. Travel |
| several preventable injuries occur. So in order to get | | | | time can be any time from one hour or more, as well |
| the most out of the soccer tournaments you | | | | as the mental stress of high expectations. Bring an |
| participate in there are some things you can do | | | | iPod, iPhone or what ever works for you in your |
| pre-tournament and during the tournament to | | | | spare time. |
| maximize your performance. | | | | If you are flying to your tournament it is vital that |
| 1) Proper Nutrition: You want to eat as well as you | | | | you get up and walk the aisles at least 2 or 3 times |
| can the week prior to the tournament. Generally | | | | during your flight. This helps to maintain circulation and |
| speaking most concession stands at tournaments | | | | avoid "heavy" legs due to poling of blood. |
| serve hot dogs, burgers and pizza! Unfortunately | | | | 4)Warm Up: Give yourself plenty of time to warm up |
| these foods, a much as they are appealing to you, | | | | before the game. If you are short on time, focus on |
| just sit in your belly, slow you down and give you | | | | dynamic movements of the muscles that feel the |
| cramps. If possible mix up a protein shake in | | | | tightest. |
| between your games. | | | | 5) Check The Field: As part of your warm up walk or |
| During your ride to the tournament have small snacks | | | | jog through the area of the pitch where you will be |
| and once you get there at smaller meals through out | | | | spending most of your time. It is important to get a |
| the day to prevent cramps and nausea. | | | | feel for the playing surface. |
| 2) Hydration: Next make sure you drink plenty of | | | | Follow these five tips and you will show well in the |
| fluid before during and after games. You only need | | | | soccer tournament. Remember the better prepared |
| to lose two percent of your body weight through | | | | you are, the more successful you will be. Have fun! |
| perspiration and sweat for your energy and soccer | | | | |