The need for players to adequately hydrate themselves prior to activity, whether that is training or competition, is well documented and as a result players are generally good at carrying this out. However, the requirement to continually stay hydrated during activity is a task that is very rarely effectively fulfilled and as a result players are performing with insufficiently hydrated bodies.

It is suggested that prior to activity the individual should consume between 400 and 600ml of fluid, ideally not just plain water but sports drinks or fluids containing a small amount of salt. As this can aid with the retention of the fluid and reduce the rate and amount that passes straight through the body and is excreted in urine. It is advised that this fluid is sipped as opposed to gulped down and that time is allowed for the excess water to be excreted from the body.

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