Hydration in Youth Sports

The importance of hydration for good health and properly functioning body systems cannot be overstated, especially for the young athlete. According to researcher Dr. Susan Yeargin from the University of South Carolina, up to 75 percent of young athletes aged 8 to 18 are dehydrated before they even arrive at practice. And because most athletes are only replenishing 2/3 of the water they lose after competition, they are in danger of consequences that include heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Every summer baseball camp that CBI runs in Virginia has a certified athletic trainer on staff. We know how hot it gets in southern, VA so we educate the campers and the parents at the beginning of each camp.

Interested in summer baseball camps in Williamsburg?
2020 Summer Camp Schedule & Registration

Hydration plays a major role in the health of the young athlete, which is why Cisco Athletic created this guide on how much of a sports drink or water the youth athlete should consume. You can view the guide below.

This Youth Sports Hydration Guide was provided by Cisco Athletic

Tips for staying healthy at summer baseball camps

Whether your player is playing tournament baseball in the summer or participating in summer baseball camps, it is important to understand the importance of hydration. I’ve had players come to camp and have to see the trainer by the end of warm-ups because they feel sick, light-headed or lethargic. As parents, it’s really important to follow these steps for your children to feel their best at camp:

  • Eat breakfast
  • Pre-hydrate before getting to camp…So drink a large glass of water after breakfast.
  • It’s a good idea to “cut” your sport drink with water or water it down.  For example, if you have a 32oz Gatorade, pour 1/2 of it into an empty Gatorate bottle and fill the rest of both containers with water.  Your player will absorb the water end electrolytes much faster.
  • After camp, rehydrate and stay out of the sun so your body can recover for the next day.
  • Get a good night’s rest.

Most campers that feel sick early in the day do not follow the above guidelines.

About CoachK

Owner and head instructor at Colonial Baseball Instruction. CBI serves Southern VA with baseball camps and private lessons. CBI also developed My Coach: Baseball App and sells a variety of baseball training aids.