Question:

A have a few questions regarding goalkeeping. 1. Do you have any tips regarding what a goalkeeper should eat and drink before a hockey-game? (e.g. no sugar – lots of sugar.) 2. When I am playing an indoor game I have this little problem: When I have just made a save and standing still my heart is beating like hell and I get a bit dizzy. Are there any things to prevent this?

Answer:

I think each person is different in terms of pre-game meals. A lot depends on what your body is used to and what time you’re playing. For myself, I don’t like to eat less than two hours before a match. I try to avoid eating fried or fatty foods as they are hard to digest quickly. I think the biggest guideline for eating anything before a game or training session is moderation. If you want sugar before a game, fruit is a good source and is easy to digest.

More important than what you eat, is what you drink. I think more keepers suffer from what they do or don’t drink before games. Beverages like coffee, soda and alcohol are all diuretics. They dehydrate your body. If you have any of these before a match, make sure you also take in plenty of water.

If you are dizzy and light headed during a match, what you are or are not drinking or eating can have a big effect. Try adjusting what you do as a pre-game meal. If you continue to have problems, I’d recommend seeing a doctor.

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