As our Flag and Tackle programs are off to great starts, we'd like to remind our WHYFL community of some helpful tips to ensure our players are safely competing.

• Hydration is key! And not just before practice starts.
  • USA Football Guidelines on Hydration.
  • Throughout the day: Incorporating water regularly throughout the day is extremely important, not just for football.
  • Before Practice: Hydrate with 16-24 ounces of water or sports drink.
  • During Practice: Routine hydration throughout practice.
• Staying Active
  • Put aside the video games, tv, and cell phones! Players that routinely stay active have much better performance on the field whether that be for practice or game time.
• Nutritious Meals
  • Players should eat healthy snacks and meals throughout the day.
  • Eating directly before practice can sometime cause an upset stomach. It is highly recommended that players keep to only light snacks 2 hours before practice starts.
  • Incorporating a healthy diet with foods that have a good ratio of protein, veggies, carbs, and health fats is a winning recipe.
• Self Education
  • Routinely reference game plans, paying attention during practices, and asking great questions are all keys to helping our players to stay locked into the sport.
• Here is a great video from the National Science Foundation on Health, Hydration, and Nutrition.