Hockey is predominantly a low intensity sport with repeated high intensity work efforts.
Due to the high intensity work efforts, carbohydrate is the main source of fuel for Hockey players. Hockey players lose up to 3% body mass as sweat during a match. As with all invasive sports, players should pay considerable attention to their nutritional intake for recovery. Optimal hydration and replenishment of the body’s glycogen stores are extremely important in preventing fatigue in hockey. During a 70 minute game it is possible for hockey players to lose up to 3% of their body weight through sweating. Even a modest 2% body weight loss can reduce exercise performance. One of the primary causes of fatigue during a hockey match/training is the depletion of muscle glycogen. Muscle glycogen is the main source of fuel during periods of high-intensity exercise and is therefore important in the performance of the repeated sprint activity seen in hockey Recovery should be viewed with an equal importance as training. Getting the recovery right will aid future training and performances.