Water Break

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Understanding the dangers of heat and dehydration by JDL coaches is a critical element in ensuring the safety all JDL players. Water breaks are scheduled every 15 or 20 minutes during practice and games. Coaches must adhere to the scheduled water breaks and in addition players must be given the opportunity to rehydrate whenever they feel a need. Never deny players the opportunity to get a drink. Remind players and their parents of the importance of drinking plenty of water prior to practice and after practice. Coaches must recognize the signs of dehydration.

SETUP 

  • Observe the scheduled water breaks.

• Recognize the warning signs of dehydration and heat illness.

  Thirst  Headache      Irritability  Cramps  Nausea 

  Flushed skin  Weakness      Dizziness

Players displaying symptoms should stop participating immediately and move into the shade or indoors. They should be given cool water to drink. Wet towels may be used to sponge the body.

Dry, red skin; a fast, weak pulse; shallow, rapid breathing; blue lips are indications of severe dehydration and require immediate medical attention.

 •Encourage your players to drink plenty of water or sports drink (17-20 oz.) prior to coming to practice and games 

•Players should drink 7-10 oz of water or sports drink every 10 to 20 minutes. For a two hour practice, players should bring at least half a gallon of water or sports drink to the field with them.

•Athletes should drink at least 20 oz. of fluid for every pound of weight lost.

• Remind parents to have their player drink the necessary fluids prior to and after practice and to bring an adequate drink  supply to practice.

EXECUTION

Coaches can use the time during water breaks to good advantage in several ways:

    • by reviewing the next scheduled practice event.

    • taking advantage of the opportunity to "teach" a special life lesson to an individual player for an event that occurred during the previous drill.

    • making notes for use during the post practice huddle

EXAMPLE

SKILL PROGRESSION MATRIX

DRILL PARAMETERS

EQUIPMENT

COMMENTS