Ultimately, athletes should take responsibility for their own hydration and eating, however, particularly young athletes may not be aware of how to best do this.

Below are strategies that a coach can implement during practice (“training table”) and after practice or games (“recovery table”). Coaches do not have to provide the fluid or food, this could be done by the athletes or their parents

however the coach should emphasise the importance of athletes eating properly and being aware of their nutritional needs given their level of exercise.

Training Table Checklist

Recovery Table Checklist

Supplies

Chilled fluids – especially in hot conditions
Sports drink or cordial / Kool-Aid may be useful for longer training sessions
Perhaps carbohydrate rich snacks for pre-game “top up” (e.g. fresh fruit, jam sandwiches, cereal bars)
Individual drink bottles for hygiene and to allow player to monitor how much fluid has been consumed

Behaviours

Incorporate regular drink breaks during practice
Encourage good hydration practices
Consider occasional monitoring of hydration success by weighing pre- and post-training (1kg chance = 1 litre fluid) or checking use of drink bottles

Supplies

Chilled fluids
Easy to eat snack options that provide both carbohydrates and protein (e.g. chicken and salad sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt, flavoured milk, breakfast cereal and milk

Behaviours

Support healthy choices at canteens and shops at basketball arenas
Encourage well-chosen eating by team members
Provide resources (e.g. fridge or kitchen area) where players can store / prepare their own snacks