Whats Your 'Go-To' Match-Beverage?

[Loose Cannon]

Do you have a specific beverage that you must have for your Matches?


Or do you just stop at the nearest Gas Station are grab the first Powerade you see that is on sale???


Or you simply depending on the water fountains at the Tennis Facility?



During the heat of Summer.....I was going with orange Gatorade laced with Amp(energy drink). I hate water, cant drink it unless Im dying of thirst

 

[loosegroove]

I always bring Gatorade that I cut to a 50/50 mix with water, as well as another full canteen of just water.

 

[loosegroove]

You must be on the younger side if you're drinking Gatorade spiked by some Amp? Granted I know a dude in his 40's who shows up to our matches toting 2 liter bottles of Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper as his only forms of rehydration.

 

[jakemcclain32]

I'm doing this thing called Visalus. Allowed me to go from 207 to 196.

Anyway, in the Visalus pack, there are a bunch of natural energy pouches called "Neuro". I place them in my water and am ready to go.

 

[jakemcclain32]

You must be on the younger side if you're drinking Gatorade spiked by some Amp? Granted I know a dude in his 40's who shows up to our matches toting 2 liter bottles of Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper as his only forms or rehydration.

That guy is on the wrong side of idiotville.

 

[Dave_D]

I have 2 bottles of 1.5 liters of water (3 liters total), and a small bottle of gatorade.

 

[Alchemy-Z]

Pre- Match (Boost Chocolate Drink)

During Match (1 Water Bottle & 1 Power Aid Bottle)

Post match ( 1 Beer)

 

[Mauvaise]

During winter I drink plain water and bring 32oz with me per match.

During the summer I mix 1/3 Power-C Vitamin Water & 2/3 plain water and bring 64oz with me per match.

 

[AR15]

Crystal Lite energy mix, poweraide, and water

 

[cghipp]

Have any of you tried the frozen "Slap" energy drink? I picked some up at Wally World recently. It has a somewhat different profile than the typical sports drink - a lot more B vitamins and even some fiber (possible to prevent a spike/drop in energy level as the sugar is processed). I've tried them a couple of times, thinking they would be helpful in this crazy heat. Tastes OK but feels a little on the "thick" side.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Keeping in mind that I'm a doubles player . . .

Winter = grab empty water bottle from kitchen, fill with tap water and ice unless there is snow on the ground.

Summer = big igloo water jug (half gallon?), filled with ice and topped with water. One 16 ounce plastic water bottle to top it off in case I am left with only ice.

Honestly, I would love to find a better igloo. I have your basic $6.99 version, and I hate the thing. I have to lift the spout with my filthy fingers to drink, and the spout pops off in my hand half the time. It leaks down the front of my shirt and onto the court. What the heck?

No Gatorade unless I think I need it afterward, am playing singles, or am doing a marathon practice match.

 

[Turbo-87]

Pure Coconut Water. 15x the electrolytes of Gatorade and more Potassium than 2 bananas.
Sometimes I will use Powerade Zero.

 

[Mauvaise]

Pure Coconut Water. 15x the electrolytes of Gatorade and more Potassium than 2 bananas.
Sometimes I will use Powerade Zero.

I tried coconut water the other week thinking that might be good to add to my summer fluid regimen for the reasons you stated above. More power to those that can drink it - to me it was unpalatable. Blech.

 

[spiderman123]

I tried coconut water the other week thinking that might be good to add to my summer fluid regimen for the reasons you stated above. More power to those that can drink it - to me it was unpalatable. Blech.

Sorry, it does not have added sugar

 

[arche3]

Summer. Power aid grape flavor. 4 bottles. In a soft cooler with ice packs in my tennis bag. Otherwise I WILL cramp.

 

[jakemcclain32]

I tried coconut water the other week thinking that might be good to add to my summer fluid regimen for the reasons you stated above. More power to those that can drink it - to me it was unpalatable. Blech.

Love coconut water...really good for you too.

 

[pgreg]

i play my best when i drink a beer before the match....i play my worst when i drink a 6 pack

 

[Taxvictim]

Our club has water coolers, so its normally water at every changeover. When it's hot, I drink Gatorade G2 before the match. Recently I have discovered that drinking cold Coca-Cola during a match really helps me feel better. Something about the fizz helps cut that cotton mouth sensation, and the sugar and caffeine are an energy boost. Maybe that puts me on the wrong side of Idiotville (like the guy with the Mtn. Dew and Dr. Pepper), but it has been working for me.

 

[Mauvaise]

Sorry, it does not have added sugar

It wasn't the lack of added sugar. I don't like sweeteners in drinks (drink iced tea black; same with coffee) which is why I water down the Vitamin water. I just very much didn't like the flavour.

I was disappointed because I know it's quite good for me.

 

[BobFL]

bud light!!

 

[Turbo-87]

It wasn't the lack of added sugar. I don't like sweeteners in drinks (drink iced tea black; same with coffee) which is why I water down the Vitamin water. I just very much didn't like the flavour.

I was disappointed because I know it's quite good for me.

The brand I get is called VitaCoco. They do make other mixed flavors but it will have more sugars. I haven't tried the peach, tropical fruit, mango or the other ones they make. You might want to see if those taste better. I have to admit that the aftertaste of the unsweetened pure coco is not the best.

I know my body quite well and what it is doing in hot weather. I have been in the ER for heat related issues before, so I know the warning signs and how to prepare myself for heat stress. I have no scientific comparison data, but I can say that coconut water seemed to really keep me healthy and hydrated with no cramping without loading me up with liquid and sugar, i.e. you need less to get the nutrients you need. I hate internal sloshing from too much water.

One thing I have tried in the past as well is a product called Thermotabs. It is a buffered salt tablet to combat loss of salt in perspiration. That can really throw your body chemistry off.

 

[bluetrain4]

Water is all I really need, but usually drink some Gatorade as well.

I sweat a lot, and if it's very hot and humid, I'll cramp at a tournament by the second match if it's a really grindfest or lasts a long time. Usually can work through it, since I'm in motion and warm, but sometimes even my forearm cramps and I'll get a claw grip on my hand. This has alwasy been a problem. The solution has been to literally eat plain salt on changeovers. Not every changeover, but regularly. Has drastically reduced the in-match and post-match cramps. A friend used to use powdered Gatorade (do they still sell that) and would add salt to the mix. Regular Gatorade has nowhere near enough sodium to do the job.

 

[loosegroove]

Not a fan of the Vita-Coco. It has this weird artificial taste to it. For the same price, I much prefer Zinc coconut water.

 

[Turbo-87]

Water is all I really need, but usually drink some Gatorade as well.

I sweat a lot, and if it's very hot and humid, I'll cramp at a tournament by the second match if it's a really grindfest or lasts a long time. Usually can work through it, since I'm in motion and warm, but sometimes even my forearm cramps and I'll get a claw grip on my hand. This has alwasy been a problem. The solution has been to literally eat plain salt on changeovers. Not every changeover, but regularly. Has drastically reduced the in-match and post-match cramps. A friend used to use powdered Gatorade (do they still sell that) and would add salt to the mix. Regular Gatorade has nowhere near enough sodium to do the job.

Check out Thermotabs. Sounds like exactly what you need. I have used them myself because I sweat a ton and lose a lot of salt.

 

[bluetrain4]

Check out Thermotabs. Sounds like exactly what you need. I have used them myself because I sweat a ton and lose a lot of salt.

Thanks much. I was at tournament just a week ago and someone suggested some sort of salt tabs instead of eating plain salt. So, I went to Walgreens and the pharmacist had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. I mean, I understand if they don't carry old-school salt tablets, but she seemed to be mystified by the whole idea of sodium replacement products. "What would this be for?" she asked me.

 

[Mauvaise]

Not a fan of the Vita-Coco. It has this weird artificial taste to it. For the same price, I much prefer Zinc coconut water.

Vita-Coco is the one I tried. I'll give the Zinc one a try too. Maybe if I dilute it in water also...

 

[beernutz]

Gatorade and Stoli.

 

[floridatennisdude]

In the heat of summer, I do have a plan for when I play singles:

Prematch: 16 oz orange gatorade

During: Lots of regular water & 8 oz coconut water

After: 16-32 oz orange gatorade

I but the powdered Gatorade and keep a gallon mixed in my fridge 24/7. I buy Zico coconut water. It tastes like crap, but I have found that it keeps cramps away. When I skip the coconut water, I can feel it after a long match.

 

[Mike Y]

I use Cytomax that I mix with my water that works well. I used to have cramping issues since I play a very defensive style with lots of running, but I don't cramp anymore after I started using it. I also have a spray bottle that I fill with water that I spray myself with on changeovers.

Then I drink lots of beer afterwards.

 

[SoCalJay]

Vitamin water zero
Rockstar rehab lemonade for later in the day after a few sets

 

[USS Tang]

During the match, water.
Immediately after the match, one 17.5 oz. can of "Jugo de Coco" from Thailand (80% coconut juice).
At home after the match, two pint cans of Boddington's Pub Ale followed by dinner.

 

[OriginalHockeytowner]

I use half-strength gatorade during the match, and I always drink 1qt of full-strength gatorade after the match. I try to polish it off quickly, but I take small sips to avoid getting sick.

I buy the 4-pack of powdered gatorade on Amazon. Each bag lasts for about 5-6 matches, depending on how clumsy I get pouring the powder in my water bottles.

 

[TomT]

Or you simply depending on the water fountains at the Tennis Facility?

Yes, mostly the water fountain at the courts. Nice and cold. But, sometimes I'll fill a 64 oz. bottle or two with tap water, add some lemon juice and salt, let it get cold in the frig overnight, and drink that while I'm playing.

Thanks for your and others suggestions. I probably should take some sort of sports drink. I've never had a problem with cramping, but as I'm getting older and the summer gets progressively hotter, I suppose I should pay attention to replacing electrolytes, etc.

After a match, as some here have said, I like to have beer with something good to eat (maybe barbecue, or a big juicy cheeseburger). Of course if the match was relatively early, then I'll skip the beer and have a couple huge glasses of iced tea with lemon and sugar with the food.

 

[TeflonTom]

usually just water

long matches on hot days, cut in powerade at 1 in 4 strength. anythin more is overkill - they sell it way more concentrated than it needs 2 be

drink about a quart/hr in summer. dehydration is a *****

 

[retlod]

Any flavor G2.

 

[anubis]

Before match: I try to drink at least 3 liters of water throughout the day.

During match: I carry a two liter bottle of water, nothing else.

After the match: I have a protein shake (Vega Sport). I mix it with Chocolate almond milk.

 

[anantak2k]

I used to drink gatorade and water. 1 32ounce gatorade and about 3 to 4 liters of water. Miami is ridiculously hot and humid. I had a lot of cramping issues towards the end in tough 3 setters that went around 3 hours long with intense rallies. And if I did not cramp during the match, I was cramping on the way home at times.

Recently, I started drinking coconut water (Vita Coco). I do not like the taste of it at all. I did try some of the mixed flavor ones and those taste much better. I drink one 11.1 ounce coconut water or sometimes the 17 ounce version and 3-4 liters of water. Ever since I started drinking the coconut water, I have yet to have any cramping issues. Therefore, its definitely helping me. Even though I dislike the taste, I am now drinking it every time I play tennis.

 

[tennisadict]

I just stick with tecate

 

[msweigert08]

Johnny Walker Blue does the trick

 

[tennismonkey]

i also like coconut water. but i prefer au natural. i like to bring a couple of these to my matches along with a machete. i think my opponents know i'm one serious MF'er.

 

[spiderman123]

It wasn't the lack of added sugar. I don't like sweeteners in drinks (drink iced tea black; same with coffee) which is why I water down the Vitamin water. I just very much didn't like the flavour.

I was disappointed because I know it's quite good for me.

Try watering down coconut water. It may grow on you slowly.
Good pure coconut water is expensive though

 

[Fuji]

Vodka, especially during singles when I'm playing up...

Seriously though, just water. I make sure it's the same temperature as what it is outside. I leave it out of my bag, beside it. I don't drink cold water and I find "room temperature" water better on my stomach then cold. I usually bring 2-3L of water to a singles match.

-Fuji

 

[slh14]

Pedia-Lyte (or other pediatric electrolyte brands) is the only product that has kept me from cramping while playing matches during the hot Southern summer months. It can be thick and heavy on your stomach, so I chase it with water.

 

[floridatennisdude]

Try watering down coconut water. It may grow on you slowly.
Good pure coconut water is expensive though

I can attest to the cost of coconut water. It is easily 4x the cost of Gatorade. But, I drink it because it works. I sip 8oz of it over a match and drink water the rest of the time.

I played this morning in mild temperatures and didn't sweat enough to even go to the coconut water. Saving it for the next match, which will likely be more demanding.

 

[arche3]

I think as you hit mid 40s the tendency to cramp rises. I never cramped as a kid and in college. Now If I play on a hot humid day and do not drink power aid I cramp in my calf about 90% of the time.

 

[sandiegoman]

You must be on the younger side if you're drinking Gatorade spiked by some Amp? Granted I know a dude in his 40's who shows up to our matches toting 2 liter bottles of Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper as his only forms of rehydration.

That's awesome! how did he play?

 

[NLBwell]

For me, a large Coke from McDonalds. If it is really hot, some water, too.

 

[Limpinhitter]

I used to like Title till they went out of business.

 

[bkpr]

I take 1.2.L of water, and 1.2L of my magic elixir of 97% water + a pinch of Murray River (natural) salt flakes + 3% Ribena for taste and sugar. I like water, but I need some flavour during so much fluid intake. I drink more elixir vs water at the top end of the match and vice versa towards the end.* I take it in 4x 600ml bottles in a 6-pack beer cooler.

Living in Malaysia I should really try coconut water as I'm sure it's reasonably cheap. Cracking open a coconut, sticking in a straw (and a cocktail umbrella) would be pretty sweet

* note: I generally lose most of my matches …

 

[Baxter]

So that milky stuff the the pros have in their Evian bottles is diluted coconut water? I've always wondered what that was. I do 32 oz 1/2 strength lemon lime Gatorade and when that runs out I switch to water. It's normally between 90 and low 100s here in summer with low humidity.