Carbohydrate intake during exercise is commonly associated with endurance sports. In contrast, it is believed that soccer players may not need to focus as much on carbohydrate intake. However, recent studies suggest that carbohydrate consumption can play a role in soccer performance. This article explores the relationship between carbohydrates and soccer performance and reviews recent studies on this topic.

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Can Endurance Research be Transferred to Soccer?

Although most research on carbohydrate intake has been conducted in endurance sports, it is essential to determine whether these findings can be applied to soccer. While running performance is critical in soccer, other skills such as passing, shooting, dribbling, timing, and heading also influence the game's outcome. Recent studies have shown that carbohydrate intake can affect cognitive processes and indirectly delay fatigue.

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Studies on Skills Performance

Several studies have shown that carbohydrate ingestion can improve shooting, dribbling, and passing performance. In one study conducted at the University of Birmingham, soccer players who ingested 55g of carbohydrates per hour had significantly better dribbling and kicking accuracy than those who received a placebo. However, carbohydrate ingestion did not improve jumping to head a ball, which involves minimal cognitive function. In general, placebo ingestion during the later stages of a game resulted in a decline in skill performance, which can be reduced by carbohydrate intake.

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Difficult Studies

Measuring skill performance is notoriously challenging, making it challenging to obtain conclusive findings. Variations in measurements and external variables can impact the outcome and make it more challenging to determine the effects of interventions such as carbohydrate intake. As a result, some studies have shown positive effects of carbohydrate ingestion, while others have not. Nevertheless, there are no known negative effects of carbohydrate consumption.

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Carbohydrate Intake: An Important Strategy

In Soccer Given the positive findings from recent studies, it is essential to explore the benefits of carbohydrate intake in soccer further. Even small improvements in each of the eleven players can significantly impact the team's performance. Soccer players should consume carbohydrates just before the game and at halftime, with a target intake of 90 grams (45g before and 45g at halftime) based on current research in endurance sports and limited studies on soccer. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal amount of carbohydrate intake.

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Conclusion

Recent reviews have examined the effects of carbohydrate consumption on soccer performance and other team sports. Findings suggest that carbohydrate intake can play a role in soccer performance, particularly in skills performance, and can indirectly delay fatigue. Carbohydrate intake can be a valuable strategy for soccer players, particularly at the highest level.

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Scientific Reference

1. ‍Currell K, Conway S, and Jeukendrup AE. Carbohydrate ingestion improves performance of a new reliable test of soccer performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 19: 34-46, 2009.
2. ‍ Ali A, and Williams C. Carbohydrate ingestion and soccer skill performance during prolonged intermittent exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences 27: 1499-1508, 2009. FREE FULL PAPER
3. ‍Phillips SM, Sproule J, and Turner AP. Carbohydrate ingestion during team games exercise: current knowledge and areas for future investigation. Sports Med 41: 559-585, 2011. FREE FULL PAPER‍
4. Baker LB, Nuccio RP, Jeukendrup AE. Acute effects of dietary constituents on motor skill and cognitive performance in athletes. Nutr Rev. 2014 Dec;72(12):790-802