We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Tennis Pre-Game Diet
GetFit4Tennis
Posts: 6
I am a competitive USTA player in Sacramento, CA (USTA Norcal Section) and one really bad habit I have is that I carb load with fast food before matches to give me the energy to sustain a 2-3 hour match during tournaments or league play. It works but is so bad for my fitness and diet. Why do you guys eat for your pre-match meals I am trying to dump my fast food pre-match routine?
0
Replies
-
Sorry. Cannot help you. I tend not to eat much before as I don't want to feel heavy on the court.
I am always surprised at how much the pros eat and drink now during matches. They play three games. Then, on the changeover, they sit down and drink half a bottle of water and eat half a banana. At five games, they drink the same amount of water, finish the banana, and add a bit of sports drink.
Maybe there is your answer. Instead of fueling up with heavy fare before the match, bring a banana or two, some kind of granola or energy bar, and some Gu (like the runners use). Oh yeah, and lots and lots of water.0 -
I eat pasta 2-3 hour before a match. That gives me energy.0
-
I tend to eat lowerish on the carb ladder but before my matches or intense tennis training drills I have steel cut oats and add in a nut butter. I always take a banana or grapes in with with me because I always seem to go to a third set. The quick sugar seems to help!0
-
I keep a Clif Gel pack or two in my tennis bag so I don't have to load up on carbs ahead of time as a "just in case". It's hard to know when it will be a lopsided quickie or a marathon match.0
This discussion has been closed.