Abstract
Physical load during football match evokes significant depletion of glycogen stores. Intermittent nature of exercise including repeated maximal short sprints is associated with rapid muscle glycogen breakdown.
With respect to quality of training proces and to optimal performance in football game, expecially with multiple matches in a week, replenishment of exercise capacity after training and matches is important. Restoration of glycogen stores is a primary focus of recovery.
Ingesting carbohydrate during exercise helps support performance and preserves sports skills to optimal extent in course of the whole match duration. Successful recovery requires players to consume an adaquate quantity (up to 9 g/kg of body mass) of preferable high glycemic carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate-protein mixtures may reduce the delayed onset of muscle soreness caused by eccentric character of some physical loads.