Coffee could boost footballing skills

David Howells

15/12/2011 16:28:00

Coffee and toast could boost a person’s footballing prowess, sciencedaily.com reports.

Caffeine and carbohydrates have long been associated with boosts of energy for the playing field.

However now it has been claimed that the two could also better skill and performance, potentially prompting many amateur footballers to get a coffee machine of their own.

The research was undertaken by scientists from Sheffield Hallam University, which set up simulated sports games and asked eight volunteers between the age of 18 - 22 to play. Players underwent the first match after drinking a coloured liquid - one that contained no carbohydrates or caffeine. For the second match, they were given a drink containing just caffeine; then before the third match, a drink containing both caffeine and carbs.

Participants were then measured on their agility, dribbling, heading and kicking accuracy, with those who had drunk the caffeine-carb combination drink beforehand showing greater results.

Speaking to Mail Online about the results, lead researcher Mayur Ranchordas explained: “We found that the combination of carbohydrate and caffeine allowed players to sustain higher work intensity for the sprints, as well as improving shooting accuracy and dribbling during simulated soccer activity.

“What we found suggests that if caffeine and carbs improve the skill and endurance of people playing football, it may also benefit other sporting events too.”