The importance of sports nutrition in team sports

Endurance sports and team sports have significant differences in the nature of the effort and the energy systems used. However, they share common needs in terms of cardiovascular preparation, nutrition and resistance to fatigue.

In team sports, sports nutrition also plays a crucial role. However, its importance is often underestimated in these disciplines, unlike endurance sports such as running or cycling where it has historically been deeply integrated into the preparation of athletes as in racing. Professional athletes in football, handball, basketball, volleyball or rugby are now supported by sports dieticians-nutritionists who are aware that appropriate nutrition during a match can improve energy, endurance, and recovery. We see more and more players consuming a gel at half-time when returning to the locker room. Amateur sport is still relatively little concerned while the needs are the same even if the stakes are lower.

Physiological differences between endurance sports and team sports

Nature of the effort :

• Endurance sports : These sports require a continuous, moderate to intense effort over a long period of time. They mainly require aerobic endurance, which uses oxygen to produce energy in a sustained manner.
• Team sports : The effort is often intermittent, alternating intense phases (sprints, jumps, rapid changes of direction) and moments of rest or low intensity. This mobilizes both aerobic and anaerobic endurance, depending on the specific actions.

Energy system requested :

• Endurance Sports : Endurance sports rely on the aerobic energy system, primarily lipids (fats) and carbohydrates, to maintain a constant energy level.
• Team sports : Team sports combine the aerobic and anaerobic systems. During sprints and intense efforts, they use the anaerobic lactic system (rapid production of energy without oxygen, but with the formation of lactic acid) and alactic for brief explosive efforts.

Energy demand and recovery :

• Endurance sports : Energy needs are stable and relatively predictable, with high and continuous caloric expenditure.
• Team sports : Energy is required irregularly, which imposes a strong need for muscle recovery, especially during rest phases during matches.

Physiological Similarities Between the Two Types of Sports

Development of cardiovascular capacity :

In both types of sports, the cardiovascular system (heart and lungs) is used to ensure a good supply of oxygen to the muscles. Both endurance and team sports athletes benefit from good cardiovascular fitness, even if the intensity and pace vary.

Importance of nutrition for performance :

Nutritional needs are important to maintain energy, recovery and performance in both cases. Carbohydrates, proteins, electrolytes and hydration play a fundamental role in supporting the effort, whether continuous or intermittent.

Why is sports nutrition essential in team sports?

Team sports are practiced over shorter durations ranging from 1 to 2 hours but require more intense efforts than endurance sports. A balanced diet and specific products can help optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury. However, there is often a lack of knowledge about sports nutrition in these disciplines.

How Mulebar Meets the Needs of Team Sports Players

Mulebar, a brand known for its natural and high-performance energy products, offers a range of bars, gels, compotes and drinks that meet the specific needs of team sports. Made with natural ingredients, without artificial additives, their products provide long-lasting energy. Mulebar energy bars are ideal before exercise, to provide muscles with the necessary fuel without weighing down digestion, while their gels, compotes and drinks provide a boost of energy and a boost to the heart at half-time or during the match.

The advantages of Mulebar products for team sports enthusiasts:

• Sustainable energy : The complex carbohydrates in their bars provide a gradual release of energy, essential for intermittent sports such as football or rugby.
• Ease of digestion : Thanks to natural ingredients, Mulebar products are easily digestible, avoiding the feeling of heaviness during exercise.
• Optimized recovery : After an intense match, Mulebar protein bars help to quickly restore energy reserves, thus contributing to better recovery and the protein participates in muscle reconstruction.

Sports nutrition, an asset to maximize performance

Adopting quality sports nutrition, even in team sports, can make a difference. Mulebar, with its natural and adapted products, is a solution of choice for athletes looking for optimal performance and recovery. Footballers, handball players, volleyball players and rugby players will find it a valuable ally to push their limits on the field.