Ali, A., Nicholas, C. W., Brooks, J. H., Davison, S., Foskett, A., & Williams, C. (2002). The influence of carbohydrate ingestion on soccer skill performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 13.

Male university soccer players (N = 16) were given a carbohydrate/electrolyte solution (6.4% concentration) or a placebo before and during a soccer skills test involving passing and shooting. The tests were conducted seven days apart. Ss performed the skills test, completed a glycogen lowering exercise, and were fed a low-CHO meal the evening before each experimental condition test.

There were no statistically significant differences in skill performances between the conditions. Sprint performance and VO2max were better maintained in the CHO trial.

Implication. Carbohydrate ingestion had no significant effect on soccer skill performance.

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