Hydration in Winter: Why Your Game Still Needs Water (Even When You’re Freezing)

Let’s get something straight right away:

If you wait until you feel thirsty, you’re already behind.

Yes. Even in winter.

Yes. Even on indoor courts.

Yes. Even when your hands feel like ice cubes.

Welcome to cold-weather dehydration. It’s sneaky. It doesn’t announce itself. It just quietly steals your energy, focus, and footwork.

Fun.

“But I’m Not Sweating…”

You are. You just don’t notice it as much.

Cold air is dry. Heated indoor spaces are dry. Long rallies still raise your core temperature. You’re losing fluid every session, whether it feels dramatic or not.

The problem? In winter:

• You don’t feel thirsty as often

• You forget your bottle more easily

• Cold water feels less appealing

• Breaks feel rushed

• Layers hide sweat

So kids end up training hard while slowly drying out like forgotten laundry.

That’s not elite behavior. That’s accidental sabotage.

Why Hydration Matters for Junior Players

Being under-hydrated affects:

• Reaction time 🧠

• Decision-making

• Muscle endurance

• Recovery between matches

• Injury risk

• Mood (yes, cranky squash is a thing)

Even mild dehydration can reduce performance by 5–10%. That’s the difference between winning a tight game and watching the ball die in the back corner while your legs refuse to cooperate.

Hydration is not a “health thing.”

It’s a performance thing.

Cold Weather Makes It Harder (Not Easier)

In summer, your body screams for water.

In winter, it politely whispers.

Kids especially struggle because:

• They don’t build drinking into routines

• They rely on thirst cues

• They get distracted

• They assume “cold = no sweat”

Wrong.

Winter hydration requires intention.

Simple Rules That Actually Work

Nothing complicated. Just habits.

1. Start hydrated

Drink water before you arrive at the club. Not after warm-up. Before.

2. Sip, don’t chug

Small sips between games. Every time. Make it automatic.

3. Bring your bottle courtside

If it’s in your bag, it doesn’t exist.

4. Warm fluids help

Room-temperature water or lightly warm drinks are easier to consume in cold weather.

5. Post-session refill

Finish your bottle after training. Recovery starts immediately.

Parents: if your child comes home with a full bottle, that’s feedback.

Tournament Days Matter Even More

Multiple matches. Short turnarounds. Lots of adrenaline.

This is where hydration separates prepared players from tired ones.

Top juniors don’t “hope” they stay hydrated. They plan for it.

One Last Thing

Hydration is part of professionalism.

It’s like tying your shoes or warming up properly. It’s basic. It’s boring. And it works.

You don’t control draws.

You don’t control opponents.

You do control your preparation.

Drink the water.

Your future legs will thank you.