Playing Football in a Hot Environment: Effects on Performance and Recommendations for Coaches

Abstract

Athletic performance is decreased during exercise in high environmental heat stress. Given the lack of reviews - especially in Greek – regarding football games and workouts in extreme ambient conditions, this review examines the effects of high environmental heat stress on the performance and health of football athletes. The issues discussed include the environment of south Europe, the performance under heat stress conditions, the intensity of football exercise, the heat stress in football, but also practical applications and guidelines for coaches. Future research should focus on strategies that will maximize the performance of athletes during exercise in high heat stress and reduce as much as possible the effects of the thermal burden on the health of athletes.