Parents often wonder: “What foods and drinks are best for my child before basketball practice or a game?” While there are plenty of snacks marketed to kids as “energy boosters,” many are actually loaded with sugar. For young basketball players, too much sugar can hurt focus, stamina, and overall performance on the court.
At Royal Basketball School in Los Angeles, we’re committed to helping kids stay active, healthy, and happy through the game of basketball. That includes teaching families about smart nutrition choices that support athletic growth.
Why Too Much Sugar is a Problem for Kids in Sports
When children consume snacks or drinks high in sugar before practice, they may experience:
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Energy spikes and crashes that make it harder to concentrate during drills and games.
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Early fatigue, limiting endurance on the court.
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Increased risk of dental issues and unhealthy weight gain.
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Long-term health concerns like diabetes and poor eating habits if sugar intake is too high over time.
For young athletes, energy should come from balanced meals, hydration, and nutrient-rich snacks—not from sugar highs.
Common Hidden Sugars in “Healthy” Sports Snacks
Many products that seem like good options for kids are surprisingly high in sugar. Parents should look out for:
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Sports drinks – Often contain as much sugar as soda. For most basketball practices, water is the best choice.
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Granola and protein bars – Some contain 15–20 grams of sugar, the same as a candy bar.
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Flavored yogurts – Pack in added sugars despite being marketed as “healthy.”
Fruit juices – Even 100% juice is high in natural sugars and should be limited.
Smart Snack Swaps for Young Basketball Players
Instead of sugary options, try these parent-approved alternatives that give kids lasting energy:
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Water + whole fruit instead of juice or sports drinks.
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Banana with nut butter instead of a candy bar.
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Plain Greek yogurt with berries instead of flavored yogurt.
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Homemade energy bites (oats, nut butter, seeds, and a touch of honey) for a nutrient-packed pre-practice snack.
When Sugar is Okay for Kids in Sports
Not all sugar is bad. Natural sugars from whole foods, like fruit, provide energy that young athletes can use right away. A banana, apple, or orange before practice is a great option for quick fuel—without the crash of processed sugar.
Final Takeaway for Parents
The next time you pack snacks for basketball practice or a weekend league game, choose foods that will give your child sustained energy, focus, and strength. By avoiding the sugar trap, you’ll help your child play better, recover faster, and build lifelong healthy habits.
At Royal Basketball School, we believe in educating through physical activity and healthy choices—helping kids become not only great athletes but also strong, healthy individuals.