- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Hydration Breaks or Momentum Stoppers?
Posted on 6/17/26 at 11:42 am
Posted on 6/17/26 at 11:42 am
I know a lot of the criticism about Hydration Breaks (HB) has been directed towards the way FIFA was able to introduce more advertising revenue.
However, I’ve wondered how it fits into the tactical strategy and what effects it has had on in-game performance. After all, unlike many sports in the US, there are no time outs and players are no allowed to go to the sidelines even if there is stoppage for an extended period.
I’ve only found one “study” of the effect and that was on ESPN. Frankly, I expected it to make more of a difference because you could adjust tactics that weren’t working during these breaks.
But, mainly seems to effect possession % after HB’s than goals scored according to the limited data from 5 matches they gave (see below)

However, I’ve wondered how it fits into the tactical strategy and what effects it has had on in-game performance. After all, unlike many sports in the US, there are no time outs and players are no allowed to go to the sidelines even if there is stoppage for an extended period.
I’ve only found one “study” of the effect and that was on ESPN. Frankly, I expected it to make more of a difference because you could adjust tactics that weren’t working during these breaks.
But, mainly seems to effect possession % after HB’s than goals scored according to the limited data from 5 matches they gave (see below)

Posted on 6/17/26 at 12:52 pm to Smokin Joe Dumas
Oh look another thread about this.
It’s brought up in every game.
Just get used to it. It is what is by now.
It’s brought up in every game.
Just get used to it. It is what is by now.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 2:05 pm to Smokin Joe Dumas
Honestly, I think the graphs are pretty interesting. Clear momentum shifts before and after the hydration breaks.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 4:34 pm to Smokin Joe Dumas
The ads were obviously going to happen.
But these drinks breaks have happened before. This is not new.
But these drinks breaks have happened before. This is not new.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 4:56 pm to dgnx6
A 3 minute break that adds an opportunity for tactical changes is actually a positive thing, IMO.
This is something that bothers core soccer fans, doesn't bother new soccer fans, and won't be a complaint for long. I think the complaints will just disappear.
This is something that bothers core soccer fans, doesn't bother new soccer fans, and won't be a complaint for long. I think the complaints will just disappear.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 5:01 pm to moneyg
quote:If it’s a good thing why only 3 minutes? Why not 30
A 3 minute break that adds an opportunity for tactical changes is actually a positive thing, IMO.
No reason to half arse reward mediocre coaching unable to keep up with the game as it’s been for almost 130 years, let’s get even more retarded
This post was edited on 6/17/26 at 5:08 pm
Posted on 6/17/26 at 5:47 pm to GrimaceBallz
Good. Continue to make threads about it. FIFA should hear non stop about how dumb it is.
All a sham to pretend it’s hotter than normal.
All a sham to pretend it’s hotter than normal.
Posted on 6/17/26 at 9:30 pm to ezride25
quote:Telemundo keeping it OG the best they can and not breaking to commercials like fox.
Ad revenue
Posted on 6/17/26 at 11:39 pm to RemouladeSawce
quote:
If it’s a good thing why only 3 minutes? Why not 30
That's easy - it's because they're not trying to serve the same purpose as halftime. If you're trying to sell the breaks, they're a good thing because they're adding a brand-new chance for strategy, coaching, tactics etc. A chance for great coaching to separate & gain an advantage. It's expanding the game. And 9 figures of Ad revenue is the cherry on top that makes the execs jizz their suits.
On another note, why is there a break at all? Tradition.
Are the new breaks interfering with the purpose of the original break??
Change = bad is human nature, but once you get past that are the breaks truly diminishing the game or not??
Popular
Back to top

4






