Purpose: To investigate the effect of ingesting carbohydrate and caffeine solutions on measures that are central to success in badminton. Methods: Twelve male badminton players performed a badminton serve-accuracy test, coincidence-anticipation timing (CAT), and a choice reaction-time sprint test 60 min before exercise. Participants then consumed 7 mL/kg body mass of either water (PLA), 6.4% carbohydrate solution (CHO), a solution containing a caffeine dose of 4 mg/kg, or 6.4% carbohydrate and 4 mg/kg caffeine (C+C). All solutions were flavored with orange-flavored concentrate. During the 33-min fatigue protocol, participants were provided with an additional 3 mL/kg body mass of solution, which was ingested before the end of the protocol. As soon as the 33-min fatigue protocol was completed, all measures were recorded again. Results: Short-serve accuracy was improved after the ingestion of CHO and C+C compared with PLA (P = .001, ?p2 = .50). Long-serve accuracy was improved after the ingestion of C+C compared with PLA (P < .001, nyp2 = .53). Absolute error in CAT demonstrated smaller deteriorations after the ingestion of C+C compared with PLA (P < .05; slow, nyp2 = .41; fast, nyp2 = .31). Choice reaction time improved in all trials with the exception of PLA, which demonstrated a reduction (P < .001, ?p2 = .85), although C+C was faster than all trials (P < .001, nyp2 = .76). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the ingestion of a caffeinated carbohydrate solution before and during a badminton match can maintain serve accuracy, anticipation timing, and sprinting actions around the court.
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