In recent weeks you've read about the performance-enhancing methods of David Beckham, one of the greatest players of his generation.

Although hugely successful, compare his skills and talent with someone like Paul Gascoigne and Becks would arguably come up short.

Gazza is widely regarded as the most skilful player of his generation; some would say the last genuine world-class player England has produced.

Yet Becks is the one with the 100-plus England caps and a collection of winner's medals from every major league and competition in Europe.

Analysis of the lifestyles of the two players and their career success may give you a greater understanding of the importance of correct off-field preparation and why it is vital to your own success.

Let me give you an example of poor preparation that is common in grassroots sport yet easy for you to avoid.

At a recent Feel Great for Sport talk-in, Craig Hignett described a brilliant story of a game where he and Gazza were playing for Middlesbrough and Gazza had to be substituted after only 15 minutes.

Apparently Gazza's performance was less than impressive, co-ordination and balance somewhat lacking.

When Gazza was leaving the pitch he was asked if he had been drinking alcohol. He hadn't. It turned out that he had drunk 20 cans of a well-known caffeine-based energy enhancing drink immediately before the game.

The problem with such drinks is that many people think they improve physical performance.

However, excess consumption immediately prior to a game is not only dangerous, but will hugely increase your injury risk and dehydration levels.

I'd be surprised if there weren't at least a of couple of players in your team who believe these drinks are an essential part of their pre-match preparation.

In reality, a caffeine-based stimulant will serve only to boost the alertness of your mind for approximately 30 minutes. It will do nothing to improve your physiological performance and excess consumption will actually hinder your performance.

My advice is not to drink them in the immediate hours before a game or you risk muscle cramps and dehydration.

The same goes for tea and coffee. As a coach or parent, consider talking to your players or children about the effect that too much caffeine can have on their performance and injury risk.

To give you an idea, Red Bull will have approx 80mgs of caffeine, coffee 70mgs and tea will have 45mgs.

Don't spoil all of the good preparation that you're doing with the excessive use of caffeine before your games.

If you are a young player, just starting out in your career, ask your parents about Gazza.

The stories will begin with a smile and you will enjoy hearing of his on-field brilliance and off-field pranks.

I was once the subject of one of Gazza's many practical jokes. You may recall the celebrity match which took place at Darlington back in 2004 in which Gazza played. I was physio on that day and about 20 minutes into the game Gazza went down injured and looked badly hurt.

I ran on the pitch as quickly as possible.

As I arrived, Gazza jumped quickly to his feet and just looked at me and laughed - along with 15,000 people in the crowd!