Enjoy hockey round the year with an Artificial Hockey Pitch

If you go to cheer for your favourite hockey team, do not be surprised to find players playing on an artificial hockey pitch. Artificial turf has secured a prominent place in various other sports too, not just hockey.  International sports associations and governing bodies have approved the use of artificial surfaces for sports like football and hockey and others, which were originally played on natural grass sports pitches.

The most commonly used artificial hockey pitch is manufactured from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene. Made to look like grass, the artificial hockey pitch has become a popular choice for hockey pitches.

The introduction of synthetic sports pitches has changed the game of field hockey significantly. The use of shorter fibres in artificial sports surfaces has increased the speed of the ball across the surface; owing to which, the game has become much faster. Artificial surfaces have also brought about a change in the shape of the hockey sticks to allow for different techniques, such as trapping, reverse stick, and hitting.

Basically, there are three different categories of artificial turf: unfilled, sand dressed, and sand filled. Most of the renowned hockey associations generally opt for unfilled or “water-based” artificial turf for playing hockey. Unfilled or water based sports pitches are perfect for playing hockey as they minimise the abrasive effect of the ‘grass’ fibres.  The shock pad underneath the top layer of the artificial turf offers enough cushioning to the players and they no longer have to worry about injuries whilst sliding and falling. Such an artificial hockey pitch however, requires wetting at regular intervals. Sometimes, depending on the condition of the weather, showering can be done even during the half-time of the play.   

Some artificial sports pitches may also be sand-dressed. Sand-dressed pitches comprise pile that is filled with fine sand. The sand is filled within 5-8mm of the tips of the fibre. The third type, the sand-filled artificial turf is not generally used as a hockey pitch. In this case, the carpet pile is filled with sand almost to the top. This makes the pitch rough and harder.

Whatever be the type of artificial hockey turf you opt for, uniform playing characteristics, predictable ball behaviour, and optimal grip are some of the benefits that a player can enjoy on an artificial turf. Besides, artificial sports surfaces can be used all year round irrespective of weather conditions.