A look into some different surfaces for college student-athletes to play field hockey on.
As a field hockey player, the terrain beneath your shoes can be just as influential as the skills you bring to the match. Field conditions and the type of field you’re playing on shape everything from speed to ball control, and terrain — and how you adjust your skills for that terrain — can mean the difference between an unexpected turnover or a smooth pass.
Grass vs. Turf: Field Hockey Playing Surfaces
Natural turf used to be the status quo, but today’s field hockey players encounter a wide array of options — each offering specific benefits and challenges.
Natural Grass Fields
Global surveys have found that most athletes prefer the feel and aesthetics of natural grass. Research shows that grass fields are also safer for field hockey players, with fewer sports injuries and accidents compared to artificial turf.
However, grass field surfaces can be more uneven, resulting in inconsistent ball behavior and more unpredictable performance. Grass fields also require more maintenance, and conditions can change rapidly with shifting weather, such as muddy or slippery conditions after it has rained.
Artificial Hockey Turf Fields
Compared to natural grass, hockey turf provides a smoother and more consistent surface that doesn’t change as much due to the weather, leveling of the soil, and other factors. Studies on field hockey athletes reveal that this results in:
- Improved ball carrying
- Better hitting and pushing
- Enhanced ball contact
- Optimized athletic performance
Preparing for Different Field Conditions
Prepare yourself by training on both natural grass and artificial turf. This conditions your body and field hockey instincts to evolve in real-time, based on the conditions you encounter when you show up to a match. However, that’s not the only way to proactively stay ahead of the game.
Develop Versatile Skills
Certain skills you’ve mastered on artificial turf might simply not work on grass. For example, grass fields require you to focus more on lifted passes and striving to keep the ball off the ground whenever possible since uneven surfaces and varying grass heights will slow down the ball.
On the flip side, if you only practice on grass, playing on artificial turf will really test your conditioning and force you to move faster and anticipate ahead of time what’s going to happen.
Scout the venues ahead of time to know what you’ll face on game day.
Adjust Your Equipment and Gear
Expect more physical play on natural grass, so opt for thicker shin guards and cleats with longer studs to provide improved traction.
If you’re playing on artificial turf, you’ll find the field firmer. This requires turf shoes or shoes with shorter studs. You can also get by with thinner shin guards.
Prepare For Your Next Match With PAC-Hub
PAC-Hub works with field hockey athletes like you, including support for your athletic journey through one-on-one coaching who can help you with ongoing mental support, fiscal guidance, and more.
You can also use our NIL marketplace to connect with local businesses who want to hire you for an appearance at events and games, expanding your visibility. Join PAC-Hub to take control of your NIL today!
