The hockey industry now prefers artificial and synthetic surfaces, rather than the more traditional, natural grass pitches. However, there are multiple options available, all with their own set of benefits and disadvantages. When selecting a hockey pitch for your school, university, sports club or local facility, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each synthetic surface, to help you make the right decision. Let’s get to know the three types of field hockey pitch.
What are Hockey Pitches Made Of?
Water-based, sand-filled and sand-dressed are the three main types of field hockey pitch. The three options can all be certified by FIH and depend on your installation needs.
Sand-dressed and sand-filled pitches are ideal for schools, colleges and sports clubs who are hoping to use their pitch for a variety of sports. They’re often a more cost-effective option due to their versatility.
Wet pitches are a very popular choice of surface in the hockey industry and are the go-to choice for pro, semi-pro and international hockey, but what makes them so commonplace in the sport?
Water-Based Hockey Pitches
Water based hockey pitches are a very popular choice due to many play benefits. However the FIH believe that more sustainable ways can be achieved without having to water a pitch.
Why are Hockey Pitches Wet?
There are many benefits that come with opting for a water-based hockey pitch, making them very popular choices for semi-pro and pro hockey. For instance, the water reduces friction on the surface and actually improves the speed and overall consistency of the ball roll. Play can be smoother and faster than on a dry pitch. Furthermore, the water also provides shock absorption, which will put less strain on the players’ joints. They’re overall safer surfaces as, if a player falls on a water-based pitch, they’re much less likely to be left with abrasion injuries and friction burns.
A wet pitch also gives the players more control over their slides and they even find that their hockey sticks last longer when playing on wet surfaces. As they are not being worn out by the sand infill that you find on a dry pitch. Lastly, the ball bounces consistently on a wet pitch, whereas it is a lot more irregular on a dry pitch.
There are a few downsides when it comes to water-based pitches, however, which can affect both the players and the spectators of a match. They’re often watered by sprinklers or water canons, which could disrupt the game if placed incorrectly. Players may need to manoeuvre around these sprinklers. The sprinklers run the risk of malfunctioning, leading to dry turf and possible game delays. Not to mention the cost of watering a water-based hockey pitch too.
Keeping a hockey pitch wet can be done in one of two ways:
- Installing automated sprinklers to regularly water the pitch
- Manually soak the surface before play.
If the weather is particularly sunny and hot on the day of a match, they may also wet the surface again during half-time breaks.
Dry Hockey Pitches
AS Sports were delighted to be at the forefront of new hockey pitch technology this year. We installed the UK’s first dry hockey pitch for Basingstoke Hockey Club at Down Grange Sports Complex. A dry hockey pitch uses TurfGlide Technology that enables a faster pace of hockey to be played. The Poligras Paris GT Zero Hockey Turf is also more sustainable being the world’s first carbon zero hockey pitch and has been certified at Olympic Level.
Sand-Filled Hockey Pitches
Sand-filled hockey pitches are made up of an artificial grass carpet, with a layer of sand infill at the base of the fibres. The infill helps to keep the grass fibres upright, preventing them from becoming impacted.
Friction burns and other injuries are common on sand-filled hockey pitches. Play is generally slower due to the sand infill, as the ball rolls slower. However, sand-filled pitches are often the most affordable option. They can be used for a variety of sports, such as football, netball and tennis, which makes them a very cost-effective choice for schools and colleges. They’re great for playing hockey at a recreational level.
Sand-Dressed Hockey Pitches
Compared to sand-filled pitches, sand-dressed hockey pitches are made of more yarn and less sand. This can actually help the ball to roll faster across the surface. Reducing abrasion and the risk of friction burns. These pitches feel softer underfoot due to the presence of more fibre and less sand infill. They’re ideal for a higher standard of hockey than the aforementioned sand-filled surfaces. Sand-filled pitches are still present and used across the UK. With that said, Over 95% of new or resurfaced hockey pitches are actually sand-dressed.
Contact AS Sports For Hockey Pitch Installations
At AS Sports, we offer a range of synthetic hockey surfaces. From sand-dressed and sand-filled surfaces, perfect for schools looking for a multi-sport surface, to the water-based surfaces favoured by professional and semi-pro clubs.
We work with many established hockey clubs across the UK, including Beeston Hockey Club based in Nottingham. We’re proud of our relationship and to be the official supplier of their electric blue hockey pitch.
Check out our hockey page to find out more on how you could also have an industry leading hockey pitch.
