| Artificial turf is a man-made surface manufactured | | | | pitches are designed for elite level field hockey. |
| from synthetic materials like polypropylene or | | | | These pitches do not have a sand-infill and |
| polyethylene. Made to look like grass, an artificial | | | | therefore minimise the abrasive effect caused by |
| turf has become a popular choice for a wide | | | | sand. These pitches however, require a sprinkler |
| variety of sports, which were originally played on | | | | system for prolonged showering of the pitch prior |
| natural grass pitches. | | | | to their use and occasionally during half time |
| Ever since the first artificial turf, known as | | | | intervals. The semi-water pitch is another option |
| “Astroturf”, was installed in the newly built | | | | available for field hockey. These pitches can be |
| Astrodome in Houston, Texas in 1965, the | | | | sprayed with water. Being sand-dressed (and |
| popularity of these artificial sports surfaces gained | | | | not sand-filled), these pitches can be confused |
| momentum. Today, a variety of sports, including | | | | with unfilled “water based” pitches. The |
| football, hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, and | | | | third type of artificial turf for hockey is a |
| many more are played on these synthetic sports | | | | sand-filled artificial turf. It is suited to ambitious |
| surfaces. | | | | amateur teams. Thus, there is an artificial turf |
| Artificial turf has become a permanent feature | | | | 'pitch' solution to suit every hockey club, at every |
| for field hockey. With the introduction of artificial | | | | level and every budget. |
| turf pitch, the game of hockey has become much | | | | Whatever be the type of artificial hockey turf |
| faster and consequently, more popular. Players | | | | you opt for, uniform playing characteristics, |
| can now make fast passes with precise ball | | | | predictable ball behaviour and optimal grip are |
| control. In fact, some rules have been amended | | | | some of the benefits that a player can enjoy on |
| and techniques refined to suit the new pace of | | | | an artificial turf. A renowned artificial grass |
| the game. For instance, a hockey player can now | | | | manufacturer will ensure optimum playing |
| try techniques like reverse stick trapping and | | | | characteristics of these surfaces. |
| hitting on an artificial hockey pitch. The shape of | | | | Artificial sports surfaces can be used all year |
| the hockey sticks has also undergone a change to | | | | round irrespective of weather conditions. In |
| produce optimum results whilst playing on an | | | | addition, the shock pad underneath the top layer |
| artificial surface. | | | | of an artificial turf offers cushioning to the players. |
| An artificial hockey turf can be of three types, | | | | They need not have any worries about injuries |
| namely the water-based pitch, the semi-water | | | | whilst sliding and falling during the game. |
| pitch, or the sand-filled surface. Water-based | | | | |