Artificial Player Hockey Pitch:durable And Weather Resistant
The sight of energetic players with sticks in their hands vying with each other to score a goal on the lush green outfield is truly an adrenaline rush and one would do anything to be there. Imagine how would you feel if such a hockey match gets cancelled due to soggy field. However, now there is a solution. You would not have to miss on your favourite match even if it rains cats and dogs on the previous night of the match. Thanks to artificial hockey pitches.
An artificial hockey pitch is fabricated from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene fibres tufted onto a backing cloth and in-filled with sand or a mixture of sand and rubber granules. It comprises a solid base which is designed to offer stability to the top layer of synthetic grass fibres. This base offers an effective drainage system, making the synthetic sports surface ready for play in all weather conditions.
What is most striking is that the playing characteristics of an artificial turf pitch can be altered significantly by changing the length and density of the fibres. For instance, elite level field hockey pitch features short pile when compared to soccer. The use of shorter fibres in artificial sports surfaces has helped make the pitch faster, so the ball moves more quickly over the surface. Owing to which, the game has become much faster. Synthetic sports 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.
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. The reason is simple: unfilled or water based sports pitches 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.
In addition to these features, other factors like durability, minimal maintenance, predictable ball behaviour, and optimal grip have prompted several local and international sports clubs to embrace the artificial pitches.
Sand-filled artificial turf is not generally used as a hockey pitch. It is because the carpet pile is filled with sand almost to the top, making the hockey pitch rough and harder for the players.
An artificial hockey pitch is fabricated from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene fibres tufted onto a backing cloth and in-filled with sand or a mixture of sand and rubber granules. It comprises a solid base which is designed to offer stability to the top layer of synthetic grass fibres. This base offers an effective drainage system, making the synthetic sports surface ready for play in all weather conditions.
What is most striking is that the playing characteristics of an artificial turf pitch can be altered significantly by changing the length and density of the fibres. For instance, elite level field hockey pitch features short pile when compared to soccer. The use of shorter fibres in artificial sports surfaces has helped make the pitch faster, so the ball moves more quickly over the surface. Owing to which, the game has become much faster. Synthetic sports 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.
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. The reason is simple: unfilled or water based sports pitches 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.
In addition to these features, other factors like durability, minimal maintenance, predictable ball behaviour, and optimal grip have prompted several local and international sports clubs to embrace the artificial pitches.
Sand-filled artificial turf is not generally used as a hockey pitch. It is because the carpet pile is filled with sand almost to the top, making the hockey pitch rough and harder for the players.
