Field hockey is a thrilling sport that people have played since the Middle Ages. It’s also intense. Players race back and forth across a field (aka “pitch”), striking a ball with sticks and trying to score against the other team. All this activity can do a lot of damage to a grass field. Upkeep costs make it hard for more schools and towns to offer field hockey programs. Luckily, many have found that artificial field turf fixes that problem.

Artificial field turf holds up to gameplay and stays in great shape even after poor weather strikes. In fact, pros have been using this type of surface since the 1970s, having realized how useful it is. Leagues can play their sport without spending money on lawn care, which has opened the door for others to enjoy this game. For those interested in starting a team or league in the San Francisco Bay Area, Watersavers Turf offers the perfect surface for their needs.   

Artificial Hockey Turf Keeps Players Safe 

Field hockey, like most sports, carries some risk of injury. Much of this is because sprinting along a grass field is not always safe. The ground may be uneven leading to twisted ankles, trips, and other such harm. Also, if it has rained recently, the grass could still be slippery and pose a risk.

With artificial field turf, the surface always stays even, making falls less likely. It also stands up better to rain and you don’t have to worry about rocks or large stones hiding in the turf. Additionally, you can install shock padding underneath the artificial field turf and the padding will absorb impact. This provides peace of mind for parents concerned about letting their children play this sport. 

Faux Grass Changed the Game 

Field hockey is a unique sport. Some folks think it may have started long ago in Ancient Greece. Others point to evidence that it began in Ancient Egypt. Still, others claim that it started somewhere in Europe during the Middle Ages.

In other words, we do not have a clue how it all really began. We do know that it started becoming popular in the early 19th-century English public schools. The Olympics added field hockey in 1908, but in 1925, they dropped it. This decision upset many, and the Olympics brought it back for good in 1928.

However, it wouldn’t be until the 1970s that major changes would renew interest in the sport. This is when teams started using synthetic grass as a playing surface. The artificial field turf caused the ball to bounce faster and higher. This change led to new ways of playing the game. For example, players began coming up with tricks like the “Indian dribble.” This move happens when a player quickly pushes the ball from right to left, then left to right, turning their hockey stick to do so. It is a very tough move to defend against, one that was not possible before synthetic grass. In fact, field hockey rules changed because of this new way of playing!

Today, pro athletes still play field hockey on artificial surfaces. While schools and local teams sometimes rely on real grass, they have found that synthetic grass works much better for the sport. 

Artificial Field Turf Shows Off Rio Pride 

Fans who tuned into the 2016 Rio Olympics may have been surprised by the look of the field hockey pitch. Synthetic turf made up the surface, which was not a surprise. Pro teams already know the value of that type of pitch.

What was shocking was the color. It was bright blue, with lime green edges. Not only did this show off the colors of Brazil’s flag – it also made playing the sport easier. Players found that it wasn’t as hard to find the ball on the pitch. In the past, the color of the ball could blend in with the color of the pitch. Here, it stood out clearly.

Without artificial field turf, they would not be able to play this game on a blue pitch. Then again, maybe they wouldn’t be able to play it at all. Synthetic turf added safety and energy to field hockey back in the 1970s. It’s the reason the game is what it is today and why it will keep growing in popularity. And Watersavers Turf has just the line of products to make that happen. To see what it would cost to build a pitch, get in touch with us for a free estimate. You can also stop by one of our SF Bay Area locations. We’re more than happy to offer free samples. Give us a call at 844-974-8873 to learn more.