{"id":833,"date":"2019-11-07T13:49:34","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T01:49:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigerturf.com\/uae\/?p=833"},"modified":"2019-11-11T13:50:35","modified_gmt":"2019-11-11T01:50:35","slug":"does-artificial-grass-affect-player-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tigerturf.com\/uae\/does-artificial-grass-affect-player-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"Does artificial grass affect player performance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Artificial grass pitches have revolutionised the sports industry over the last 20 years. Football, rugby, hockey, tennis and golf have all benefited from introducing these pitches to their facilities at both professional and grass roots level, with clubs across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

But this hasn\u2019t always been the case. Artificial grass still faces criticism with long-held beliefs that it isn\u2019t \u2018on-par\u2019 with playing on a real grass surface \u2013 usually due to a bad playing experience on first and second generation \u2018AstroTurf Pitches\u2019 back in the 1990\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2019, it\u2019s a whole other ball game,\u201d says David Hook, TigerTurf national sales manager.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advancements in artificial grass technology<\/b><\/h4>\n

David explains that the artificial grass pitches being manufactured and installed now, are as close to real grass as you can get.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHistorically there\u2019s been concern that artificial grass pitches are hard on impact and \u2018carpet like\u2019, resulting in players not being able to perform. This isn\u2019t the case today.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTigerTurf\u2019s technological advancements in manufacturing artificial grass has led to yarn developments which now mimic real grass. For example, when under pressure, the yarn in our Premier Pro 3G product twists and bends, like grass would, to create a bounce-back action which doesn\u2019t result in weak points in the fibre.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis creates an experience more reflective of what a real pitch delivers, giving players the opportunity to ready themselves for the exact playing conditions they\u2019re going to experience on match day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reduced risk to injury<\/b><\/h4>\n

David addresses another concern with artificial pitches \u2013 a perception of heightened injury risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a preconceived idea that these pitches are hard under foot, resulting in high-impact joint injuries. Again, this isn\u2019t the case. Research in the <\/span>British Journal of Sports Medicine<\/span><\/a> concluding there\u2019s no evidence of a greater risk of injury when football was played on artificial turf compared with natural grass.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are several layers to the base of a <\/span>3G pitch<\/span><\/a>, including shock-pad layers and rubber crumb infill, to emulate real grass. This provides a cushioning effect ensuring shock absorption and creates a smooth, level and sturdy playing surface, actually reducing the chance of injury. Each base can be designed specifically for different sports.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

An all-weather pitch<\/b><\/h4>\n

\u201cThe base layers in an artificial grass pitch also contain optimum drainage, so regardless of the weather, training and matches can continue without concern over muddy, water-logged pitches that will take days to recover,\u201d adds David.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cArtificial grass pitches pay their way during the winter months. Colder temperatures can result in hard, frozen grass pitches, but artificial grass provides a surface for players to train on which is the same as during the summer months.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Artificial grass pitch in-action<\/b><\/h4>\n

From a coach\u2019s perspective, Cirencester Town FC academy manager, Ross Langworthy, says the <\/span>club\u2019s artificial grass pitch<\/span><\/a> has improved player performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPreviously, we weren\u2019t able to train daily on the main pitch, particularly if there\u2019d been a match the night before, or if we\u2019d experienced heavy rain. But now we have daily sessions where my players can play fast-paced football, emulating match experiences, so they\u2019re ready for every game.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHaving personally played on \u2018older style\u2019 artificial turf, I did worry that it wouldn\u2019t be as good as the real thing, but the 3G pitch we have now is the closest to real grass my players could play on. They have confidence to trust the surface, to use it as they would real grass but with smoother movements of the ball – creating great passes of play.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re massively benefitting from being able to train in all conditions, as often as we like and at all times of year, with the rewards being shown in our match performances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to the future of 3G, David adds that innovation is only likely to continue. \u201cI\u2019m excited to see how we can continue to make advancements in artificial grass pitches, moving to the next generation of surfaces to allow players to perform at their best \u2013 so watch this space.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

To talk to David about installing a TigerTurf pitch at your community facility, <\/span>contact us<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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