Hockey – EliGrass Artificial Grass

Sports Solutions: Hockey

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Artificial grass pitches are the primary playing surfaces for all levels of hockey – international, national and club level. There is a variety of artificial grass systems available from the high-specification water-based system used at the very top level of hockey; to the sand-based system which can also be used for a wide range of different sports.

An artificial hockey pitch requires a playing surface that has excellent responses for interaction between the player and the pitch and the ball and the pitch. It is essential for this surface to have excellent ball roll and therefore a sand-filled system with high-density filaments is required for both beginners and advanced, whereas a non-filled system would be ideal for high-performance hockey.

Our artificial grass includes both sand and rubber pellet infills to provide good shock absorption and stability of the surface. The inclusion of an elastic base layer underneath the artificial grass assists in achieving these conditions and the rubber pellet infill enables player traction and minimises the risk of injury. An EliGrass artificial grass system is highly durable and resistant thanks to its UV protection, and will enhance the ball-roll and rebound for a better game.

Choice of artificial grass surface

Water-based and sand-based pitches are the popular choice for both professional and amateur levels of hockey.

Water-based

This artificial grass surface does not contain a sand infill as the fibres are self-supporting. This is the top-specification surface used at international hockey competitions and is also very popular with universities. Prior to playing a match, the surface is sprayed with water to lubricate the fibres – this minimises the wear on the surface and will ensure the life of the artificial pitch.

As the surface does not contain a sand infill, it offers more protection to players by reducing the abrasive effect. It also allows the fibres to be free-moving enabling players to get the hockey stick underneath the ball and the high-density artificial grass provides a consistent ball roll and bounce.

Semi-filled

This artificial grass pitch is designed for a fast-paced match. It is popular with all levels of hockey along with sports centres, schools and universities as it can also be used for sports such as tennis, football, basketball and netball.

This surface will have a short pile height of between 18mm and 22mm and has a partial sand infill up to 80% to keep the grass fibres upright. It is recommended to install a layer of Shockpad underneath to optimise the performance of the artificial grass pitch. For upper-level hockey, it is advisable to water this type of pitch; although this is not absolutely necessary.

Sand-filled

This is a durable surface which gives players exceptional ball speed and has a longer pile height of between 20mm and 26mm which is completely filled with sand. They are not as common for competitive and top-level hockey but are very robust and are used for recreational matches along with a variety of other sports.

It is recommended to install a layer of Shockpad underneath to optimise the performance of the artificial grass pitch.

Pitch Sizes

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Field Hockey Pitch Standard

A Field Hockey Regulation size pitch is rectangular in shape and 91.40 metres long and 55 metres wide. While Field Hockey can still be played on natural grass the use of an artificial playing surface has been mandatory in all major competions since 1976.

Field Hockey Pitch 5’s

A recent addition to the world of Field Hockey has been the introduction of Hockey 5s. This is not a replacement for the traditional 11 a side game but an exciting alternative which it is hoped will make Field Hockey available to more people . This is also played on a rectangular pitch but this is a half regulation size pitch which is 55 metres in length and 41.70 metres wide. This can be constructed independently or incorporated into a Multi Use Games Area.