Field hockey turfs: a comprehensive guide

Field hockey one of the oldest sports in the world, but it’s definitely on the rise! 

Its intense and exciting playstyle, combined with an high skill-cap, makes this discipline a fun and safe alternative to its ice counterpart, capable of entertaining athletes and amateurs.

If you’re interested in this sport as a business opportunity, look no further: with decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, we created an extensive guide on designing and installing premium field hockey turfs, in order to meet the highest standards of performance and durability. 

Don’t you believe it? Continue reading and discover:

• Field hockey turf dimensions and specifications
• Turf types
• Maintenance
• Benefits
• Custom hockey turf according to your needs
• How to choose the perfect field hockey turf

Field hockey turf dimensions and specifications

Field hockey is played on a meticulously designed rectangular field, adhering to the dimensions and regulations established by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The standard field hockey turf measures 91.4 meters (100 yards) in length and 55 meters (60 yards) in width. These dimensions ensure a uniform playing surface that facilitates fair and competitive gameplay.

The field is divided into quarters, with a halfway line, 23-meter lines, and shooting circles marking key areas of play. At each end of the field, there is a goal that stands 2.14 meters (7 feet) high and 3.66 meters (12 feet) wide.

In front of each goal, there's a penalty spot, also known as the stroke mark, which is a small circle 0.15 meters (6 inches) in diameter. This spot is precisely positioned 6.4 meters (7 yards) from the center of the goal. The shooting circle, or "D," is drawn 15 meters (16 yards) from the baseline, outlining the area within which attacking players must be to legally score a goal.

Turf types

Field hockey turfs come in two main types, each designed to suit different levels of play and budget considerations:

• Water-based turf: water-based turf is designed to provide a smooth and fast-playing surface, ideal for high-level competitions and professional play. This type of turf is watered before use to create a slick surface that allows for quicker ball movement and more precise control. The water layer reduces friction, minimizing the risk of turf burns and injuries, thereby enhancing player safety. Additionally, water-based turf features advanced drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall, ensuring the field remains playable in all weather conditions. The durable, non-abrasive fibers are UV stabilized to retain their color and quality over time, making this turf an excellent choice for facilities aiming for top-tier performance.
• Sand-dressed turf: on the other hand, this solution offers a more cost-effective solution while still delivering excellent performance and durability. This type of field hockey turf has a layer of sand infill that partially supports the turf fibers, providing a firmer playing surface compared to water-based turf. The sand infill also enhances stability and traction, making it suitable for training facilities and recreational play. Sand-dressed turf is designed to offer good ball control and player comfort, with the added benefit of lower maintenance requirements. Like water-based turf, sand-dressed options also feature efficient drainage systems and UV-stabilized fibers to maintain their appearance and functionality over time.

Both water-based and sand-dressed turfs from Italgreen are crafted with a unique commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that your field hockey facility benefits from the best in synthetic turf technology. Whether you prioritize high-level performance or cost-effective durability, Italgreen has a turf solution that meets your specific needs.

Do you want to know more about our water-based and sand-dressed courts?

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Maintenance

Maintaining a field hockey turf in top condition requires regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance and longevity. As an owner, you can perform several maintenance tasks, such as:

• routinely brush to keep the turf fibers upright and even;
• removing debris to prevent obstruction and damage;
• ensuring the infill material is evenly distributed to maintain a consistent playing surface;
• regularly checking for any signs of wear or damage.

If you feel like your turf deserves new life, Italgreen offers comprehensive maintenance services that include both regular and specialized interventions for all types of synthetic fields. Our expert team is available to handle more extensive maintenance needs, ensuring that your field remains in peak condition year-round.

Contact us and discover our maintenance service, your turf will thank you!

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Benefits of field hockey turfs

Choosing a field hockey turf presents many benefits, related to both performance and safety:

• Consistent playing surface: compared to ice hockey fields, artificial grass solutions provide a steady and reliable playing surface, perfect to showcase you clients’ abilities without any risk for their safety;
• Low Maintenance: when it comes to field hockey courts, upkeep costs and times are minimized. You won’t have to worry about a lot of things, especially if you take good care of your turf;
• Weather resilience: grass solutions are pretty much always playable. This will minimize downtime and let everybody play;
• Cost-Effective: these products are long-lasting and durable, which can create significant savings over time;
• Eco-Friendly: as it pertains to Italgreen, we craft our field hockey surfaces with sustainable practices and recyclable materials. We have maximum respect for our environment and our solutions are a testament to that.

Actually, the benefits provided by our field hockey turfs don’t end here.

Before we move on, let us ask you a question: have you ever imagined the perfect hockey field right in your eyes? If the answer is “yes!”, then you might want to read a bit further.

Custom hockey turf according to your needs

At Italgreen, we understand that every sports facility has unique requirements, which is why we offer a totally customizable solutions for your field hockey turf. 

Our tailored approach ensures that each installation meets your specific needs, from the initial design to the final installation and beyond:

• Design and layout: we begin by collaborating closely with you to understand your facility’s dimensions, intended use, and specific preferences. Our expert designers create a customized layout that maximizes the use of space and complies with all regulatory standards. This personalized design process ensures that your field is optimized for both performance and aesthetics;
• Turf Selection: choosing the right type of turf is crucial for achieving the desired playing conditions in a field hockey turf. We offer a range of high-quality turfs, including water-based and sand-dressed options. Our team will guide you through the selection process by helping you to choose the turf that best suits your needs based on factors such as usage frequency, climate conditions, and budget;
• Customization Options: beyond the basics, we offer a variety of customization options to enhance your field. For example, this includes adding logos or specific color schemes to reflect your team’s identity or incorporating specific line markings to suit different types of games;

With Italgreen, you can be confident that your field hockey turf will be tailored precisely to your needs, providing a high-quality, durable, and visually appealing playing surface that enhances the performance and enjoyment of the game.

How to choose the perfect field hockey turf

Selecting the best turf for your field hockey facility is a crucial decision that impacts the quality of play, player safety, and long-term maintenance costs. Here are key factors to consider when making your choice:

• Usage intensity: assess the expected frequency and intensity of use. High-traffic field hockey turfs, such as those used for competitive matches and frequent training sessions, require more durable grass, which is designed to withstand heavy wear and tear without compromising performance;
• Climate conditions: consider the local weather patterns. For regions with heavy rainfall, water-based turfs are ideal due to their superior drainage capabilities, which ensure the field remains playable even after downpours. Conversely, in drier climates, sand-dressed turfs may offer sufficient drainage while providing a firmer playing surface;
• Budget constraints: balance initial investment costs with long-term maintenance and durability. While water-based turfs may have a higher upfront cost, their enhanced playability and safety features can offer significant value over time. Sand-dressed turfs, on the other hand, provide a more cost-effective solution with lower initial expenses and robust performance for recreational and training purposes;
• Player safety: Prioritize field hockey turfs that offer non-abrasive fibers and shock-absorbing properties to minimize the risk of injuries;
• Customization needs: evaluate whether you need customized features such as specific line markings, logos, or color schemes. We offer extensive customization options to ensure your field reflects your team's identity and meets specific functional requirements, enhancing both aesthetics and usability;
• Maintenance requirements: consider the level of maintenance each turf type requires. Water-based turfs often need regular watering to maintain optimal playability, while sand-dressed turfs typically have lower maintenance needs.

Choosing the best turf for field hockey involves a careful evaluation of various factors: our team is dedicated to helping you make an informed decision, providing a tailored solution that meets your unique needs and delivers a superior playing experience.

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