Artificial turf
Synthetic grass, often filled with sand or rubber, that gives a firm, even, all-weather surface. It plays faster and truer than worn natural grass.
Overview
Artificial turf is a synthetic playing surface built from plastic grass fibres tufted into a backing, usually laid over a shock-absorbing base. Many pitches are 'infilled' — sand, rubber granules or a mix brushed between the fibres to hold them upright and add stability — while some field-hockey surfaces are water-based and kept damp instead of filled.
Because the surface is manufactured and uniform, it drains quickly and stays playable in most weather, giving a consistent, hard-wearing pitch that behaves the same from one end to the other. The ball tends to run faster and more predictably than on worn or muddy natural grass, and footing is firm and even. It is used for football, field hockey, rugby and shared multi-use pitches, and is distinct from natural grass in look, feel and behaviour.
How it plays
- The ball rolls faster and truer than on long or worn grass, so passes arrive quickly and the bounce is predictable.
- The surface is uniform end to end, without the bare patches, ruts or soft spots that develop on natural grass over a season.
- Good drainage keeps it playable in wet weather, making it a reliable all-weather, year-round option.
- Footing is firm and grippy, so players choose studded boots or moulded cleats suited to turf rather than long metal studs.
- Infill such as sand or rubber, or added water on hockey turf, shapes the pace, grip and how much the surface gives underfoot.
Where it’s used
Sports that use artificial turf:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Field Hockey
An outdoor team sport that uses curved sticks to move a ball, built on agility and teamwork.
Rugby
A physical team sport of carrying, passing and kicking an oval ball toward the opposing line.
American Football
A strategic, position-based team sport of set plays, sprinting and coordinated teamwork on a marked field.
Lacrosse
A fast, stick-and-ball team sport of catching, cradling and shooting a small ball toward a goal.
Ultimate Frisbee
A fast, non-contact team sport played with a flying disc, known for constant running and self-refereeing.
Baseball
A bat-and-ball team sport where two sides alternate between batting and fielding to score runs.
Softball
A friendly bat-and-ball team sport, closely related to baseball, played with a larger, softer ball.
Cricket
A bat-and-ball team sport where sides take turns to bat and to bowl and field, scoring runs.
Related playing surfaces
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Facilities
- Football pitchThe large rectangular grass or artificial-turf field on which football (soccer) is played, with a goal at each end.
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)A fenced outdoor hard-surface area marked for several sports, common in schools, parks and community facilities.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
Equipment
- Football boots (cleats)Studded footwear that grips the pitch for football and other field sports.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Hockey stickA curved-headed stick used to control, pass and shoot the ball or puck in hockey.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Tennis ballA hollow rubber ball covered in felt used in tennis and related racquet sports.
Techniques
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
Learning paths
- Learn FootballA structured, educational learning path for football — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn RugbyA structured, educational learning path for rugby — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn CricketA structured, educational learning path for cricket — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn BaseballA structured, educational learning path for baseball — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn American FootballA structured, educational learning path for american football — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
Tactics
- Negative splitA pacing tactic where an athlete covers the second half of a race faster than the first.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.