Human perceptions of artificial surfaces for field hockey

Abstract

Measuring the performance of a sports surface is typically derived from a series of field and laboratory tests that assess the playing properties under simulated game conditions. However, from a player's perspective their own comfort and confidence in the surface and its playing characteristics are equally if not more important. To date no comparative study to measure playing preference tests has been made. The aim of this research was to develop a suitable method for eliciting player perceptions of field hockey pitches and determine the key themes that players consider when assessing field hockey pitches. To elicit meaningful unbiased human perceptions of a playing surface, an individual subjective analysis was carried out, using interviews and inductive analysis of the recorded player statements. A qualitative analysis of elite hockey players (n = 22) was performed to obtain their perceptions immediately after a competitive match. The significant surface characteristics that emerged as part of an inductive analysis of their responses were grouped together and formed five general themes or dimensions: player performance, playing environment, pitch properties, ball interaction and player interaction. Each dimension was formed from a hierarchy of sub-themes. During the analysis, relationships between the dimensions were identified and a structured relationship model was produced to highlight each relationship. Players' responses suggested that they perceived differences between pitches and that the majority of players considered a 'hard' pitch with a 'low' ball bounce facilitating a 'fast' game speed was desirable. However, further research is required to understand the relative importance of each theme and to develop appropriate measurement strategies to quantify the relevant engineering properties of pitch materials.

The influence of tennis court surfaces on player perceptions and biomechanical response

“…Players' perceptions of the courts inform their response to mechanical differences between surfaces (Milani et al, 1997), therefore measuring perceptions can provide an insight into how tennis players differentiate between court surfaces (Fleming et al, 2005). Similar to previous reports (Lockhart, Woldstad, Smith, & Ramsey, 2002;Stiles & Dixon, 2007), this study revealed differences in perception of the two tennis courts, which corresponded to differences in mechanical data.…”

“…Therefore, perceptions may reveal associations with biomechanical variables associated with increased injury risk. Measuring perception provides further information regarding players' experience of the surface which can not only supplement mechanical measures but also aid in the development of new mechanical tests (Fleming et al, 2005). This study identified differences in players' perceptions of their ability to perform tasks such as sliding and changing direction between court surfaces which could influence their biomechanical response.…”

“…Perceptions have been suggested to be an important link between mechanical properties and player biomechanics (Fleming, Young, Roberts, Jones, & Dixon, 2005). Perceptions can provide information on humans' ability to identify and respond to their environment (Milani, Hennig, & Lafortune, 1997;Stiles & Dixon, 2007).…”

“…Previous experience and sensory information are combined to formulate perceptions and enable humans to interact successfully within their environment (Coren, Porac, & Ward, 1979;Sherwood, 1993). Studies of sports surfaces have mainly focused on perceptions of hardness and grip, whilst Fleming et al (2005) identified other perceptions such as surface abrasiveness to be important, following interviews with 22 hockey players. Therefore, further research is required to examine additional perception parameters of court surfaces to provide better understanding of how tennis surface properties alter player movement and loading.…”

A Half Century of Scientific Research in Field Hockey

“…The mechanics of players' motion and the pace of the game are different depending on what surface is used [97]. An analysis of field hockey players' subjective opinions during an intensive match on both an indoor surface and on artificial turf indicates that the latter is characterized by higher degree of hard ness, which in turn led to an overall faster game play caused by higher ball rebounds [98][99][100]. It was also es tablished that synthetic turf led to a higher frequency of acute injuries, which primarily resulted from the in creased pace of the game [101], modified equipment, e.g.…”