The influence of natural grass surface hardness on path changes, locomotive movements and game events in soccer: a case study

Abstract

Sporting performance and outcomes are affected by surface type and hardness. Natural grass surface characteristics can vary considerably at amateur level sport which can influence technical skills and locomotive movements. Surface hardness and human responses need to be objectively measured in order to fully understand movement responses and subsequent performance. In the present study, one academy u-19 soccer player played in eleven competitive matches. Surface hardness was measured using a Clegg Impact Hammer and pitches were categorised into either harder or softer groups (67.7 to 93.0 Gmax and 41.4 to 58.3 Gmax respectively). The frequency of high intensity shuffling was significantly greater on softer grass (11.2+2.1) when compared to harder grass (6.1+3.8) (p < 0.05). A large effect size was revealed with running, dribbling, low and high intensity activities as greater frequencies were evident on softer grass when compared to harder grass. There were no significant differences for any of the game events, but there was a large effect size for aerial challenges and headed clearances which were performed more often on softer surfaces than on harder surfaces. There was a greater frequency of moderate intensity, sharp path changes to the right and v-cut path change performed on softer surfaces than on harder surfaces and the effect sizes were large. To conclude, movement activity and game events performed were influenced by natural grass surface hardness. Future research should endeavour to explore differences in the physical work-rate in terms of the biomechanical and physiological demands.

Evaluation of Irrigation Systems and some Pitch Properties of Selected Football Fields in Istanbul

“…For this reason, the parameters used in the research were taken from other studies (Chivers and Aldous, 2003;McAuliffe, 2011;Sleat et al, 2016), depending on measurements or athletes' perceptions. However, there are usually no parameters for comparing the measured values in the stated regulations.…”

“…The fact is that too great ground hardness increases the risk of injuring players, and it affects the root development of the grasses negatively. Softer surfaces have been shown to absorb a larger percentage of the energy applied upon impact (Sleat et al, 2016), and it is difficult to bounce, pass and kick the ball compared to harder surfaces. It was assumed that uneven playing grounds, hard or slippery surfaces or alteration in training surfaces were connected with injuries (Nigg and Yeadon, 1987).…”

Are there any differences in the agility performance tests among goalkeepers depending on the type of surface? A crossover study

“…It is well known that the different surfaces used in sports can have a significant effect on performance [18][19][20][21][22][23]. The tests presented a strong association among them, with mean differences between surfaces near to zero.…”

“…Safeguarded the ecological validity, this can constitute an alternative approach for testing batteries based on the feasibility of physical environment, material resources, and weather conditions [17]. Nevertheless, surfaces vary among sports and within sports; mechanical responses of the surface provide different friction levels, and distinct types of forces experienced by the player (e.g., ground reaction force) can compromise the measurements [18][19][20][21][22].…”

A review of turfgrass sports field variability and its implications on athlete–surface interactions

“…With seasonal variations among turfgrass sports field characteristics and differences in shoe types, objective data, coupled with player perception, are important when deciding which shoe to use (Thomson et al, 2019). Sleat et al (2016) conducted a case study in which one male soccer athlete's sport-specific movements were recorded over 11 matches for comparison to surface hardness (Table 3). Hardness measurements obtained from a field were averaged and grouped into two categories: "harder" (68-93 g) or "softer" (41-58 g).…”