In hockey, which surface is most commonly used at international level today?
VerifiedAnswer: Water-based artificial turf.
Explanation:
Modern international hockey has undergone a significant transformation in terms of playing surfaces. Water-based artificial turf has become the gold standard for professional hockey matches worldwide, replacing traditional grass fields that were once common in the sport.
This synthetic surface consists of specially designed artificial grass fibers that are regularly sprayed with water during matches. The water serves multiple important purposes: it reduces friction between the ball and surface, allowing for faster ball movement and more precise passes. It also helps prevent player injuries by reducing the impact of falls and slides, while keeping the surface temperature cooler during hot weather conditions.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has mandated the use of water-based artificial turf for all major international competitions, including the Olympics, World Cup, and Continental Championships. This standardization ensures that players experience consistent playing conditions regardless of the venue, making the game more predictable and fair for all participants.
The advantages of water-based artificial turf over natural grass are numerous. Unlike grass fields, which can become uneven, muddy, or damaged due to weather conditions, artificial turf provides a consistently smooth and reliable playing surface. It requires less maintenance than natural grass and can be used in various weather conditions without significant deterioration in quality.
This surface has also contributed to the evolution of hockey as a sport, enabling faster gameplay, more technical skills, and spectacular ball control that would be difficult to achieve on traditional grass. Players can execute quick turns, precise dribbling, and powerful shots with greater confidence, knowing the surface will respond predictably to their movements and stick work.
