3G pitches, are perhaps the biggest innovation in sports facilities over the last 20 years. They are used across multiple sports, including American football, rugby league and rugby union. Football however is probably the sport that has seen the most widespread support for artificial surfaces.
3G football pitch technology now replicates the playing characteristics of the best quality natural turf pitches. The improved development of these facilities has lead to the inclusion of 3G facilities in major competitions at the highest level, including World Cup qualifiers and Champions League matches.
Does playing on a 3G or artificial surface change the game?
An independent study commissioned by FIFA found that “there are no significant differences in the objective data from the technical studies to date focusing on football turf versus top-quality natural grass”.
The study also found that the ‘ball in play’ time was similar across 3G and grass surfaces, the number of touches on the ball and the pass success rate were also almost identical. As on natural turf, ball roll and foot/surface reaction is better when the surface is wet, but pitches do not need water to play on to meet the requirements of football.
What footwear is best for 3G or artificial surfaces?
Footwear is important. Trainers and football boots with blades are not recommended, whilst “astro turf” trainers are not ideal. The FA suggests that either a football boot with a moulded stud or a football boot with a screw-in stud is worn.
The table below gives an at-a-glance guide to suitable footwear for artificial surfaces.
