Pitch Perfect

I have played hockey on a few different surfaces including indoor, turf, grass and grit but the most commonly played surface for hockey is artificial turf. There are a few different types of artificial pitches including

• Filled surface - made from synthetic yarn filled with sand to its full height to help maintain it. 
• Water-based  filled surface - made from synthetic yarn and filled with sand but only to about 50%. The other 50% is filled with water.
• Unfilled surface - This pitch is unfilled and un-watered and is made from synthetic yarn only. The height is not as high but has god stability. 
• Water-based unfilled surface - made from dense synthetic yarn, this pitch is very good for smooth ball play. It is essential for safety that the pitch gets watered frequently. 
• Long-pile surface - This pitch again is made from synthetic yarn but is also made up of small rubber granules that have been added to it. 

Most pitches as watered before use. This is because the water acts as a lubricant and reduces friction. It means that a dimpled hockey ball with travel more smoothly and allowing less opportunities for the ball to bounce. The water also helps reduce friction burns and surface scrapes which often occur when players fall. Sand based pitches are never watered. These pitches have more friction and are more irritant to the skin in the case of a fall.

Watering of pitch 

I have played mostly on sand based and water-based pitches. I personally prefer the water based pitches as the ball glides a lot more smoothly and effortlessly.