In field hockey, shock absorption provides players comfort while they are running on the pitch. There are two types of synthetic turf which are common practice in field hockey pitches: non-filled (high end pitches) and sand filled turf (low end pitches).
The non-filled or water based type of turf (because it has to be watered before play) is very dense and gives a moderate shock absorption of approximately 40%. This shock absorption will slightly decrease over time. Adding a soft shock pad will give to much shock absorption, so a stiff shock pad is needed. The ProPlay-Sport15/215 for example, will increase the shock absorption above 60% and stays like that over time.
The sand filled type of turf gives a shock absorption of approximately 20%, which is low. Due to the sand infill, which will compact over time, the surface becomes stiff. This type of turf needs a softer shock pad. The ProPlay-Sport17 for example, will increase the shock absorption to above 60% and prevents the sand infill from compacting.
Sand filled turf
Non-filled turf (water-based)
Pitch renovation
The extremely stiff shock pad ProPlay-Sport15 can be used for renovation of field hockey pitches with a dynamic sub-base (for example lava-rubber). This makes an expensive replacement of the sub-base unnecessary.
Product suited for synthetic turf hockey pitches are:
English 
German
United States
