Why turf is bad for soccer players [& what 2 members of the USWNT say about it]

I remember between my 2 seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps I was invited to play with the Dallas Sidekicks (indoor pro). Unfortunately, 1) I don’t like playing on turf because I know why turf is bad for soccer players 2) I had already committed to play my off-season in the Jamaican Premier League for Portmore United in the Caribbean Champions. The Caribbean Champions were getting ready to compete in the CONCACAF Club Championship Tournament which was the best 4 Mexican Clubs, 2 Best MLS Clubs, 3 best Central American Clubs and 1 Caribbean Club which was Portmore United.

Why turf is bad for soccer players

So to stay fit as possible, I went to train with the Dallas Sidekicks a few days before heading down to the Jamaican Premier League. I remember how much the guys on the Sidekicks (indoor) complained about ankle and knee pain, and just how bad turf felt compared to grass.

Players who play on turf often will tell you they don’t like it.  The constant stopping and turning forces more pressure on the joints compared to natural grass. 

Here is a pic of me after playing a game in Kingston, Jamaica.  I had to look mean because the fans would threaten me during the away games.  Even some home games the visiting fans would yell stuff.  Hey it’s part of the game, you just have to play along. 

Why turf is bad for soccer players

The main reason is the cutting and turning while playing soccer. Think about the difference when you make a quick cut or turn on grass. You rip up the grass a little bit, which gives your knees and ankles extra give. But even on some of the better turf fields you are going to not have that extra give.

Playing on turf week after week gives a lot of pounding on the joints. If you are playing on turf often you really want to do as much as you can to keep your legs healthy. You can do things like wear turf shoes instead of cleats. Most people use cleats, but that’s because they are following what the crowd does. There is no need to use cleats every single practice when playing on turf. If it’s a game or it’s raining, use cleats but for practice play it safe and give your knees a rest.

Turf should be used for rainy days only

For soccer players, training and playing on turf should be for rainy days or a few weeks at a time or year. For athletes who continue to train on turf for the purpose of building or conditioning their muscles, they will achieve their goals temporarily but are damaging their joints long term.

Also, Speed & Agility drills performed on turf are the same as playing in a game or practice because you are performing short fast ‘cuts’ and change of direction on a surface that allows for no give on your joints like natural grass would give you. This is one reason why turf is bad for soccer players.

Which soccer shoes to use on turf

It depends on if the turf is the new longer turf with the ground up rubber or if it’s the old school astro turf. The old astro turf I would only where indoor flats. If your playing on the new turf, which most are nowadays then you can pick out of 3 styles. 1) Regular cleats, 2) turf shoe’s which have like 80 small nubs for grip, or 3) you can use flats. I recommend using turf shoes to practice and for games you can wear cleats. Most players use cleats, but if your not getting paid to play soccer for a living, then just use the turf shoes. Your knees will thank you! PS If it’s raining then use your cleats over turfs. Here’s a good post on the best types of soccer shoes.

The argument: To turf or not to turf?

While there are many advocates for turf use in the blogosphere, we encourage you to look at the source of the opinion. Many turf ‘advocates’ have not played the game beyond the most basic levels of play, if they have played at all. Their gift is the analysis or science and reasoning behind the decision.

That being said, athletes who must compete and desire longevity are fighting the advocacy of turf. Their bodies tell them that regardless of their muscular development or style of play, the long-term effects of turf [or any hard-court use over the long term] can be devastating in terms of injuries, recovery, and career length expectations.

I remember watching a game in Seattle of Manchester United [England] vs Celtic [Scotland].  They laid out natural grass over the turf at Seahawks Stadium. Same with every FIFA International game played in the U.S. Except when it comes to soccer in American leagues. 

Thousands of dollars on turf for a single game

Notice when international soccer teams come to play at Dallas Cowboys or Seahawks Stadiums they lay out natural grass for just the one game. All because the high profile players don’t want to play on turf. If it weren’t a big deal, they wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars to lay out natural grass on an already ‘good’ turf field.

Fair treatment?

Is it fair for these players to get to play on natural grass 100% of the time? The Women’s pro league has to play on turf all season long, and they say FIFA doesn’t care.

You have to understand it’s money and higher profile players that drive this. It’s only a problem in America.  Even in the MLS the men play games on turf. Seattle, Toronto just to name a few, so it’s not like FIFA is against Women. Again it’s all about the high profile players who bring in so much money. So I don’t think anything is going to change anytime soon. You are talking about players who make $80,000 per game compared to players who make $80,000 per year. It’s all about the money!

Read what US Soccer star  Alex Morgan says about why turf is bad for soccer players.

Julie Foudy: “FIFA does not care…”

Sydney Leroux: “I feel like we are in an uphill battle with FIFA.”

What the studies show about turf

Some studies show that more players injure their knees on grass than turf. But that’s only because more soccer players play on grass, so of course there are going to be more injuries.

You have to do your best at controlling the issue. If you don’t have to train or play on turf, don’t do it. In some cases, athletes won’t have a choice because their school or club team only has turf to play on. It’s cheaper and easier in the long run for the school or business to have turf instead of having to maintain grass.

4 Tips for turf athletes

1. If you play for a team who trains &/or plays on turf then wearing the proper shoes will help take pressure off of your knees. Turf shoes or flats would be better than wearing cleats even if it means you might slide a bit more it’s better than wearing down your legs.
2. Be strong mentally, meaning don’t worry about what turf will do to you. Think positive, you’ll be fine.
3. Seeking alternative training environments for your conditioning (i.e., water exercise, grass training, sand, hills, etc.) will reduce wear on joints and muscles. Yes – I understand the appeal of warm, dry training in places like this crazy Texas weather but the games are played outdoor and conditioning is not limited to muscles. Train like you play. 
   
4. Finally, remember that my first priority is always the health and safety of the athlete. If you feel pain or discomfort, let your parents / coach / trainer know.