The development of the game of football creates new conditions for the sport. The introduction of the “third generation” artificial turf as a surface on football pitches, generates strong opinions and vital discussions.

Artificial turf makes it possible for countries with bad weather conditions to play football all year round. However, there are strong objections to playing football on this surface; why is that?

The object of this study is to illuminate if playing football on the “third generation” artificial turf results in changes in perception, which can modify the games and how it’s played. It also focuses on injury risk from a psychological view. These two aspects are linked and related to research and relevant literature in each field. Finally, the tactical side of the two aspects are approached.

The study is based on a survey and interviews with male elite football players in Sweden.

The study shows that the “third generation” artificial turf generates differences within the perceptional field and argues that there is a higher risk for injury when playing on the artificial turf. It also indicates that a future with artificial turf can generate new tactical strategies.

Copyright © Fredrik Johansson & Pascal Rotter Nilsson 2005.