339: Can a Playing Surface Change How an Athlete Moves?

How much does the surface beneath an athlete’s feet really affect performance and injury risk? This week, Richard Graves is joined by Professor John Sorochan from the University of Tennessee and Alan Thomson, USA Sales Director at SIS Pitches, to explore the science behind the playing surfaces used at the highest levels of sport. From natural grass and artificial turf to the growing use of hybrid pitches, John and Alan explain what actually happens when an athlete interacts with a playing surface – and why the relationship between the player, their footwear and the surface itself matters. John takes us inside the testing process, explaining how researchers measure factors such as surface hardness, traction, stability and consistency, and how those measurements help inform decisions around player performance and safety. The conversation also explores the rapid development of hybrid surfaces. Alan explains how introducing a small percentage of synthetic fibre into natural grass can reinforce the pitch, reduce surface damage and help maintain more consistent playing conditions across demanding schedules. The pair also discuss one of the biggest challenges in modern sport: creating elite-level natural playing surfaces inside stadiums that are increasingly expected to host football, American football, concerts and other major events throughout the year. Drawing on their work around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they reveal how surfaces were developed to perform consistently across hugely different environments – from the heat and humidity of Miami to altitude in Mexico and cooler conditions in Canada. They also look at the debate around artificial turf in the NFL, what research can tell us about hybrid alternatives, and where playing-surface technology could go next. ### In this episode you will learn - Why player safety depends on the interaction between the athlete, footwear and playing surface - What researchers actually measure when testing elite sports pitches - How surface hardness, traction and stability can influence player movement - The difference between natural grass, artificial turf and hybrid playing surfaces - Why hybrid pitches are still predominantly natural grass despite their synthetic reinforcement - How hybrid systems can create greater stability and consistency as a pitch begins to wear - How playing surfaces were developed for very different climates during the 2026 FIFA World Cup - Why achieving consistent ball and player interaction across different stadiums is so important - How multi-use stadiums are changing the demands placed on grounds teams and playing surfaces - Why shallow hybrid stitching has opened up new possibilities for temporary and replaceable surfaces - What elite sport can learn from the ongoing debate around artificial turf and player safety - How research, technology and experienced pitch managers work together to produce elite surfaces ### About Professor John Sorochan and Alan Thomson **Professor John Sorochan** is Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management at the University of Tennessee and one of the leading researchers in sports turf and athletic-field safety. His career in turfgrass science stretches back more than 30 years, including working as a student on the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Today, his research examines the relationship between playing surfaces, player biomechanics, turf performance and safety. John has worked with organisations across elite sport including the NFL, Major League Baseball and professional football, and has played a leading role in research designed to deliver safe and consistent pitches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. **Alan Thomson** is USA Sales Director at SIS Pitches and has spent his career working with elite sports surfaces. After beginning his career in golf-course management in Scotland, Alan moved into the construction, renovation and maintenance of football pitches before joining SIS Pitches. He now works across the United States helping venues implement hybrid playing-surface technology across sports including football, American football, baseball and lacrosse. His recent work has included major stadium projects across North America and the installation and development of hybrid surfaces used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. **FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL** **SIGN UP NOW:** https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research