Reducing Injuries with Artificial Turf in Indoor Sports Facilities

When you hear the case being made for artificial turf, there’ll be plenty said about its cost-effectiveness and its low maintenance nature – particularly compared to natural grass. And it won’t surprise you to read that, here at Goat Turf, we totally understand why! However, in a number of settings, another of turf’s biggest advantages can be found in its safety features, namely in playgrounds, backyard sports courts and, as we’ll be looking at here, indoor baseball and softball facilities. No matter what level you’re at, reducing the risk of injury is a constant concern for anybody looking after a baseball or softball team. Read on to find out how artificial turf can help…

Eliminate Trip Hazards

One of the most palpable differences between a natural outdoor surface and an artificial indoor one is the fact the latter – assuming it’s being cared for properly – is designed with uniformity very much in mind; the feeling underfoot at one end of the field should be exactly the same as the other. That’s quite a contrast to an outside setting, where bumps and divots can develop quickly, particularly if maintenance has been an issue and weather conditions are unpleasant. Such discrepancies, especially in blind spots, are a sprained ankle waiting to happen.

A More Predictable Bounce

Following on from the above, a uniform surface also does away with much of the unpredictability associated with the ball itself. While baseball and softball obviously aren’t sports where the ball will be bouncing regularly, fielders used to playing outdoors will be able to attest that a bad hop has the potential to do a fair amount of damage, causing nasty knocks and even broken bones. Furthermore, the sudden changes in direction they have to make to try and re-adjust to the ball’s trajectory can bring about muscle strains and tears. As turf provides a genuinely level playing field, the ball will bounce evenly – something your fielders in particular will thank you for.

Fewer Slips

While it’s not beyond the realms of possibility you could still lose your footing on indoor turf (it’s not a pleasant thought, but perspiration can be a culprit, as can any kind of spillage), it’s certainly a lot less likely than it is outside. Natural surfaces are susceptible to rain, dew and frost, with problems tending to be even more pronounced in the outfield, where grass is typically a little longer and likely to garner a little less attention from a maintenance point of view. There’s no telling how damaging a slip – and the subsequent fall – can be, particularly if a player is travelling at pace. Indoor turf alleviates you of practically all of that worry.

Shock-Absorbing Properties

The make-up of artificial turf has come a long, long way since it first came to prominence in the mid-1960s. Both SYNLawn’s SYNPlay 48 and SYNPlay 60 – variations you’ll see across many of the indoor baseball and softball facilities we’ve helped create – are equipped with a 5mm energy-absorbing cushion, lessening the impact felt by any fall to the ground and limiting the force traveling through a player’s body as they run, jump or land. As a consequence, the scope for both acute injury and chronic conditions caused by repeated impact is reduced.

Non-Abrasive Nature

It’s probably fair to say there was a time where artificial turf and friction burns were talked about together quite a lot, but that certainly isn’t the case anymore – least of all with SYNLawn’s SYNPlay 48 and SYNPlay 60, which both boast low friction turf fibers and provide a natural feel. And when we say “natural”, we mean the very best version of it, without the muddiness or the dryness which can often cause discomfort on an outdoor surface. When sliding is such a big part of both sports, it’s an easy win.

Turnkey Baseball and Softball Facilities with Goat Turf

At Goat Turf, sport is in our DNA. Our founder is former MLB player Tyler Burnett, who knows a thing or two about maximizing your indoor training space. Drop us a line and see what we can do for you – we can’t wait to work with you!