Effects of Playing Surface Type on Physical and Soccer Match-Play Performance in Children; Randomized Crossover Trial

Background The playing surface is a critical factor in field sports, influencing both performance and injury risk. This study investigated the effects of playing surface type on physical and soccer match-play performance in children. Methods Fourteen boys from a regional soccer club completed physical performance tests, including standing long jump, zigzag run test, 20-meter sprint, and dribble test on three surface types; natural grass (NG), artificial turf (AT), and dirt field (DF). Soccer match-play performance was assessed during 7 vs. 7 small-sided games with total distance, maximum speed, average speed, and agility measured using GPS technologies. Results Performance outcomes including standing long jump (p < 0.001) and zigzag run (p < 0.001) were significantly better on the NG and AT compared with DF. Sprint performance was the highest on NG (p < 0.001), while dribble performance showed no significant difference across surface types (p = 0.053). During match-play, total distance (p < 0.001) and average speed (p < 0.001) were also greater on NG and AT compared with DF. Conclusions NG and AT provide more favorable conditions for enhancing physical and match-play performance than DF. These findings suggest the importance for physical education teachers and coaches to consider surface type to optimize performance and improve the level of physical activities.