No water, still performance: the challenge of dry hockey |
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| GARDEN AND PARK TECHNOLOGY |
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| 275 sec |
The announcement by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to phase out water-based pitches set the market in motion several years ago. For Edel Grass, that message did not come as a surprise. 'We had already been working on this for some time,' says product manager Gijs Peters. 'As early as 2008, we introduced systems that required less water, and by 2010 there was already a pitch in England without irrigation.'
| Frank Herbrink and Gijs Peters |
Still, the renewed ambition of the FIH, with a dry World Cup in 2026 as a target, did not result in a straightforward development path. On the contrary. 'When that demand became concrete, we also said: this will not be achievable within that timeframe,' Peters explains. 'But it did set a clear direction and was a reason to reassess what is technically possible.' The first phase was marked by exploration. The FIH wanted to eliminate water without compromising playing characteristics. A difficult combination, emphasises head of marketing and communications Frank Herbrink. 'It sounds simple: no water, but the same performance. In practice, it means you have to reinvent almost everything.' Water use in sports is also under increasing scrutiny, especially in regions facing scarcity. 'We fully understand that perspective,' says Peters. 'It is difficult to justify using thousands of litres of water for a hockey pitch when it is scarce elsewhere.' Earlier trials showed that a direct transition at top level was not realistic. Injuries and altered playing behaviour indicated that further development was needed.
Control over ball behaviour
A key turning point came when organisations including NOC*NSF, KNHB and VSG launched an innovation programme. Suppliers were invited to jointly develop a new standard for dry hockey pitches. For Edel Grass, this meant starting over. 'We essentially began again,' says Peters. 'Not because we lacked knowledge, but because the standards and test methods had changed.' The renewed focus was clear: control over ball behaviour and sufficient grip. Without water, the interaction between ball, surface and player changes significantly. 'The ball must not run through too much, but it also should not bounce too high,' Peters explains. 'At the same time, you want enough grip without players getting stuck.'
Fibre technology
The solution was found in fibre technology. Edel Grass opted for an adjusted composition and a more intensively textured fibre structure. 'We made the fibre less smooth,' says Peters. 'This creates more control over ball behaviour without making the surface too rough.' The result of this development is called Edel Aero. The name reflects the concept, explains Herbrink. 'It literally refers to the idea that you only need air to play. No water, no additives.'
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'Players provided input about their position, level and experience with other pitch types. We took that very seriously'
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Within the innovation programme, several pilot pitches were installed and extensively tested. Evaluation included both technical measurements and active feedback from players. 'We set up a comprehensive assessment programme,' Peters explains. 'Players provided input about their position, level and experience with other pitch types. We took that very seriously.' According to Peters, this approach was recognised positively. 'We also clearly communicated expectations in advance. Not a water pitch, but a strong alternative to existing sand-based or semi-sand pitches. That expectation management is essential.' The results were positive. Edel Aero performed well in the pilots and met the revised standards. This has led to a new category in hockey: alongside water and sand pitches, there is now a separate category for dry pitches.
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'We mainly see opportunities as a replacement for sand and semi-sand pitches. A dry pitch clearly offers more playing comfort'
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Since approval, suppliers are free to roll out their systems. However, Edel Grass does not expect an immediate breakthrough. 'Clubs are interested but still cautious,' says Herbrink. 'Often a push is needed, for example from municipalities that prioritise sustainability.' According to Peters, the first growth market lies in grassroots hockey rather than top-level play. 'We mainly see opportunities as a replacement for sand and semi-sand pitches. A dry pitch clearly offers more playing comfort.' A full transition is unlikely in the short term. 'Water pitches will remain, especially at top level. But you will see more hybrid situations, with clubs operating both water and dry pitches.'
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'Safety comes first, and there are still challenges'
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Internationally, the picture is similar. Although water savings are a strong argument, hockey remains a relatively small sport. 'The countries where the issue is most pressing are also used to water pitches,' says Peters. 'So progress will be gradual.' The ambition to eventually use dry pitches at top level still exists, but the timeline has been extended. 'The FIH has let go of the original deadline,' says Peters. 'Safety comes first, and there are still challenges.' These mainly concern grip and sliding properties. Water plays a crucial role here. 'Making a sliding tackle without water is simply more difficult,' Herbrink explains. 'That may require not only pitch innovation, but also adjustments in clothing or the game itself.'
Next generation
Edel Grass continues to invest in further development. Behind the scenes, work is ongoing on a next-generation pitch, currently known as Edel Apex. 'We are not building on Aero, but developing again from scratch,' says Herbrink. 'The goal is to further close the gap with top-level hockey.' Initial test results are cautiously positive. Peters: 'We see opportunities to make progress, but it remains complex. It involves speed, safety and playing experience at the same time.'
For Edel Grass, innovation is not a response to the market, but a continuous process. 'We do not wait until someone tells us to develop something,' says Herbrink. 'We are always working on it.' This approach is reflected in the company's history. Years of experimentation with water reduction have made the transition to dry hockey a logical step. Peters summarises: 'We may not build the most pitches, but what we build has to be the best.' With Edel Aero, the company has provided an initial answer to the demand for more sustainable hockey. The coming years will show how quickly this development progresses and whether dry hockey will reach the highest level. One thing is clear: standing still is not an option.
'Also for our youth, the new pitch is a major step forward'
Ron Rooijakkers, chairman of HC Cranendonck in Maarheeze, confirms that feedback from his club has been very positive. 'Ball speed, shock absorption and bounce are comparable to a water pitch. The only difference is that you are more likely to get a scrape when falling or sliding.' The pitch still has an irrigation system as a backup, using collected rainwater. 'We do not use it, but in summer it can help reduce heat stress. For our youth, the new pitch is also a major improvement, as they previously played on a sand pitch. It is in excellent condition, and we are considering installing a second dry hockey pitch.'
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'As a player, you hardly notice any difference in the ball'
Wouter Donia, chairman of HCC Groen-Geel in The Hague, trains on the dry hockey pitch himself and notes that members rated the field an average of 8.7. 'Of course, it took some getting used to at first, but that applies to any new pitch. As a player, you hardly notice any difference in the ball. It does bounce slightly differently. Goalkeepers in particular have to adjust to the increased friction when sliding with their leg guards.' One of the reasons for choosing a dry pitch was that the previous field was a sand pitch without an irrigation system. The club still has two water pitches, one of which was recently renovated.
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'Performs very well in play'
Ahead of the dry hockey innovation process, a training pitch with Edel Aero Dry-to-Play was already installed at HC 's-Hertogenbosch in early 2025 as a pilot. Former world and Olympic champion Maartje Paumen uses this pitch, among other things, for penalty corner training with top players. 'To be honest,' she says, 'we still water the pitch before these sessions. At top level, you need some water for penalty corners, mainly because of stick movement over the surface. But our experience is that this new pitch at HC 's-Hertogenbosch feels good and performs very well.'
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This article was previously published on 21 April 2026 on the Fieldmanager](https://www.fieldmanager.nl/article/53630/geen-water-wel-prestatie-de-uitdaging-van-drooghockey]Fieldmanager) website.
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