Masters Theses
Date of Award
8-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Plant Sciences
Major Professor
John C. Sorochan
Committee Members
James T. Brosnan, Brandon J. Horvath, John C. Stier
Abstract
Minimal studies have explored angled ball rebound (ABR) for soccer. There is a need to evaluate ABR of different turfgrass surfaces to aid sports field managers in preparing surfaces for play. In this experiment, ABR was measured on Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. traansvalensis Burtt-Davy ‘TifTuf’ and Poa pratensis L. ‘Midnight’ maintained at two mowing heights. On TifTuf, low and high mowing heights were 12 mm and 24 mm, respectively, compared to 24 mm and 36 mm for Midnight. ABR data were collected on dry surfaces as well as those lightly irrigated (~3 mm). ABR data included coefficient of restitution (COR)-a ratio of exit velocity to entrance velocity-and angle ratio-a ratio of exit angle to entrance angle. In addition to ABR, vertical ball rebound (VBR), ball roll, surface hardness, and volumetric water content data were collected. VBR values varied minimally (≤ 7 cm) on dry and lightly irrigated surfaces and were minimally impacted by mowing height. However, lower mowing height increased soccer ball roll distance. When surfaces were lightly irrigated, COR values ranged from 74-76% for treatments except for Midnight mowed at 36 mm (63%). When surfaces were dry, COR values for TifTuf (pooled over mowing height) averaged 69% compared to 56% for Midnight. Expected COR values (derived using VBR data) were significantly different (P 1.1 whereas those lightly irrigated yielded values of < 1.0 when maintained at a 24 mm mowing height. Overall, our findings suggest that the FIFA pitch rating system needs continued development to capture dynamics of angled ball impacts on soccer pitches.
Recommended Citation
Thomas, John, "Soccer Ball Interactions on Wet and Dry Turfgrasses at Various Mowing Heights. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2024.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/11814