Infill is the part of a 3G pitch you notice least and the part that does the most work. It holds the fibres upright, cushions every tackle and landing, and controls how the ball bounces and rolls. When infill levels are right the pitch plays consistently from corner to corner. When they are not, problems start to show quickly.
What infill does
- Supports the fibres so they stand upright and wear more slowly.
- Absorbs impact, giving the surface its cushioning.
- Controls ball behaviour, including bounce and roll.
- Provides traction, so players can turn and stop with confidence.
A typical 3G pitch uses a stabilising layer of silica sand with SBR rubber crumb on top. Other specialist infills are also available.
Why levels drop
Infill does not stay where it was laid. It is kicked out of high-wear areas such as goal mouths, penalty spots and centre circles, carried off on boots and clothing, washed by heavy rain and moved during snow clearance. Over time those areas become thin while the edges of the pitch collect more than they need.
Signs your infill needs attention
- More fibre showing above the infill than elsewhere on the pitch.
- Flattened or laid-over fibres in busy areas.
- The ball skidding or bouncing unpredictably in some zones.
- A surface that feels harder in some areas than others.
Top up, or clean first?
If the infill is simply low, a top-up spread with the right equipment restores the correct depth. If it is contaminated with fine material and organic matter, adding more on top is not usually the answer, as the problem stays underneath. In that case a rejuvenation, which cleans and redistributes the existing infill, followed by a top-up with fresh material where needed, is the better fix.
Measure before you buy
The only reliable way to know what your pitch needs is to measure it. Our free infill survey measures the exposed pile height across the pitch, compares it with the manufacturer's recommended infill depth and tells you whether you need a top-up, local replacement or more. We can supply and install the infill, or supply sand or SBR only for facilities that top up high-wear areas themselves. See Infills.
