Turf or grass: boots, knees and what to wear

Most pickup games in Budapest are on artificial turf, and most full-size games are on grass. The two surfaces need different boots, play differently and treat your knees differently. Here is what to wear and how to look after yourself on each.

Artificial turf

Turf plays the same in almost any weather, which is why most small-sided pitches use it. Wear turf shoes or artificial-grass boots with many short studs. Long studs grip too much on turf and put strain on your knees and ankles when you turn.

• Best boots: turf shoes (many small rubber studs) or AG boots.
• Watch out for: skin burns from sliding, and hard ground in frost.
• Tip: keep tackles on your feet.

Natural grass

Firm-ground boots work in most conditions. On wet, soft pitches in spring and autumn, longer studs give better grip. Grass is easier on joints than turf, but uneven and muddy pitches bring their own risks.

• Best boots: firm-ground (FG) boots; soft-ground studs when it is very wet.
• Watch out for: slipping on wet grass and twisted ankles on uneven ground.

What else to wear

• Shin pads, on any surface.
• A light and a dark shirt, in case teams are split by colour.
• Layers in winter: a base layer, gloves and a hat for the warm-up.

Look after your joints

• Warm up for five to ten minutes before kick-off.
• Wear the right studs for the surface: it is the simplest way to protect your knees.
• Stretch after the game, especially your hamstrings and calves.
• Build up gradually if you are coming back after a long break.