This paper is a philosophical treatise on matching the artificial playing surface to the player. Questions are raised and answered regarding the field characteristics to be mea-sured and tested. The concept of force-time curves as an approach to better understanding of the requirements of playing fields is presented. Representative patterns often basic locomotor activities are described with respect to the forces against the surface. These patterns include walking, running, veering, cutting, stopping, dodging, pivoting, jumping, landing, and lunging. The absorption, traction, abrasiveness, and elasticity characteristics of playing fields are key elements related to the locomotor patterns used by the players of these sports. The problem is a complex one, but biomechanics researchers, materials engineers, and design engineers working together can facilitate the improvement of sports playing fields.