SALIBY: They drop a soccer ball on the grass and then measure the sound of its bounce. (SOUNDBITE OF BALL BOUNCING) SALIBY: It's all about determining if the ball meets tournament regulations.
In one experiment, a group of MSU students pack different levels of sand between asphalt and a layer of turf grass. They then drop a soccer ball on the grass and measure the sound of its bounce.
Researchers are working to grow grass that will offer the same level playing field for athletes at the various soccer venues that will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup ...