Try to limit playing in one spot to shorter periods of time so that you're not always running on the same places. Stay off the lawn when it is wet. Watch the grass for signs of damage and as soon as you see the grass start to suffer, stay away from that spot long enough to give it time to recover.

Taking these steps will probably limit any damage and may eliminate the damage altogether.

Well you are really asking for the impossible. If the area is large enough for you to rotate around, like a foot ball field size, bpgreen advice might work out. But even the toughest grass like Bermuda will wear down under athletic playing field conditions over a small area with repeated abuse.

Do you have any idea what kind of grass it is?

Thanks for the answers.

First things first: Impossible is nothing! :)

I know it sounds dumb, but what's an usual sign for damage of the grass?
And I'd like to emphasize that it's only shooting of penaltys - so only a shot and goal area... but rotating is a good idea.

Is there anything you can do for the grass to recover more quickly? (except leaving it)

Good night!

Signs of damage would be things like the grass lies flat and doesn't spring back up, or the grass starts looking torn, or there are spots with dirt starting to show through (if you get to that stage, you've gone too far and you're probably in some trouble with the person who said not to damage the lawn).

I can't think of any way to speed the healing process.

And what do you think of the idea of covering the grass somehow? Could that help eventually?

So let me summarize: The best way to avoid damage is to play shortly and change positions. Right?

Walking on grass occasionally isn't going to damage it. What rips turf up is the twisting and scraping motions. On a penalty kick, that would be the foot you plant next to the ball. if you put a small mat down, you would eliminate most of that. The goalie is the one who will damage the turf the most. Pushing off of one foot quickly as well as diving and sliding across the grass is going to damage those areas. I'm not sure there is much you can do about that besides rotate the areas you use. If you don't play in the same spot all the time, that gives the lawn more time to recover before you damage it again.

Well you could hire the Hendriks Graszoden Groep that laid the turf for WC '06, or rotate play, water after playing and don't wear studs (indoor flats would be ideal). Avoid play during times of high stress such as heat/drought. Grass can be repaired; soccer is life. Good luck.

Do not cover the grass with anything. Any cover will quickly kill the grass in a few hours in sunlight. Just move around. Rotate your areas and change direction. Water the grass after you use it if it is dry and not watered regularly by the home owner.

Did I get this right? It doesn't really help to put a mat on it, but it makes it even worse?

"Grass can be repaired; soccer is life." - you got it mate! Too bad my other cousin (the person who's not allowing it) has no idea of soccer. He rather likes to ham like a general!

>"Did I get this right? It doesn't really help to put a mat on it, but it makes it even worse? "

yes. Grass needs to breathe just like you and I. Also, depending on the sun and temperature, it can get extremely hot under there and burn the grass.

C'mon now.....what do you expect a lawn to do when you tear around on it. Have you ever looked at Wimbledon after the professionals have had a go at it....and they are experts at lawn maintenance.
No lawn can stand up to being trafficed over time and time again and when you put your foot to it, how can any lawn not be expected to bear some scars.

The answer to your problem....take your ball and get out to the local public park and not cause your homeowner the expense of having to fix what you would do to it.

Lawnprotector--feel free to ignore mean-spirited comments. It shouldn't be too difficult to determine which posts are from people trying to help and which are from people who are just trying to be cruel to you.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Thanks bpgreen. But I'm very pleased there are like 90% serious comments!

Finally thanks to all the people who had serious suggestions which could definitely help! - I'm "really" sorry jeannie.

And if there still helpful comments, feel free to post them. ;)

Best wishes,
Lawnprotector