There are a large number of variables that influence the development of technical actions in soccer. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyse the effects of the surface (grass, turf or dirt) on teams' and players' performances from a technical perspective. Fifty-four games in three different formats (5v5, 7v7 and 9v9) divided into two age groups (U-9 and U-14) at three Spanish soccer clubs were filmed and analysed. This study used the observational and descriptive method and was carried out by systematic direct observation, considering different types of behaviour within a set of defined technical offensive variables. Results showed that there were significant differences, and grass pitches generated more attacks (shots per minute: 0.69; touches per game: 258), while turf and dirt pitches generated less offensive play (shots per minute: 0.49 for turf / 0.30 for dirt; touches per game: 224 for turf / 252 for dirt).Conclusion: the data revealed that the characteristics of the playing surface have a strong influence on the development of the players' technical performance.