What is Inline Hockey?
In-line Hockey is a team sport, and is relatively new compared with the other branches of Roller Sports. It’s a sport that is here to stay. The game is fast and exciting, with speed and the agility to change direction quickly being vital skills in a good in-line hockey player.
It is not, however, strictly a "run and gun" game. Team play involves offensive and defensive play. When you watch an in-line game, you will see "highlight" type goals as well as team work at the net. The goalie has to work very hard in this sport and relies on the defensive players for support!
Who plays In-line Hockey?
Boys and girls, men and women of all ages can play the game and competitions are organised so that people of similar skill levels can be competitive. Teams can be mixed or single sex. In-line hockey encourages a healthy lifestyle while making great friends.
Where is In-line Hockey played?
The game can be played be played on wooden, asphalt or cement floors, either indoors or outdoors. The playing area or ‘rink’ is between 20m – 30m wide and 40m - 50m long, so long as a 2:1 length/ width ratio is observed.Many clubs are limited to what is available in their local area, some play on rinks not much bigger than basketball courts. It’s all good fun and great exercise.
What equipment is used in In-line Hockey?
All players wear in-line blades and the game can be played with a puck or a ball. Each field player wears a helmet with facemask or cage, gloves, elbow guards, knee and shin pads and protective cup or athletic support, padded pants are an optional extra, and finally a hockey stick especially designed for in-line hockey.
Goalies are required to have more protective equipment in the form of protective cup (for males and females), chest protector, goalkeeper’s gloves, goalkeepers leg pads, helmet with full-face cage and neck protector and of course a goalie stick.
What skating skills are needed for In-line hockey?
Initially competent skating skills are an advantage. Skating, passing, shooting, and reading the flow of the game are the essential elements for the experienced competitor. Teams can number from 7 to 14 members. Field players must learn to use the entire surface. When skaters learn and develop as in-line hockey players, they improve in strength, fitness and agility. During an average in-line hockey game, a player may skate up to 5 kilometres, constantly changing direction with the direction of play.
In-line Hockey is an exciting spectator sport!
The game is short. It is played over 2 x 20-minute periods with a half-time break of 5 minutes. Substitutions are allowed. Players sub on and off fairly frequently during each playing period, the game is fast, furious and the playing teams’ fortunes can be continually changing. Recommended viewing for anyone on who enjoys the action and excitement of a great sport!
