A stick, a ball, some blades and a fresh piece of concrete and you're ready to play inline hockey.
Inline Hockey - How the Game Started
Inline hockey started in
England in 1885 - about 100 years after the first
roller skates were invented. Back then, it was played with
10 people on each team. Players used
walking canes or old umbrellas as
sticks.
Inline Hockey - What You Need
An old umbrella
just won't cut it anymore. You'll need a stick,
a hockey ball, inline skates,
a helmet and pads. It also helps to have several
pals to play with.
Inline Hockey - The Dangers
The way most people get hurt playing inline hockey is by falling. If you're just starting out, don't go too fast or you'll end up with a body full of roadrash and a buttload of bruises. Make sure you have a helmet and a good set of pads for your knees, elbows and wrists.
Watch out for cars! If you can't find a proper rink near your house, use a tennis court or a safe neighborhood street or parking lot - not a main street or the freeway.
Shots to the groin! It always seems funny as long as you're not the one getting hit. So watch out for the ball or protect your raisins with a jock. No matter how tough you think you are, a hockey ball to the groin means your afternoon of hockey could be over.
Inline Hockey - Differences From Ice Hockey
Inline hockey is a non-checking sport. And for the sake of your body, that could be a good thing!
There are no offsides or icing called in inline hockey, so let the cherry-picking begin!
Typically, an organized team consists of four players and one goalie and the game is divided into two 20-minute periods.
Inline Hockey - Organized Leagues
As long as you can find concrete, you
have a place to play. There's also tons of
inline hockey leagues around the world for kids of all ages.
For more info, check out the links below.
www.inlinehockeycentral.com - Has tons of info on inline hockey leagues, gear reviews and events.
www.usahockey.com - Info on inline hockey leagues and clinics in the US.
www.canadianinlinehockey.com - Guide to inline hockey programs and events in Canada.
www.puckhandlers.com - All the info you need on inline hockey in Australia.
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