What is inline hockey?

Inline hockey is a dynamic sport that closely resembles ice hockey but is played on inline skates instead of on ice. It is played by two teams of four field players and one goalie. Players use sticks to control the puck, pass, and shoot, while moving quickly across the playing surface. The sport requires both technical skills, such as stickhandling and passing, as well as physical strength and speed.

In inline hockey, it is essential for players to think both offensively and defensively. They must quickly transition between different phases of the game and use the speed of their skates to launch attacks or stop counterattacks. The game also requires strong communication between teammates, as a well-thought-out pass or a quick change of direction can make the difference between a goal and a missed opportunity.

Inline hockey is often played in sports halls, but there are also outdoor competitions. It is an excellent way to maintain ice hockey skills during the summer or to improve your overall fitness and skating abilities.

Want to learn more about inline hockey? Watch this video.

Rules

Inline hockey is played on inline skates by two teams of four field players and one goalie. Here are the main rules:

Time: A match consists of two periods of 20 minutes, with a short break between periods.

Penalties and Violations: For violations such as tripping, slashing, or high-sticking, the player receives a 2-minute penalty, leaving their team temporarily short-handed.

Face-offs: The game is started and resumed with a face-off between two players, for example, after a goal or other stoppage.

Powerplay and Short-handed: When a player is penalized, the opposing team plays on the powerplay (with one more player), while the penalized team plays short-handed.

Rink and Boarding: Inline hockey is played on a rectangular rink with boarding around the edges, which helps control the puck and defend.

Gear

In inline hockey, the correct equipment is important to protect players and support their performance. The basic equipment consists of:

Helmet: Wearing a hockey helmet is mandatory. This helmet is equipped with a faceguard or visor to protect the head and face from the puck and sticks.

Elbow Pads: These protect the elbows from impacts and falls.

Leg Pads: These protect the legs from injuries during falls and contact with the floor.

Shin Guards: Shin guards protect the shins from impacts from the puck or the hockey stick.

Gloves: Players wear hockey gloves to protect their hands and provide a good grip on the stick.

Inline Skates: Specially designed inline skates provide speed and maneuverability. They have a sturdy frame and wheels suitable for playing on the rink.