If you're looking to start playing inline hockey, here are some tips to get started:
Getting the right equipment: First thing is you will need to invest in some some of the essentials.
To start you will need a stick. Obviously
You may want to invest in some safety equipment as well. This would include helmet, gloves, shin guards/kneed pads, elbow pads. Things to add could be a padded shirt and some padded shorts or a girdle. It is important to invest in a good quality helmet, one that fits properly and has an adequate amount of padding to protect your melon. On that note, all of your equipment should fit properly. A proper fit could help reduce the risk of injury by making sure the areas they are supposed to protect are properly covered.
Next is your skates. Inline hockey skates are different from regular ol'rollerblades. Inline hockey skates are built the same way ice hockey skates are but with a chassis and wheels. The hard outer shell of a hockey skate is meant to support the foot and ankle while also protecting the area from a puck or ball, even other skates. Do your research and find a good quality inline hockey skate with plenty of support while offering protection.
Get yourself out there and find a local league or club: To play you will need to put yourself out there and find a local league or club in your area. You can check your local rink and ask if they have any leagues or clubs to join. Another suggestion is to utilize facebook groups or instagram and find clubs that may be in your area. Word of mouth is another great way to find out about leagues and clubs as that is how I found out about the league I currently participate in. Joining a league or club is great way to make new friends and be a part of a group that shares the same interests in a fun sport. A lot of people in my league are very helpful with teaching techniques and offering advice to beginner hockey players. Joining a league or club with other players that are helpful will help you build yours skills, which leads to the next tip!
Practice, Practice, Practice: I cannot emphasize this enough. Practice, practice, practice. The only way you are going to become a great player is by practicing. Ice hockey requires good skating skills as well as inline hockey. Although the surfaces are different, the technique and skill required to skate in hockey is the same with a few adjustments here and there. If you are a beginner skater, take it slow and learn the basics to propel yourself forward while maintaining balance then move on to stopping, turning, and then skating backwards. Take it slow and work up your speed as you become comfortable in skates and become more confident in your skating abilities. Next thing to play hockey you will have to learn to handle a stick and puck/ball while moving. You can practice all you want on foot or skates stationary but the real challenge is controlling the puck/ball while in motion. Practice stickhandling while staying still to get a feel for the stick and puck or ball but don't let it be your only method of practice. Practice passing and shooting as well as stickhandling to improve your skills and become a well rounded hockey player.
Rules of Inline hockey: Inline hockey has some similar rules to ice hockey with some differences. Become familiar with the rules to avoid confrontation with other players as well as avoid injury.
RESPECT: We are all out there to have a good time so respect the other players around you as well as your local rink. Sportsmanship and kindness towards others will help you go a long way. Offer tips and advice to newcomers and beginners that want to come out and play. Help them along and encourage them like others did for you, and if nobody did that for you well then you start the trend. Getting other involved in the sport is a great way to help gain a community and showing kindness is a great way to have a positive community.
What I have come to realize at 30 years old is that it is not about me. It's never been about me. Sure I love the sport and want to continue playing it but it's not about me. Hockey was never a thing in my area until maybe 2 years ago, so my goal is to help create a community where the youth can actually play hockey, a community that my kids can be a part of and make friendships playing a sport that I never got to at that young age.
With that said inline hockey can be a great way to get involved in a community, meet new people and make new friends, as well as staying healthy and active. All it really requires is time and patience, your effort to learning how to play, and some gear to help you stay safe while having fun.