Learning how to put on inline hockey pads can feel like a game in itself.
You’ve got your skates, helmet, gloves… and then there’s the padding – shoulder, elbow, shin. It’s enough to make you dizzy!
The truth is…
If you don’t know how to put on inline hockey pads, you’re not just risking discomfort during play but also potential injuries.
Gear Up for Inline Hockey
Welcome to the thrilling world of inline hockey.
This gear-intensive sport demands both precision and protection.
To excel, you’ll need a variety of equipment – from inline skates to safety gear like helmets and pads.
The Essentials: Skates & Protective Gear
Your first step into this exhilarating game starts with acquiring quality inline skates.
Inline skates, unlike traditional ice hockey skate blades, are uniquely designed for speed and agility on non-ice surfaces.
Next comes protective gear.
Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards – all these pieces work together to shield you from potential injuries during gameplay.
Hockey gloves provide crucial protection too; they safeguard your fingers while allowing flexibility for handling the stick effectively.
It’s important that each piece fits well.
All protective gear is adjustable so it can be tweaked until you feel comfortable in it.
Finally remember: practice makes perfect.
If you’re new to inline hockey or just trying out some fresh gear, spend time getting used to wearing them at home before hitting the rink.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into specific aspects of gearing up next.
Suiting Up with Protective Gear
Inline hockey, like any gear-intensive sport, requires a solid line of defense.
The first rule you’ll learn as an inline player is that safety comes first.
Shoulder Pads vs Padded Shirts
In the world of inline hockey, protection starts at the top.
You might be wondering whether to wear shoulder pads or opt for padded shirts designed specifically for this sport.
Shoulder pads, while providing ample coverage and protection, can feel heavy during play.
On the other hand, padded shirts offer a lighter alternative, making them more comfortable without compromising on safety.
Elbow Pads and Shin Guards
Moving down from your shoulders are elbow pads and shin guards – essential components in any roller hockey gear kit.
Elbow pads protect against falls or collisions during gameplay while also offering flexibility for stick handling.
Shin guards reduce injury risk significantly compared to a soccer shin guard due to their design tailored explicitly for impacts faced in inline games.
Inline Hockey Gloves
In contrast to ice-hockey gloves which have limited mobility, inline hockey gloves offer greater flexibility.
They offer robust finger-to-wrist protection yet allow enough movement necessary when maneuvering your stick around opponents.
It’s imperative to not only be comfortable, but also have the capacity to put forth your best effort on the rink.
As we move further into our discussion about gearing up correctly, next we will delve deeper into understanding Inline Girdles & Pants. Stay tuned.
Understanding Inline Girdles and Pants
The world of inline hockey introduces players to unique gear, such as the inline girdle. Unlike traditional ice hockey pants, an inline girdle features air pockets, promoting better circulation during intense games.
A Closer Look at Inline Girdles
An inline girdle is a form-fitting piece of roller hockey gear designed for maximum protection and comfort. The design contours perfectly to your body shape providing mobility without compromising on safety.
The standout feature? Air pockets. These strategically placed cushions not only offer superior protection but also ensure adequate airflow keeping you cool throughout the game.
Pants vs Girdles: What’s Best?
Choosing between loose-fitting pants or a snug-fit inline girdle often comes down to personal preference. Some players feel comfortable in roomy pants while others prefer the close fit that an inline girdle provides.
- Gloves are essential – they protect fingers, backhand, wrist yet allow flexibility for stick handling.
- Helmets with full-face cages/shields provide head & face protection against puck/ball impacts.
- Cup/athletic supporter protects from low blows which can be painful and dangerous if ignored.
Remember though – no matter what choice you make regarding this crucial part of your equipment set-up- always prioritize safety over style when it comes to playing any kind of contact sport like inline hockey.
Choosing Your Stick Wisely
Selecting the right stick for inline hockey can significantly impact your performance on the rink.
Your choice should not be taken lightly, as it affects crucial aspects of play such as puck handling and shooting accuracy.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Hockey Stick
The length of your stick is an essential factor in ensuring comfortable gameplay.
A longer stick offers better reach but may compromise control, while a shorter one provides improved maneuverability at the expense of range.
- Flex rating also plays a pivotal role – softer flexes are ideal for quick wrist shots, whereas stiffer ones favor powerful slapshots.
- The blade curve influences shot direction and puck handling; hence selecting between flat or curved blades depends on personal preference and playing style.
- In terms of material composition, composite sticks offer lightweight durability making them popular among players compared to traditional wooden variants. (source).
The world of inline hockey equipment extends beyond just skates and pads – choosing the right gear involves understanding each piece’s unique attributes.
With these factors considered carefully before purchase, you’ll find yourself with equipment that enhances rather than hinders your game.
The Investment in Inline Hockey Equipment
Embarking on your journey into the world of inline hockey involves an investment in necessary gear.
This equipment, ranging from inline skates to protective pads and gloves, is crucial for both safety and performance during play.
Purchasing Quality Gear Within Budget
Finding quality inline hockey gear doesn’t have to break the bank.
A comprehensive set of essential items like a helmet, elbow pads, shin guards and more can be acquired within a few hundred dollars range.
Making Wise Choices with Online Resources
In order to make informed decisions about purchasing this important equipment, it’s beneficial to utilize online resources dedicated specifically towards guiding new players through their first purchases.
It requires specific equipment, all designed to protect players and enhance their performance on the rink.
Shoulder Pads vs Padded Shirts
In terms of upper body protection, traditional shoulder pads are often used in ice hockey. However, for inline play, many prefer padded shirts designed specifically.
Padded shirts weigh less than traditional shoulder pads but still offer ample protection. They’re comfortable too.
Elbow Pads and Shin Guards: More Than Just Protection
Moving down the arm, elbow pads provide essential joint protection during falls or collisions while playing inline hockey.
Shin guards reduce injury risk significantly more than a soccer shin guard would due to their design tailored for hockey impacts.
Hockey Gloves Provide Protection And Flexibility
Inline Hockey gloves, unlike those made for other sports like boxing or MMA, are designed specifically for this game.
They not only shield your fingers and backhand from injuries but also ensure you maintain flexibility necessary to handle the stick effectively.
As we delve deeper into understanding how these gears work together towards ensuring safety & enhancing performance, it’s crucial next to understand another important piece, i.e., Inline Girdles & Pants which will be discussed in our upcoming section.
Gearing Up Flexibility
In fact, many experienced inline hockey players appreciate the flexibility of being able to put on their elbow pads before their shin guards if they choose. Or slipping into their handy roller-hockey-specific girdle before donning those all-important shoulder pads.
This freedom can make getting ready less stressful and more efficient – especially important during those fast-paced game days.
Avoiding Gear Sequence Stress
The lack of need for a specific sequence also helps reduce stress levels among beginners who are still learning how each piece fits together. No longer do newcomers have to worry about forgetting something crucial because they didn’t follow a set ‘start-to-finish’ process.
All that matters is ensuring every protective item, from padded shirts designed specifically for inline action right down to sturdy gloves providing protection, is worn correctly and feels comfortable.
Remember: Inline Hockey isn’t just about having fun; it’s also about staying safe while doing so.
FAQs about how to put on inline hockey pads
In the world of inline hockey, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of your gear. This includes everything from inline skates and elbow pads to shoulder pads and shin guards.
The Role of Inline Skates
Your choice of inline skates can significantly impact your performance on the rink. Unlike traditional ice hockey skate blades, these are designed specifically for speed and agility on non-ice surfaces.
Padded Shirts vs Traditional Shoulder Pads
If you’re wondering whether to wear shoulder pads or opt for padded shirts designed specifically for this sport, consider their weight difference. While both provide protection during play, many players find that lighter-weight padded shirts feel more comfortable without compromising safety.
Hockey Gloves: A Crucial Piece Of Equipment
Hockey gloves provide protection while also allowing flexibility necessary for handling sticks effectively a€” making them an integral part of any player’s kit.
No matter what level you are playing at, beginner or experienced, it is crucial always to be equipped with proper protective gear before stepping onto the rink.
This will help ensure a safer game experience and enhance overall performance by giving peace-of-mind knowing they’re adequately protected against potential injuries commonly faced when participating in high-intensity activity like inline hockey.
FAQs in Relation to How to Put on Inline Hockey Pads
How do you put on hockey pads?
Start with your shin guards, then attach your inline girdle or pants. Next, secure your elbow and shoulder pads. Always ensure a snug fit for optimal protection.
How do you put on roller hockey equipment?
The process is similar to ice hockey: start with shin guards and girdle/pants, followed by elbow and shoulder pads. Don’t forget your helmet and gloves for complete protection.
What equipment do you need to play inline hockey?
You’ll need inline skates, a stick, a helmet with full-face cage or shield for youth players, shoulder pads or padded shirt, elbow pads, gloves, an inline girdle or pants, and shin guards.
How do you tape hockey pads?
Taping isn’t typically required for most modern gear as they have built-in straps. However, use cloth athletic tape around the pad’s straps to secure it further if needed.
Conclusion
If you’re a professional inline hockey player ready to take your skills to the highest level or are looking for more information as a beginner in this thrilling sport…
From learning how to put on inline hockey pads correctly for optimal protection and comfort during games…to choosing between different types of gears based on personal preference & budget…
We provide helpful insights every step of the way.
Join us today at World Inline Hockey. Gear up safely and confidently!