How to Dress for Roller Hockey

Whether you're playing on a team or just with some friends in the neighborhood, roller hockey is a game that can get rough. Knowing what to wear when you're getting ready to play is important for avoiding injury and having fun. The key equipment for roller hockey is enough pads and breathable clothes to accommodate the pads.

Things You'll Need

• Shin guards and elbow pads
• Gloves
• Hockey pants, jersey, and optional padded shorts
• Long socks that reach the knee
• In-line skates
• Cup and mouth guard
• Helmet with a mask

Instructions

1. Wear shin guards and elbow pads. These two pieces of padding are the most important in safeguarding against injuries and will keep you away from serious harm when you fall down or get pushed.

2. Wear gloves. Gloves may not seem like a necessity, but when your hands get rolled over you'll be glad you had them.

3. Wear breathable pants and a jersey. You can buy pants specially designed for roller hockey with ventilation to keep you cool and with some flexibility to accommodate your pads. Hockey jerseys are good to wear because they look great and are also well ventilated.

4. Consider wearing a pair of padded shorts under your pants for extra protection when you fall. They aren't necessary, though some little league hockey organizations require them.

5. Wear socks that are comfortable in your skates and can stretch up over your shin guards to help keep them in place. Soccer socks can work because they serve the same purpose in soccer.

6. Have a good pair of inline skates. If you play seriously or on a regular basis, you'll want a pair of hockey skates, which are more stable and have better braking abilities. If you're just playing for fun every now and then, any pair will do as long as they fit you well and have good brakes.

7. Wear a protective cup if you're a guy. Even if you don't think the game will be that aggressive, wear a cup just for safety. It's easier to wear one than to get hurt by accident.

8. Use a mouth guard. You can find an inexpensive mouth guard to shape to your upper teeth at any sporting goods store. If you look harder, you might also find higher quality guards that fit both your top and bottom teeth.

9. Wear a helmet. Helmets are required for sanctioned clubs and little league. Many recreational players wear all of the pads except the helmet, but if you're at all concerned about head injury, it's always best to be safe. You can get a good hockey helmet with a face mask for about $40 and a bicycle helmet is better than nothing if you're playing a street game and don't have a hockey helmet.

Resources

• Shop for hockey gear