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Inline Hockey is a fast-paced and versatile team sport on inline skates that has its roots in classic ice hockey and delivers a true hockey feeling without ice.
Inline Hockey is played on asphalt, concrete, or special synthetic surfaces, which means it can be practiced almost anywhere. The objective of the game is to shoot the puck or ball into the opponent’s goal using speed, technique, and teamwork.
Depending on the game variant, a distinction is made between Inline Hockey with a puck and Inline Skater Hockey with a ball. These variants sometimes differ significantly in rules, body contact, and game speed. Typical characteristics include smaller playing fields, quick changes of direction, and a high level of technical skill.
Modern Inline Hockey Skates, specialized wheel setups, and adapted protective gear ensure maximum control and dynamism. Inline hockey appeals equally to beginners, recreational players, and ambitious competitive athletes and has established itself internationally as an independent sport. Anyone who loves speed, precision, and adrenaline will find the perfect blend of action, technique, and pure skating passion in inline hockey.
Inline Hockey Training by Trevell Wright
In the following video, you get a brief insight into a personal Inline Hockey training session on a hockey rink. Such training can take place almost anywhere – on the street in front of your home, in an empty parking lot, or on any other suitable open space.
Table of contents
- Action video – Maui Inline Hockey
- Gameplay and basic rules
- Game variations in Inline Hockey
- Inline Hockey (puck variant)
- Inline Skater Hockey (ball variant)
- Roller Hockey – the historical origin
- Equipment in Inline Hockey
- Positions in Inline Hockey
- The goalkeeper – last instance and playmaker
- Defenders – stability, overview and playmaking
- Forward – creativity, pace and finishing
- Rules and playing field zones
- The neutral zone – key to pace and game control
- Goal area – protected area for the goalkeeper
- Center line – more than just a playing field divider
- Offside and icing – depending on the rules
- Penalties and disciplinary actions
- History and development of Inline Hockey
Maui Inline Hockey Adult Elite Fall 2025
1. Action Video – Maui Inline Hockey
In this video, you can see thrilling game scenes from the Maui Inline Hockey Adult Elite Fall 2025 tournament, where two top teams battle for a spot in the final. The winner of this matchup rightfully secures a place in the championship and sends a strong statement in the competition.
2. Gameplay and basic rules
An inline hockey game is usually played in three periods. The standard playing time at adult level is 3 × 20 minutes of effective playing time. In many leagues, the clock is stopped during interruptions in play, which makes the flow of the game more structured and fair.
In youth divisions, shorter periods are common:
- Bambini / Minis: approx. 3 × 10–12 minutes
- Youth categories: usually 3 × 15 minutes
Between the periods, there are short breaks for changing sides.
On the rink, two teams face each other, each consisting of four field players and one goaltender. Due to the smaller playing surface compared to ice hockey, an additional field player is omitted, making the game faster and clearer. This results in quicker plays and frequent one-on-one situations.
Player substitutions are made on the fly, meaning without stopping the game.
2.1 Playing field and boards
The playing field is usually surrounded by boards, which means the puck or ball only rarely leaves the game. This ensures a high game flow, quick transitions, and intense one-on-one battles. In addition, passes off the boards are used tactically.
There are a total of three standardized rink sizes. These include the 60 × 30 m rink (from ice hockey), the 50 × 25 m rink (also with continuous ice hockey boards with a height of 1.25 m), as well as the smaller 40 × 20 m rink. Intermediate dimensions are also permitted, provided that the aspect ratio of 1:2 is maintained.
Inline Hockey playing field – Skater HockeyAfter the regular playing time has expired, the team with the most goals scored wins. In the event of a tie, overtime or a penalty shootout may follow, depending on league regulations or the tournament format.
2.2 Gameplay
The game begins with a face-off at center ice.
During the face-off, two opposing players place their sticks on the ground.
The referee drops the puck or ball between them, and as soon as it touches the ground, play is resumed.
Inline Hockey & Inline Skater Hockey – face-offFurther kick-offs include, for example:
- after goals are scored
- in case of rule violations
- when the puck/ball becomes unplayable
After a goal, the next kick-off takes place in the middle again.
Goals, scoring and end of game
- A goal is counted when the puck or ball completely crosses the goal line.
- The team with the most goals after regular playing time wins the game.
After a goal, the kick-off is always taken by the team that conceded the goal:
- Team A scores a goal
- Team B receives the face-off at center ice
This rule is intended to prevent the leading team from immediately applying further pressure. It promotes fairness and gives the trailing team a direct opportunity to get back into the game.
In some children’s, recreational, or fun leagues, different rules may apply (e.g. simplified kick-offs or immediate continuation of play). In official league play, however, this rule is clearly defined.
In case of a draw:
- League games: often extra time (e.g. 5 minutes)
- Tournaments: often penalty shootouts
The exact rules depend on the respective association or tournament format.
3. Game variations in Inline Hockey
Inline hockey is not a sport with globally uniform rules. Depending on the country, federation, and playing surface, different variants exist, some of which differ significantly in equipment, rules, and style of play.
Inline Hockey game variations3.1 Inline Hockey (puck variant)
The classic inline hockey variant is played with a special inline hockey puck. This puck is lighter than an ice hockey puck and usually features holes to reduce air resistance and bouncing on rough surfaces. As a result, the puck remains easier to control, even on asphalt.
Body contact in this variant is generally limited or clearly regulated. The focus is on fast, technically clean play at a high pace. Goaltenders wear specialized inline hockey protective gear designed for greater mobility and reduced weight.
Inline Hockey puckInline Hockey with a puck involves minimal body contact, meaning hard checks like in Ice Hockey are not allowed or are only permitted to a very limited extent:
- Body contact is regulated: slashing, hooking, tripping, and other dangerous actions are consistently penalized.
- There is a penalty system with time penalties – usually 2-minute penalties, after which the player may return to the game.
- Serious violations can result in longer penalties or game misconducts.
Typical rule characteristics include the usually absent icing rule and often no offside rule or only a limited version, in order to keep the flow of the game high.
Icing is called when:
- a player shoots the puck from their own half of the rink
- without it being played
- across the entire playing surface beyond the opponent’s goal line without a teammate touching it beforehand.
Play is then stopped, and a face-off takes place in the defensive zone of the team that shot the puck.
This rule exists to ensure that teams:
- do not simply “clear” the puck by shooting it forward
- waste time
- disrupt the game’s tempo
It therefore promotes fair play and structured build-up play instead of simply dumping the puck away.
3.2 Inline Skater Hockey (ball variant)
Inline Skater Hockey is the most widespread form of Hockey on Inline Skates, especially in Germany. Instead of a puck, a hard plastic ball is used, allowing the game to be played easily in sports halls without damaging the indoor flooring.
Inline Skater Hockey with ballThe game is strongly focused on technical skill and places great emphasis on passing play, movement off the ball, and overall game awareness. Body contact is usually prohibited or heavily restricted. Depending on the league, games may be played with or without goaltenders, with goalies often wearing reduced, more mobile protective equipment.
Body contact in inline skater hockey is:
- often prohibited, or
- only permitted to a very limited extent
The following actions are prohibited or strictly penalized, among others:
- slashing
- tripping
- holding
- dangerous play
Time penalties are a regular part of the rules, as is common in other hockey sports.
In youth and recreational settings, Inline Skater hockey is particularly popular because it offers a lower risk of injury and is more accessible. Playing times are often shorter than in classic Inline Hockey.
3.3 Roller Hockey – the historical origin
Roller Hockey is considered the historical root of Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey. This traditional sport is played on classic quad skates with four wheels, usually indoors and with a special ball. The first forms of roller hockey emerged as early as the late 19th century, particularly in Southern Europe. Countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy remain strongholds of this dynamic team sport to this day.
Roller Hockey early on developed its own playing systems, sophisticated movement patterns, and tactical concepts that strongly resemble Ice Hockey but are perfectly adapted to skating on wheels. Many fundamental technical skills such as stick handling, passing, spatial awareness, and goaltending techniques were first systematically shaped in this sport.
The influence of Roller Hockey on Inline Skater Hockey
With the emergence of modern inline skates in the 1980s and 1990s, a sporting evolution began. Inline Skater Hockey adopted many elements from classic Roller Hockey, but combined them with the higher speed and more direct skating feel of inline skates. In particular, tactical discipline, team play, and quick transitions between offense and defense can be directly traced back to Roller Hockey.
The use of a ball instead of a puck in Inline Skater Hockey also has its origins in Roller Hockey. This style of play allows for more controlled gameplay on smooth indoor floors and promotes technical finesse, precise ball control, and creative attacking moves.
The Emergence of Modern Inline Hockey
At the same time, Inline Hockey with a puck developed, primarily in North America. Inspired by Ice Hockey and fueled by the growing popularity of inline skates, the game increasingly shifted to asphalt surfaces, outdoor courts, and special synthetic floors. Inline Hockey became faster, more physical, and more spectacular – perfectly suited to urban environments and summer conditions.
While Inline Skater Hockey more strongly reflects the European Roller Hockey tradition, Inline Hockey with a puck is more closely aligned with the North American Ice Hockey style. Both disciplines, however, share the same passion: speed, skill, teamwork, and pure joy of the game on wheels.
International Spread and Present-Day Significance
Today, Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey are played worldwide. International tournaments, national leagues, and steadily growing youth development programs demonstrate how vibrant these sports are. Especially in Europe, there is a close connection between Roller Hockey, Inline Skater Hockey, and Inline Hockey – many players switch between disciplines during their careers and benefit from the different technical demands.
History clearly shows: without Roller Hockey, Inline Skater Hockey and Inline Hockey would not exist in their current form. This traditional quad-skating sport laid the foundation for modern, fast, and action-packed hockey variants on wheels that continue to inspire skaters around the globe today.
4. Equipment in Inline Hockey
Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey are played without ice, cold, or sharp blades. Nevertheless, falls, collisions, hard passes, and powerful shots are part of everyday play. Asphalt, concrete, or special indoor surfaces even place their own unique demands on equipment and protective performance.
For this reason, specially adapted protective gear has developed over the years. It is lighter, more breathable, and allows greater freedom of movement than traditional Ice Hockey equipment, while still offering a high level of safety.
Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline-SkaterhockeyThe focus is clearly on protection against impact injuries, bruises, and abrasions, without restricting the players’ dynamism, agility, and speed.
Protective Gear in the Recreational Sector
In the recreational sector, standard protective gear for inline skating or aggressive skating is usually used. Protective equipment from aggressive inline skating or park skating is often preferred, as it features large, robust plastic caps as well as exceptionally good impact absorption and freedom of movement.
For head protection, helmets with a visor are also recommended in the recreational sector, as they provide additional protection for the eyes in particular.
Leg protectors – lightweight protection for knees and shins
Shin guards in Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey are significantly lighter and slimmer than their ice hockey counterparts. Since there are no skate blades, protection against cuts is unnecessary; instead, the focus is on impact absorption during falls and on blocking shots or passes. Modern Inline Hockey shin guards feature sturdy plastic shells at the knee and shin, combined with flexible padding for high wearing comfort and optimal freedom of movement while skating.
Many players prefer compact models that fit closely to the leg and can be worn comfortably under pants – ideal for quick changes of direction and intense game situations.
Elbow and shoulder protectors – compact, flexible and breathable
Elbow pads are essential in Inline Hockey, as falls on hard surfaces place significant stress on the joints. Inline-specific elbow guards rely on anatomical fits, multi-layer padding, and flexible materials that effectively absorb impacts without restricting arm movement.
Shoulder padding is noticeably more compact than in ice hockey. Body checks play a minor role, which is why mobility, low weight, and good ventilation are the main priorities. Many inline hockey players opt for minimalist shoulder and chest protectors or so-called “lite pads” that protect the upper body without adding bulk.
Helmet, visor and gloves – mandatory equipment with modifications
The helmet is mandatory in both sports. Inline or Ice Hockey helmets with a cage or visor are most commonly used. While cages offer maximum protection for the face and teeth, visors provide a wider field of vision and are mainly preferred by experienced players. Good ventilation is essential, as Inline Hockey is often played in warm temperatures.
Gloves are visually very similar to those used in Ice Hockey, but they are lighter, more flexible, and often made with breathable materials. They reliably protect hands and fingers from impacts and contact with the ball or puck, while still allowing a very direct stick feel for precise passing and shooting.
Goalkeeper equipment – specially designed for hard surfaces
Inline Hockey goaltenders wear specially developed goalie equipment that differs significantly from classic Ice Hockey Gear. Since the game is played on hard surfaces, mobility, sliding ability, and impact absorption are crucial. The leg pads are flatter and lighter, and are designed to allow quick lateral movements and butterfly techniques on indoor floors or synthetic surfaces.
Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline-SkaterhockeyThe catching glove, blocker, and chest protector are also designed with reduced weight and increased flexibility in mind, while still providing sufficient protection against hard shots and direct body contact.
Overall, goalie protective equipment remains very wide and substantial and cannot be compared to standard protective gear used in regular Inline Skating.
4.1 Inline Hockey skates and wheels
Inline Hockey Skates are visually and technically closely based on classic ice hockey skates. The main difference is found on the underside: instead of a blade, a sturdy inline frame is mounted, carrying several wheels. This construction allows high speeds, strong acceleration, and precise changes of direction on asphalt, concrete, or indoor floors.
The boot itself either consists of a stiff outer shell or a very supportive lace-up boot with reinforced sidewalls. The goal is the most direct possible power transfer from the foot to the wheels, enabling explosive starts, quick stops, and controlled turns – essential for both Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey.
Inline Hockey Skates – Powerslide Reign Inline SkatesBoot construction – stability meets comfort
A key advantage of Inline Hockey Skates is their high lateral stability. Hard shots, fast crossovers, and abrupt changes of direction generate enormous forces that must be safely absorbed. For this reason, high-quality models rely on heat-moldable materials that can be perfectly adapted to the foot. This ensures optimal support, minimizes pressure points, and at the same time improves overall control of the skate.
Padded tongues, reinforced ankle areas, and anatomically shaped liners increase comfort even during long training sessions or tournament days. Especially in Inline Skater Hockey, which is often played at high speed in indoor arenas, a precisely fitting and highly responsive boot really pays off.
Inline Hockey wheels are significantly softer than classic street wheels in order to provide maximum grip. There are special indoor and outdoor versions, with higher grip always going hand in hand with increased wear and reduced top speed. In return, softer wheels offer better acceleration and braking performance. A brake pad is fundamentally not included on Hockey Inline Skates.
4.2 Wheel configurations and setups
The frame is the heart of every Inline Hockey Skate. It is usually made of aluminum or lightweight composite materials and is significantly stiffer than classic recreational inline frames. This stiffness ensures that no energy is lost and that every stride is translated directly into forward drive and acceleration.
Depending on the model and intended use, the number and size of the wheels vary. Many Inline Hockey Skates use a so-called Hi-Lo setup, with smaller wheels at the front and larger wheels at the rear. This setup improves acceleration, lowers the center of gravity, and provides a very ice-hockey-like skating feel – ideal for fast game situations and tight turns.
Nowadays, other setups are also used, such as configurations with three wheels. Three-wheel setups allow for a shorter wheelbase, resulting in significantly increased agility and maneuverability.
The revolutionary Trinity system by Powerslide additionally provides a lower ride height and improved control – even when using larger wheels.
Hockey Inline Skates with Trinity frame and three wheelsSkates with four equally sized wheels also offer a higher top speed than a so-called Hi-Lo setup.
Today, hockey inline skates are predominantly used with three or four wheels. Three-wheel setups typically feature configurations with 3 × 90 mm or 3 × 100 mm wheels. Four-wheel setups are most commonly ridden with 4 × 80 mm wheels or – in the case of Hi-Lo setups – for example with a combination of 2 × 80 mm and 2 × 76 mm wheels.
5. Positions in Inline Hockey
Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey are strongly based on the positional structure of classic Ice Hockey. Here as well, there are clearly defined roles: goaltender, defensemen, and forwards. However, due to smaller playing surfaces, reduced body contact, and the high speed on wheels, positional boundaries are often more fluid. Versatility, game awareness, and quick decision-making play a particularly important role.
Defensemen protect their own goal, disrupt opposing attacks, and initiate play moving forward. Forwards are responsible for playmaking, puck control, and finishing scoring chances. Depending on tactics, players can flexibly switch between positions.
Flexible roles and modern game systems
One key difference compared to classic ice hockey is the high flexibility of positions. Due to the smaller number of players and the constantly high pace, skaters frequently switch situationally between defensive and offensive responsibilities. A player defending one moment may finish an attack just seconds later.
Modern Inline Hockey teams rely on versatile players who can cover multiple positions and adapt tactically. This flexibility makes the game especially dynamic, fast-paced, and exciting for both spectators and players alike.
5.1 The goalkeeper – last instance and playmaker
The goalkeeper, often simply called the goalie, is the most important defensive position. His primary task is to protect the goal and reliably stop shots from the opposing team.
Compared to Ice Hockey, mobility is especially crucial for a goalie on wheels. Lateral movement, quick recovery after saves, and precise reactions are essential. At the same time, the goaltender often takes on a playmaking role by controlling rebounds, initiating passes, or directing his defense.
5.2 Defenders – stability, overview and playmaking
Defenders protect their own goal and are responsible for organizing the defense. They disrupt opposing attacks, block shots, intercept passes, and maintain structure in their own zone. Due to the fast-paced nature of skating on wheels, defensemen must be highly mobile, agile, and positionally disciplined.
Another key responsibility of defensemen is initiating the offense. With precise passes and smart movement, they start attacks and support the transition from defense to offense. In Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey, defenders often play a more offensive role than in Ice Hockey and actively join the attack.
5.3 Forward – creativity, pace and finishing
Forwards are responsible for the offensive side of the game. They handle playmaking in the offensive zone, keep possession of the ball or puck, and actively look for scoring opportunities. Explosive starts, tight turns, technical finesse, and good vision for teammates are essential skills.
Depending on the tactical approach, a distinction is often made between more defensively minded forwards, who contribute a lot of skating work and take on backchecking duties, and offensively oriented players who focus on finishing chances. Especially in Inline Skater Hockey with a ball, ball control and creative combination play are key success factors.
Backchecking refers to the quick transition of forwards and offensively oriented players back toward their own goal after losing possession of the ball or puck. The aim of backchecking is to disrupt the opponent’s attack early, close passing lanes, and prevent numerical advantages.
Backchecking is a central tactical element in Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey, as the game on wheels is extremely fast and turnovers can lead to dangerous scoring chances within seconds.
6. Rules and playing field zones
In inline Skater Hockey, the playing field is clearly structured and divided into several functional areas. These zones create order in the game, make refereeing decisions easier, and have a direct impact on tactics, movement patterns, and playing systems. In general, a distinction is made between the offensive zone, neutral zone, and defensive zone.
The defensive zone is located in front of a team’s own goal and serves to protect against opposing attacks. The focus here is on defensive work, positional play, and controlled build-up. The offensive zone is the mirrored counterpart and forms the area for combinations, shots, and scoring opportunities. Between them lies the neutral zone, which is especially important for transitions, changes of pace, and tactical territorial gains.
The center line divides the rink into two halves and is used, among other things, to assess certain game situations.
Rules such as offside or icing depend on the respective federation. In German Inline Skater Hockey, rule violations are often penalized with yellow cards (time penalty) or red cards (game misconduct). In cases of serious offenses, additional suspensions may also be imposed after the match.
6.1 The neutral zone – key to pace and game control
The neutral zone plays a particularly important role in Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey. Because the game is extremely fast and played with only a few skaters, this area often decides puck or ball possession, game rhythm, and counterattacking opportunities. Teams aim to force turnovers through smart positioning and targeted pressing, or to enter the offensive zone in a controlled manner.
Especially compared to Ice Hockey, the neutral zone in Inline Skater Hockey is often played more dynamically, as the rules, depending on the federation, allow greater freedom when transitioning through this area.
6.2 Goal area – protected area for the goalkeeper
In addition to the zone layout, there is a clearly defined goal crease. This area protects the goalkeeper and regulates how close attacking players are allowed to approach the goalie. Direct contact with the goaltender or remaining in the crease is usually penalized in order to prevent injuries and ensure fair scoring chances.
The goal crease is particularly important in situations involving rebounds, deflections, and congested play in front of the net. Here, precise knowledge of the rules is essential for both players and referees alike.
6.3 Center line – more than just a divider in the playing field
The center line divides the playing surface into two halves and serves as a central point of orientation. In addition to face-offs at the start of a period or after a goal, it is also relevant for certain rule interpretations. Depending on the rule set, the center line can, for example, influence offside or icing-like situations.
Furthermore, it helps officials make clear decisions in fast-paced game situations, such as when judging passes or transitions between offense and defense.
6.4 Offside and Icing – depending on the rules
In Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey, rules such as offside or icing are not regulated uniformly on an international level. Whether and how they are applied depends heavily on the respective federation and the league being played. In some divisions, simplified offside rules exist or the icing rule is deliberately omitted in order to maintain a high game flow and avoid frequent stoppages.
Especially for players who switch between different leagues or tournaments, it is important to familiarize themselves in advance with the specific rule set in force.
Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from their own half of the rink, without it being played, across the entire playing surface and beyond the opponent’s goal line, without a teammate touching the puck beforehand.
In this case, play is stopped and a face-off takes place in the defensive zone of the team that shot the puck.
6.5 Penalties and disciplinary actions
In Inline Hockey and Inline Skater Hockey, especially under federations in Germany, rule violations are often penalized using a card system. Yellow cards generally represent time penalties and are used to punish unsportsmanlike behavior, stick fouls, or repeated rule violations. Red cards result in a game misconduct penalty and usually lead to the immediate ejection of the player.
In the case of particularly serious or repeated offenses, additional disciplinary measures such as post-game suspensions, fines, or further sanctions may be imposed. These measures are intended not only to punish, but also to ensure long-term safety and fairness in the game.
7. History and development of Inline Hockey
The history of Inline Hockey goes back further than many people assume. A remarkable historical record dates from 1938, when a hockey game on roller skates was documented in Vienna. At that time, the game was not yet played on modern inline skates, but on classic quad skates. These early forms of the sport are considered important precursors of today’s Inline Hockey, even though they still differed significantly from the modern game in terms of rules and style of play.
For many decades, Roller Hockey on quad skates dominated the scene. This variant developed particularly in Europe into an independent, internationally organized sport with clearly defined rules, standardized rink dimensions, and sophisticated tactical concepts.
Inline skates as training tool for Ice Hockey players
Inline skates initially played a minor role and for a long time were mainly used as a summer training tool for Ice Hockey players. The goal was to train endurance, leg strength, and movement patterns outside the ice season. Playing hockey on inline skates itself was not yet the main focus; instead, the emphasis was on transferring technique and improving overall athletic performance.
Only with the increasing technical advancement of inline skates did it become clear that they were not just a training aid, but could also serve as the foundation for an independent hockey sport.
Technical milestones on the path to modern Inline Hockey
A decisive influence on the development came from several technical innovations. The so-called Super Skate by Morris L. Silver from 1973 is considered one of the most important precursors of modern inline skates. This concept was the first to combine multiple wheels arranged in a single line, enabling a much more natural skating feel.
Another significant step followed in 1978 with the “Speedy” system by the company SKF. Thanks to improved bearing technology and more stable wheel constructions, inline skates became more durable, faster, and easier to control. These technical advances laid the foundation for high-performance sporting applications, such as those common in inline hockey.
The breakthrough in the 1990s
Inline Hockey experienced its definitive breakthrough in the 1990s. Inline skates became popular worldwide, driven not least by new manufacturers, mass production, and a growing leisure and action sports culture. At the same time, the first established inline hockey leagues, tournaments, and federations emerged, especially in North America and Europe.
Inline Hockey increasingly evolved from a training substitute into an independent sport with its own rules, specialized skates, protective equipment, and clearly defined playing systems. The high speed, physical style of play, and the ability to play independently of ice rinks made Inline Hockey particularly appealing.
From niche sport to established hockey discipline
Today, Inline Hockey is played worldwide and firmly established within the hockey landscape. National leagues, international competitions, and steadily growing youth development programs demonstrate how strongly the sport has evolved. At the same time, the close connection to ice hockey remains, making inline hockey an ideal bridge between summer and winter sports.
The history of Inline Hockey is therefore a story of technical innovation, athletic adaptation, and continuous development – from improvised roller skate games to modern high-performance sport on wheels.
