Everything you need to know to get started with inline hockey.

Looking to get into the world of inline hockey? Every player at Exeter Storm was once a beginner too, so we are here to pass on our years of experience to help you get up and skating in no time.

Do I need to know how to skate?

Whilst it would be certainly useful if you have some skating experience, you do not need any prior experience to join our Thursday evening Junior & Beginner sessions. We would recommend finding a flat area to practice getting the basics of skating – it’s genuinely not as hard as it looks. There are loads of YouTube videos that will show you the basic principles of how to skate within inline rollerblades.

Do I need special hockey skates to play?

Many players start out with basic recreational roller blades and go on to purchase inline hockey skates. The main difference being that hockey skates will have different sizes wheels and no brake at the rear of the skate, giving the player ultimate flexibility and support for speedy skating. You’ll definitely not want quad skates/roller skates, as we play inline roller hockey on rollerblades.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

Yes, however we are here to help guide you as to which equipment you’ll need. Hockey kit is an investment that will provide you with years of enjoyment and protection. Many of our players have sourced their own 2nd hand equipment through Facebook, Vinted, eBay or by simply asking other players if they have any spare kit for sale. There is loads of 2nd hand Youth size equipment available on the internet as juniors will often grow out of their current kit and simply resell it. Senior kit can also be found on Facebook e.t.c and it can be helpful to join some of the Ice Hockey Buy Swap Sell Facebook Groups.

The equipment you will need to attend a training sessions is;

• Inline rollerblades
• Hockey helmet with a cage
• Hockey stick
• Hockey gloves
• Elbow pads
• Shin guards
• Shoulder pads
• Inline Hockey Girdle
• Inline Hockey Trousers
• Training jerseys (1x Black & 1x White is best)
• Water bottle, ideally one with a long spout.
• Ideally some sort of holdall or large bag to put everything in but a large shopping bag would also suffice.

The items listed above in bold show where ice hockey equipment is also suitable for inline hockey. This can help when sourcing equipment on the internet. To understand the sizes required, most hockey retailers such as Puck Stop, Willies Hockey Shop, Hockey Station e.t.c will have size guides on their sites. It’s important to read these guides as it’ll help you choose the right size and quality of equipment that you’ll need. Equipment is generally available in Junior size extra small to XXL Senior.

Some players will also bring a sports drink but this is entirely up to to you. There is also a free water fountain at the hall.

How fit do I need to be?

Hockey is a really good fun way of getting fitter. You don’t need any specific fitness level to attend our Beginner and Junior sessions. Naturally, the fitter you are – the more fun you will have, however fitness will also come as you attend each weekly session.

Is it hockey dangerous?

We would be lying if we said ‘no’, however the main risks can be managed by simply listening to the instructions provided, practice and by ensuring you have the right protective equipment. Inline Hockey is a non-checking (a.k.a non contact) sport, which means that unlike Ice Hockey, there is zero hitting or fighting.

How long will it take to be able to play well?

This all depends on the level of practice you put in, your desire to learn and how regularly you attend sessions. Those that put in the effort to practice skating outside of sessions and take time to watch hockey tutorials online, will develop much more rapidly that those who do not.

Do I have to buy an Exeter Storm Jersey?

Whilst we would love to have you as part of the Exeter Storm team, there is no requirement to buy a team jersey. Although, they are awesome jerseys, your coach will talk to you about how and when to order a jersey should you decide to join the team.

Do you play in competitions or leagues?

Yes indeed, we do. Exeter Storm has an A-League team, which is our most experienced seniors team, many of whom have been playing hockey for many, many years.

We also have our B-League team, which consists of both experienced & beginner 14+year olds, and adults who are at a beginner level.

There is also our Juniors team who are 8-13 year olds, who are made up of beginners and experienced players.

We often play in league games once a month vs other teams in Devon. There are a plethora of teams throughout the UK and across Devon, which makes a great community of inline hockey players of all ages and abilities.

There is no obligation for players to participate in leagues or competitions, however it’s a lot of fun and we would recommend joining in.

How do I know if I’m good enough to join in? Should I come along and watch?

Trust us when we say this – everyone is welcome even if you think you’ll spend most of your time falling over on your skates, we’ve all been there because we were all beginners once. You would of course be welcome to come along and watch a training session, however the only real way to know if you’ll like it is to come along and have a go. Every player in Exeter Storm is welcoming and accepting of new players.

Can girls play as well as boys?

Totally! There are lots of male and female players at Exeter Storm. All ages and all genders are welcome.

Do I have to go in goal?

No, whilst being a goal-tender/tendy/goalie/goal keeper is one of the best positions in hockey, it’s also generally something that more experienced players move into. Most players tend to start off as outfield players and some will take up goalie positions as they feel it suits their playing style the best.

What’s the minimum age I can be to play?

Currently, to get playing inline hockey at Exeter Storm the minimum age is 9 years old. However, we are looking at starting a youth team in the not too distant future so get in touch with us if this would be of interest to you.

If I want to come along, where do I go?

When you get to St Peters Church of England school. We are located to the left side of the building in the sports centre, which you can find by either using what 3 words; ///burn.shared.insect or by following all the other players who will be walking around with hockey sticks. If you get stuck, there is normally someone on reception who can direct you.

What does a training session usually look like?

Normally players will get kitted up around 6pm and then your coach will guide you through some basic skating warm ups, then players will do some stretches to make sure our joints are all ready. Next we will spend around half an hour running through some training drills such as passing, shooting, positioning e.t.c. These drills are designed to teach you how to play and give you skills that you can use in games. The last half hour is what we call a scrimmage a.k.a a game. Players will be put into two teams to play a friendly game against each other. It’s a good idea to have a plain white training jersey and a plain black training jersey so you can be easily assigned to a team. Once scrimmage has finished, that’s the end of the session at 7.30pm.

OK, I want to come along, what do I do next?

Step 1, message us on Facebook to let us know that you are wanting to attend so we can keep an eye out for you and make sure that you’re welcomed. We can also let you know if for any unlikely reason that the sessions is cancelled that evening.

Step 2, find your kit and bring it along to a Thursday session.

Step 3, enjoy every minute of it!

Welcome to Exeter Storm and Inline Hockey.

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to drop us a message via Facebook messenger and we will get back to you soon.