P. Santamarta // Dpto. Educacin Fsica // I.E.S. El Astillero.

Traducido por Ana Santiago

Rollerblading is a relatively recent sport because its origin dates from 1979. The
first rollerblades (in which the four wheels are put in line, instead of in the usual 2x2)
marketed in Chicago in 1960, supposed a categorical failure, partly because it had a
primitive design.

But Olson (an ice hockey player) saw in rollerblading the perfect way of training
for his sport without need of ice. So, he improved the rollerblades that he had found,
putting better wheels and a better braking system.

Rollerblading is a cheap sport, as the only obligatory materials are the rollerblades
and the protections and there are rollerblades of many prices.




One of the most universal and most used abilities is BALANCE and in this way,
rollerblading is very suitable for the development of this ability because it requires a
precise control and maximum concentration.

Rollerblading adapts to any person with a minimum physical condition and it is
good for amusing yourself in your free time at the same time you do physical exercise.



ROLLERBLADING. BASIC NOTES.
SHORT HISTORICAL REVIEW
WHY IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION?
P. Santamarta // Dpto. Educacin Fsica // I.E.S. El Astillero. Traducido por Ana Santiago


It has some advantages:
- The leg muscles develop, increasing its muscular strength.
- The cardiorespiratory capacity improves.
- The elasticity of the joints increases.
- Its fun and its a good way of having contact with everybody.





The rollerblading basic equipment is a pair of rollerblades and a helmet. The boots
mustnt be too tight and the foot mustnt move sideways. Toes mustnt touch the tip of
the boot inside and you must never feel pain. Besides, you must use protections on
elbows, wrists and knees.
Your clothing should be comfortable and cover a lot of your body to help protect
your skin from falls.
Make sure you wear socks when trying on boots. The friction caused between you
and your skates can cause a painful red mark on your ankle.




A good rollerblade adjustment is very important and you must feel that the
rollerblade is perfectly adapted and holds your foot well.

Put the safety bindings perfectly with enough tension. Look for your centre of
balance, stand on erect position and start to roll.

A- BASIC POSITION
Standing, bend the knees and the waist so the nose, the knees and tips of the feet are
in a straight line. Look forward. This erect position is the right one to rollerblade.


ROLLERBLADING PROFITS
THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
ROLLERBLADING TECHNIQUE
P. Santamarta // Dpto. Educacin Fsica // I.E.S. El Astillero. Traducido por Ana Santiago
B- ROLLERBLADING IN A STRAIGHT LINE
In this technique you push taking an advanced leg from inside to outside, alternating
both legs (Charlot step). The body weight will be in the rollerblade that glides.

Keep your knees bent and learning forward slightly: This stance will help you to
avoid falling over as you learn. Balance can be regained by bringing your hands into
your knees whenever you feel unbalanced.

C- ROLLERBLADING IN CURVE
Several methods exist to draw the curves:
1- TURN IN A OR OUTSIDE TURN
You have to load the body weight on the outer rollerblade and turn to the
opposite side.
2- INSIDE TURN
You must take the inner rollerblade more advanced than the outside rollerblade
making a line with both. Lean your body toward the interior of the curve.
3- ACROSS TURN
You have to give the steps crossing the outer rollerblade of the curve on the
inner rollerblade.

D- BRAKING
There are several stopping techniques and you'll need to learn each of them to
ensure you always have a way to stop.
1. BRAKE WITH THE PAD
Put the right rollerblade a little more advanced than the left one. Raise the right
toe till the brake touches the floor. Stretch the right knee and then bend the left
knee, (the more you bend the left knee the stronger the braking will be).
2. BRAKE IN T
Cross one of the rollerblades behind the other.
3. BRAKE WITH TURN
Make a quick turn putting the rollerblades in V with the heels together and the
rollerblade tip open each one to the opposite side.


P. Santamarta // Dpto. Educacin Fsica // I.E.S. El Astillero. Traducido por Ana Santiago


Some advice to clean them:
1. Tighten all the screws of the rollerblade once in a while.
2. Take off the inside ankle boot and wash it occasionally.
3. Change the wheels when they are worn out.
4. Lubricate the rollers now and again.
5. Dry the rollerblades with a heater when they get wet.







ROLLERBLADE MAINTENANCE