SHORT HISTORICAL REVIEW 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 material are the rollerblades and the protections and there are rollerblades of many prices. WHY IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION? One of the abilities more universal and so more often use in much motor functions is the 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 PROFITS 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 NECESSARY EQUIPMENT The rollerblading basic equipment is a pair of rollerblades. 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.

ROLLERBLADING TECHNIQUE 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. 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. 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 different techniques: 1. BRAKE WITH THE STUD 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 WEDGE Put the rollerblades making a light angle to the inside. Its similar to ski wedge braking. 3. BRAKE IN T Cross one of the rollerblades behind the other. 4. 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. ROLLERBLADE MAINTENANCE Some advice to clean them: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Tighten all the screws of the rollerblade once in a while. Take off the inside ankle boot and wash it occasionally. Change the wheels when they are worn out. Lubricate the rollers now and again. Dry the rollerblades with a heater when they get wet.