5 Roller Hockey Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Discover 5 Roller Hockey Books authored by recognized authorities like Dave Easter, Vern Stenlund, and Richard Neil Graham offering skill drills, strategy, history, and mentorship insights.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if I told you that roller hockey holds a unique blend of speed, skill, and strategy that few sports capture so vividly? Yet, finding authoritative resources to master this dynamic game can feel like chasing a puck on a fast break—elusive and challenging. Roller hockey continues to grow, capturing the hearts of players eager to refine their craft and coaches seeking effective training methods.

The books featured here are penned by authors deeply embedded in roller hockey’s culture and development. From the meticulous drills in "Winning Roller Hockey" by Dave Easter and Vern Stenlund to Richard Neil Graham’s detailed chronicle in "Wheelers, Dealers, Pucks & Bucks," these works provide a rich spectrum of knowledge. They not only cover technical skills but also the sport's history, leadership, and mental approach, reflecting decades of real-world experience.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific skill level, playing style, or coaching goals might consider creating a personalized Roller Hockey book that builds on these insights. Tailored content bridges general principles with your unique journey on and off the rink.

Best for skill development drills
Winning Roller Hockey: Techniques, Tactics, Training offers a detailed, drill-based approach to developing your roller hockey skills. This book stands out by combining illustrated exercises with practical advice on equipment and conditioning, making it a solid resource for anyone serious about the sport. It’s designed to help players and coaches alike build foundational skills and understand game tactics through structured training. Whether you’re looking to refine your skating or improve your tactical decision-making, this book provides a clear, methodical path to elevate your roller hockey performance.
215 pages·Roller Hockey, Training, Techniques, Tactics, Conditioning

Dave Easter and Vern Stenlund bring together decades of expertise in skating and coaching to craft a focused manual on roller hockey. This book breaks down sixty-eight illustrated drills that cover everything from equipment selection to conditioning and safety, making it a practical guide for improving specific skills on the rink. You’ll find detailed sections that help develop your skating agility, puck control, and tactical awareness, which are crucial for competitive play. Whether you're a player aiming to sharpen your techniques or a coach structuring training sessions, this book offers clear, targeted training methods without fluff. It’s particularly useful if you want a structured approach to mastering roller hockey fundamentals and game tactics.

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Best for roller hockey history enthusiasts
What makes "Wheelers, Dealers, Pucks & Bucks" stand out is its rich storytelling approach to Roller Hockey International, a league that flourished during the 1990s inline skating boom. Richard Neil Graham captures the spirit and challenges of this niche sport with a focus on its unique characters and defining moments, such as the innovative yet volatile leadership of Dennis Murphy. This book serves as an engaging record for anyone interested in the roller hockey scene or the dynamics of professional sports leagues that break the mold. It’s especially valuable for those wanting to understand how Roller Hockey International carved out its place in sports history despite its eventual decline.
2012·340 pages·Roller Hockey, Sports, Extreme Sports, Sports History, League Management

Richard Neil Graham’s deep dive into Roller Hockey International offers an intriguing chronicle of a sport that captured a unique moment in the 1990s. Rather than just recounting scores and stats, Graham explores the personalities and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the league’s rise and fall, such as the surprising role of Dennis Murphy, a pivotal figure in North American sports history. You learn about the colorful characters, unconventional team owners, and memorable moments that defined RHI’s brief but impactful existence. If you’re fascinated by sports history or niche leagues that dared to innovate, this book gives you both the detail and the context to understand what made Roller Hockey International special and why it ultimately couldn’t sustain itself.

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Best for custom training plans
This AI-created book on roller hockey training is tailored to your skill level and specific goals. By sharing your background and areas of interest, you receive a custom guide focusing on the techniques and conditioning that matter most to your game. Personalizing training this way helps you cut through generic advice and zero in on what will truly improve your performance. It's like having a coach who knows your unique needs and designs every session just for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Roller Hockey, Skating Techniques, Stickhandling Skills, Game Tactics, Physical Conditioning

This tailored book explores advanced training methods specifically designed for roller hockey players aiming to elevate their game. It examines skating techniques, stickhandling skills, tactical awareness, and conditioning exercises, all curated to match your individual background and goals. By focusing on your interests and skill level, this personalized guide reveals a pathway that connects expert knowledge with your unique development needs. It covers both fundamental skills and nuanced gameplay strategies, providing an engaging learning experience that encourages growth on and off the rink. Tailored to address your specific aspirations, it brings together the sport’s complexity in a clear, approachable way.

Tailored Guide
Performance Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Darren James’s memoir offers a heartfelt look into how roller hockey became a cornerstone of his life and those he coached. Drawing from years of guiding a youth team through trials and triumphs, Darren shares the meaningful lessons of perseverance, leadership, and community that extend far beyond the rink. This book speaks directly to those passionate about sports as a vehicle for personal growth and lasting relationships, highlighting how the game shaped both players and coach alike.
2024·125 pages·Roller Hockey, Hockey, Sports, Teamwork, Mentorship

What started as Darren James's own challenging childhood and passion for hockey evolved into a memoir that captures the deep impact of coaching and mentorship within roller hockey. You’ll find more than just game strategies here; chapters detail how Darren led a youth team from underdogs to champions over six seasons, facing league challenges and nurturing resilience and teamwork. This book is for anyone interested in the intersection of sport and personal growth, especially those who value the life lessons sports can teach beyond the rink. The emotional reunion of former players near the end underscores the lasting bonds forged through this journey.

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Best for beginners learning fundamentals
"In-Line Roller Hockey: The Official Guide and Resource Book" stands out in the realm of roller hockey literature by focusing on the practical aspects every player needs to know. Covering gear selection from skates to pads, it equips you with the knowledge to make informed choices that impact your performance and safety. The book also demystifies the rules and provides drills designed to sharpen your skills, making it valuable for both beginners and those seeking to improve. If you want to find local leagues and engage with the community, this guide points you in the right direction, offering a well-rounded resource for anyone serious about in-line roller hockey.
213 pages·Roller Hockey, Inline Skating, Rollerskating, Equipment Selection, Game Rules

Stephen Christopher Joyner's "In-Line Roller Hockey: The Official Guide and Resource Book" takes you through the essentials of this dynamic sport with a focus on practical knowledge. You learn how to select appropriate skates, sticks, and pads, ensuring your gear fits both your style and safety needs. The book also breaks down the rules of play in a straightforward way and offers drills and techniques to sharpen your skills. If you're looking to connect with the sport at a community level, Joyner guides you on finding a local league that suits your level. This book suits newcomers wanting a solid foundation and players eager to refine their game with clear, accessible guidance.

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Best for mastering game strategy
This handbook by Warren R. Taylor delves into the nuanced strategies that shape roller hockey beyond just physical skill. It breaks down the game within the game, offering a dual perspective for players and coaches to improve their tactical understanding and execution. The book’s focused framework helps those invested in roller hockey grasp the critical mental and strategic elements needed to compete and coach at higher levels. Its approach addresses the need for insight into both individual roles and team dynamics, making it a solid resource for anyone serious about advancing in the sport.
120 pages·Roller Hockey, Strategy, Teamwork, Skill Development, Game Tactics

What started as a desire to decode the subtle strategies behind roller hockey led Warren R. Taylor to craft this handbook focused on both players and coaches. You’ll find insights into the mental and tactical aspects of the game, including positioning, teamwork, and situational awareness that go beyond basic skills. Taylor’s approach is particularly useful for those looking to sharpen their understanding of the game's internal dynamics and how to apply them in practice. If you’re a player or coach aiming to elevate your strategic thinking and on-rink decision-making, this book offers a focused guide without overcomplicating the fundamentals.

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Best for personal skill drills
This custom AI book on roller hockey is created based on your current skill level, background, and specific goals. You decide which skills or drills you want to focus on, and the AI crafts a daily training plan that fits your individual needs. This tailored approach makes your practice sessions more effective, cutting through general advice to give you exactly what you need to improve step by step.
2025·50-300 pages·Roller Hockey, Skill Development, Daily Drills, Skating Agility, Puck Handling

This tailored book explores daily roller hockey drills designed specifically to match your skill level and personal goals. It reveals step-by-step exercises that build essential skills like puck handling, skating agility, and shooting precision, progressing in intensity over a 30-day period. By focusing on your interests and background, the content delivers a carefully crafted practice path that resonates with your unique development needs. The book examines core roller hockey techniques and conditioning drills, blending expert knowledge with your personal objectives. This personalized approach ensures efficient learning by concentrating on drills that matter most to your game, creating an engaging and motivating training experience that advances your skills with daily focused practice.

Tailored Guide
Skill Progression
1,000+ Happy Readers

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Conclusion

These five books collectively highlight three key themes essential to excelling in roller hockey: skill refinement through targeted drills, strategic understanding of the game’s mental and tactical layers, and a deep appreciation of the sport’s unique history and community. If you’re working to sharpen your fundamental skills, "Winning Roller Hockey" and "In-Line Roller Hockey" offer practical, actionable guidance.

For players or coaches aiming to elevate their strategic thinking and leadership, "Roller Hockey" by Warren R. Taylor and Darren James’s memoir provide valuable perspectives on mental preparation and team building. Meanwhile, "Wheelers, Dealers, Pucks & Bucks" enriches your appreciation of roller hockey’s cultural and historical roots.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Roller Hockey book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your connection to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Winning Roller Hockey" for foundational skills and drills. It breaks down core techniques clearly, making it ideal for players and coaches new to structured training.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Roller Hockey?

Not at all. "In-Line Roller Hockey" is designed for beginners, offering straightforward gear advice and basic drills, while others gradually build toward advanced concepts.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with skill-focused guides like "Winning Roller Hockey" and "In-Line Roller Hockey," then explore strategy in "Roller Hockey," personal growth in Darren James’s memoir, and finally the history in "Wheelers, Dealers, Pucks & Bucks." This sequence builds skills before context.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely jump to sections that interest you most. For example, drills in "Winning Roller Hockey" or team leadership in the memoir can be read independently without losing value.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Roller Hockey" emphasizes mental and tactical strategies, while "Winning Roller Hockey" and "In-Line Roller Hockey" focus on practical drills and equipment selection for immediate use.

How can I get Roller Hockey advice tailored to my skill level and goals?

Expert books offer great foundations, but personalized content can bridge the gap between general advice and your unique needs. Consider creating a personalized Roller Hockey book to get focused strategies that fit your experience and objectives.

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