Roller hockey is similar ice hockey, except that it is played on land instead of ice. Instead of wearing ice skates, players wear skates with wheels.

There are two different kinds of roller hockey: quad and inline. Quad is the traditional roller hockey, in which players wear roller skates that have four wheels. Inline hockey is a newer form, in which players wear inline skates.

Both games are fast, but the different skates lend to different types of action. Compared to inline skates, quad skates allow players to make fast maneuvers in any direction. Compared to quad skates, inline skates allow players to quickly race across the rink, much as ice hockey players do.

Roller hockey (quad) is played worldwide, but especially in Europe. The standout clubs are in Portugal, Spain and Italy. In 1992, roller hockey was a demonstration sport in the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Roller hockey is also called quad hockey, international style ball hockey, rink hockey and hardball hockey.

Roller hockey (inline) is also played worldwide, but it is strongest in the United States, which has dominated the Inline Hockey World Championships. Inline hockey is also known as ball hockey, longstick hockey, road hockey, street hockey and skater hockey.