Okay, Im just gonna put this out to the derby universe. My pet peeve is working on a new move or figure out some way to do things and then other skaters or coaches being like "Oh you didn't know that". You know what NO I didnt and I don't think you did either soo SHUT YOUR HOLE. This did not happen tonight I was just putting it out there.
Things blockers and others may not tell you
1. okay, keep your eye on the jammers but as soon as you turn away to look for them I'm gonna nail you.
to avoid this Always be in appropriate derby stance and practice taking a "blindside hit". also learn how to gage the speed of both jammers off the line, like if you have a real fast girl hit hard and heavy before she gets there to clear the way and eliminating the blockers from being able to assist their jammer.
2. Sling shot areas of the track to be aware of- There are 2 points of a turn where the jammer can bait the pack to the outside and cut into the inside line. BE AWARE of them, 1 is at the onset of the turn where she baits the pack to the outside and cuts to the apex of the INSIDE of the turn. 2 is when the pack is moving slower and you are getting your ass beat as a jammer, the pack is on the last 1/3 of the turn and you bait them to the far outside of the turn and shoot down the inside line.
3. Even if you hate if- YOU NEED TO JAM. I hate jamming and I was a speed skater for 15yrs, but the only way you stay up to speed with the best players on your team is to be as versatile as possible. Plus if you know how to jam, then you will be a better blocker.
4. Refs are not always right but the track is not the time to argue. 1 minute is excusable barely, 2 minutes cause of insubordination, you better just stay in there cause Im gonna beat your ass when you get out. Big douche bag move, keep you mouth shut and talk shit after the game.
5. Your falls are one of the most important safety skills in derby-I know its tough to get the hang of falling small but please remember this is for the safety of your teammates as well. I am a big girl and if I can fall small you can to. This snow angel shit in the middle of the track has got to stop.
Im sure I will come up with more of these as I go on but those were the ones that stuck out last night. Please remember when you read my blog I am by no means a superstar derby player (YET) but I am working my ass off to become awesome and have learned some of these lesson the hard way and am still learning everytime I put my skates on.
Im off to the gym and then to skate 8miles.
RandiMaehym
RandiMaehym@skateCourt.com
The life and times of Randi Maehym, roller derby girl working for SkateCourt, interacting with teams all over the country along with the challenges and triumphs of being in love with the game and culture of roller derby
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