Giant revelation at practice tonight!!!
As we all know roller derby has a lot to do with timing, gaging distance, and depth perception.
I have been working my ass off on my turn around transition for 3 months, soo now Im super comfortable transitioning from forward to backward and back again at pack speed.
*need help w this skill email me and Ill send you links and videos-randimaehym@skatecourt.com
Now I know why . . . .
Talking to some of my coaches tonight, I have been skating to the front of the pack, transitioning backwards, taking a mental picture of where everyone is, and then either communicating it to my rear blockers or targeting in accurately on the opposing jammer. Even when I am transitioning forward, I still keep my eyes on her, I usually turn forward when she is about 5ft from me.
The difference from this and having "your head on a swivel" is stereoscopic vision vs peripheral
stereoscopic vision-http://education.vetmed.vt.edu/Curriculum/VM8054/EYE/BINOCS.HTM
Its why most natural predators(like us, crocs, lions) have their eyes together facing forward, while large prey animals(elephants,rhinos, Wilda beasts) have their eyes on the sides of their heads. They can see motion but arent so good with judging distance. Hell yeah, watching Discovery Channel and National Geographic finally pay off!!!
Master your transitions!!! SO YOU TOO CAN HAVE SUPER PREDATORY ROLLER DERBY VISION
Hugs.Slugs, and Derby Luv
Randi Maehym
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
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Derby Decision making-things to remember in zee pack
Hi to all you super smart derby players, this entry is not for you
This is for the skater who sometimes but not all times gets outta sorts within the pack especially when her team is try to execute a strategy like this girl - big finger pointing at me
This game is not easy especially as a blocker in the pack, we are suppose to take giant hits, stop jammers, execute plays, figure out speed and time of pack and not to mention approaching jammers, whhaaaaa it will make you crazy.
I'm the kinda skater who hits 1st and asks questions later, this is not always good. I am having to re-train myself on situations and senarios. Yes it means you have to be pretty aware but you should be anyways, your playing derby not speedskating.
My teammates laugh at me because I am attempting to "idiot-proof" the game of derby for myself not because I'm normally an idiot outside of the track but sometimes on the floor I get a brain cramp.
Sooo back to basics
What do you need?TIME You need to buy yourself a little time like 3 secs to sort some stuff out
How do you do this? Run to the front inside line-this works because if the opposing jammer is close on your heels she is going to try and run along the inside line, and you are there to stop her
What you need to figure out in order of priority
Where is the opposing jammer?Obvious
Is this her 1st pass?If it is her 1st pass, this is your chance to wall,stall and/or hit. If it is her 2nd pass, DONT LOSE YOUR POINT! rush to the front and herd your teammates to do the same and don't let her take your points!!!ITS YOURS!
Where is my closest teammate and the remainder of my team?You need her to help you wall up, one blocker is fairly easy for a jammer to fly by, but two blockers!! you already out number her. If they are not close, chances are they have trapped someone and need you to drop back with them to gain majority and control of the pack.
Where is my jammer? Does she need your help?Can you help her without giving up your point or the inside line to the opposing jammer? If you can, DO IT, start beating down her obstacles by any means necessary. Chances are you are probably in the front of the opposing blockers, a "can opener hit" or a massive "death plough" should do the trick. the opposing blockers wont even see you coming because they are focused behind them on beating the snot out of your jammer.
How fast is this pack going and why? If the other jammer is approaching, you know why you and your teammates are speeding the pack up, if your jammer is approaching, slow down, don't make her work even hard. Make sure you slow an opposing blocker down with you by any means necessary, hitting, death plough, the usual.
i know its still alot but the more you play the better you get! bottom line
I hope this helps any additions, tips or wanna chat derby or SkateCourt please email me randimaehym@skatecourt.com
*Once again, I am not a superstar derby player YET but I am working really hard these are tips I have figured out along the way
Hugs Slugs and Derby Luv
Randi Maehym
This is for the skater who sometimes but not all times gets outta sorts within the pack especially when her team is try to execute a strategy like this girl - big finger pointing at me
This game is not easy especially as a blocker in the pack, we are suppose to take giant hits, stop jammers, execute plays, figure out speed and time of pack and not to mention approaching jammers, whhaaaaa it will make you crazy.
I'm the kinda skater who hits 1st and asks questions later, this is not always good. I am having to re-train myself on situations and senarios. Yes it means you have to be pretty aware but you should be anyways, your playing derby not speedskating.
My teammates laugh at me because I am attempting to "idiot-proof" the game of derby for myself not because I'm normally an idiot outside of the track but sometimes on the floor I get a brain cramp.
Sooo back to basics
What do you need?TIME You need to buy yourself a little time like 3 secs to sort some stuff out
How do you do this? Run to the front inside line-this works because if the opposing jammer is close on your heels she is going to try and run along the inside line, and you are there to stop her
What you need to figure out in order of priority
Where is the opposing jammer?Obvious
Is this her 1st pass?If it is her 1st pass, this is your chance to wall,stall and/or hit. If it is her 2nd pass, DONT LOSE YOUR POINT! rush to the front and herd your teammates to do the same and don't let her take your points!!!ITS YOURS!
Where is my closest teammate and the remainder of my team?You need her to help you wall up, one blocker is fairly easy for a jammer to fly by, but two blockers!! you already out number her. If they are not close, chances are they have trapped someone and need you to drop back with them to gain majority and control of the pack.
Where is my jammer? Does she need your help?Can you help her without giving up your point or the inside line to the opposing jammer? If you can, DO IT, start beating down her obstacles by any means necessary. Chances are you are probably in the front of the opposing blockers, a "can opener hit" or a massive "death plough" should do the trick. the opposing blockers wont even see you coming because they are focused behind them on beating the snot out of your jammer.
How fast is this pack going and why? If the other jammer is approaching, you know why you and your teammates are speeding the pack up, if your jammer is approaching, slow down, don't make her work even hard. Make sure you slow an opposing blocker down with you by any means necessary, hitting, death plough, the usual.
i know its still alot but the more you play the better you get! bottom line
I hope this helps any additions, tips or wanna chat derby or SkateCourt please email me randimaehym@skatecourt.com
*Once again, I am not a superstar derby player YET but I am working really hard these are tips I have figured out along the way
Hugs Slugs and Derby Luv
Randi Maehym
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Im having a bad practice-BULL SHIT
skater says "Im having a bad practice"
Okay, this is called EXCEPTING DEFEAT!!!!!!!
I hate it when skaters say this, oh really then take your skates off and stop wasting valuable floor space and our coach's time
Now if a skater was to say "I am having a rough start to practice, but I'm getting there"
Does everyone understand the difference?
as most of ya'll know Roller Derby is just as much a mental game as well as a physical game, some may even say more mental(like me but I am getting better at it). You have to approach practice and games with a positive attitude, this is one of your many jobs as a teammate.
Bad attitudes are like a disease- so if you are a new skater and the vet skaters all the sudden "just dip out" when your in mid conversation its probably something you said. Its so easy to get on the bandwagon about "how much the coach sucks" or "how much practice sucks" or "how my skates suck", it is up to you to change your outlook! These EXCUSES will always keep you from reaching your goals. It is your job to get better-no one is going to make you a better skater.
We all fight the mental up-hill battle trying to stay positive. this is one of the many challenges of roller derby, roller derby is a game of challenges- what separates us is what you are will to do to meet and triumph over these challenges-this will change and define you as a better person. Perseverance and determination will carry you further than the fanciest skates, so if you dont get something TRY AGAIN, and AGAIN, then look up some tips, then TRY AGAIN, find someone who does it better that you and get some guidance. YOU CAN DO IT
Hugs and Slugs
RandiMaehym
Okay, this is called EXCEPTING DEFEAT!!!!!!!
I hate it when skaters say this, oh really then take your skates off and stop wasting valuable floor space and our coach's time
Now if a skater was to say "I am having a rough start to practice, but I'm getting there"
Does everyone understand the difference?
as most of ya'll know Roller Derby is just as much a mental game as well as a physical game, some may even say more mental(like me but I am getting better at it). You have to approach practice and games with a positive attitude, this is one of your many jobs as a teammate.
Bad attitudes are like a disease- so if you are a new skater and the vet skaters all the sudden "just dip out" when your in mid conversation its probably something you said. Its so easy to get on the bandwagon about "how much the coach sucks" or "how much practice sucks" or "how my skates suck", it is up to you to change your outlook! These EXCUSES will always keep you from reaching your goals. It is your job to get better-no one is going to make you a better skater.
We all fight the mental up-hill battle trying to stay positive. this is one of the many challenges of roller derby, roller derby is a game of challenges- what separates us is what you are will to do to meet and triumph over these challenges-this will change and define you as a better person. Perseverance and determination will carry you further than the fanciest skates, so if you dont get something TRY AGAIN, and AGAIN, then look up some tips, then TRY AGAIN, find someone who does it better that you and get some guidance. YOU CAN DO IT
Hugs and Slugs
RandiMaehym
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Nerves&Needles-Gameday then skating w possible new league
AHHHHHH, busy derby days. My league LCHR just bought the remainder of their track to be here prior to April 23 bout, so excited I will get to skate on it before I leave.
I am a relatively confident person for the most part and was a REALLY confident skater prior to ROLLER DERBY. Last season I was incredible humbled by the fact that derby is not as easy as just skating fast and turning left as speed skating is. I spent early last season making excuses to why I wasnt on rosters and all kinds of other "FUSS BOX" stuff. Late last season, I really started to fall in love with the game of derby not only the fact I was able to be on my skates. Our game MAKES me rise to the challenge! I have dedicated my body and soul to roller derby and it reflects through every aspect of me.
I have a game at 6om today, I have watched the other team footage, doing my last minute gear checks, packing my cooler w healthy snacks and watching somemore video of our opposing team. So heres the tough part, after I play, I need to come home finish packing and then Im leaving for Denver tomorrow morning at 5:25am!!!!! We are checking out our possible house on the river and I will be skating with the Denver Roller Dolls for 3 practices. OMG, i am sooo nervous, ummm THEY ARE INCREDIBLE, I am on the road to being awesome but what if they think I suck? ahhhh I just have to stay positive and know that I am always getting better but it starts within your head and radiates through my skating. Okay that sounds good, I am going to write that on my wrist guard.
ONe thing at a time, let go through my skatebag focus on the game, then focus on CO. oh shit, i need new socks, ahhhhhhhh. Ill run through my play book while im in walmart. that works.
If ur in Denver, hit me up randimaehym@skatecourt.com be there until fri. I am always thankful for friends.
hugs and slugs
maehym
I am a relatively confident person for the most part and was a REALLY confident skater prior to ROLLER DERBY. Last season I was incredible humbled by the fact that derby is not as easy as just skating fast and turning left as speed skating is. I spent early last season making excuses to why I wasnt on rosters and all kinds of other "FUSS BOX" stuff. Late last season, I really started to fall in love with the game of derby not only the fact I was able to be on my skates. Our game MAKES me rise to the challenge! I have dedicated my body and soul to roller derby and it reflects through every aspect of me.
I have a game at 6om today, I have watched the other team footage, doing my last minute gear checks, packing my cooler w healthy snacks and watching somemore video of our opposing team. So heres the tough part, after I play, I need to come home finish packing and then Im leaving for Denver tomorrow morning at 5:25am!!!!! We are checking out our possible house on the river and I will be skating with the Denver Roller Dolls for 3 practices. OMG, i am sooo nervous, ummm THEY ARE INCREDIBLE, I am on the road to being awesome but what if they think I suck? ahhhh I just have to stay positive and know that I am always getting better but it starts within your head and radiates through my skating. Okay that sounds good, I am going to write that on my wrist guard.
ONe thing at a time, let go through my skatebag focus on the game, then focus on CO. oh shit, i need new socks, ahhhhhhhh. Ill run through my play book while im in walmart. that works.
If ur in Denver, hit me up randimaehym@skatecourt.com be there until fri. I am always thankful for friends.
hugs and slugs
maehym
Sunday, March 20, 2011
What I learned a derby boot-camp
I love roller derby! If you didn't catch that, and one of the things I love the most is the camaraderie between players that love the game and the sport no matter what team they are on. 15 or so of my teammates along with 30 players from around SC, NC and VA(hell yeah acid assassin) came together to attend Columbia Quad Squads Boot camp, and I am going to touch on the things that stood out the most in my mind.
Part 1-Jamming: This was lead by Graphic Illuskater and Crystal Cutt and focused on the importance of building a solid jammer skills set which included toe-stop starts and leaps, duck starts and a bunch of great agility stuff. My fav which is something I have been working on is the absorbtion and use of a hit. Of course you need to be aware as fuck(la-ti-da), but if you see a jammer coming from the corner of your eye, you twist your back to face them to draw propulsion from her hit.
Part 2-Hitting :) I love this one and it was lead by Holly Hunter, Chucktown Bruiser, and Truckstop. There was a bunch of stuff in this section that i could go on forever about but here are a couple things, the importance of stay really low for hitting (Im 6ft so I struggle with this), execute short hits and dont linger, and staggered derby stance. Staggered derby stance-thank you Truckstop. This rinky dink point is the reason I cant knock that chick over and that she is awesome. All of my fav blockers do this and I couldn't figure out what the hell they were doing that I wasnt, but now I GOT IT!!!Instead of having your feet parallel in derby stance, you have one slightly infront of the other that will for more stability,
There was a bunch more in the bootcamp and they even gave us folders with all the info in it. So organized and awesome!! and they had a game that night. Thanks Quad Squad, its awesome being able to have the love of the game and teach your rival teams (which we are) and share what your good at. Anytime I get a chance to soak up anything derby I am sooo there. These girls are some of my local heros and I am so happy I attended.
I am playing 3/26 in Charleston, flying out to Denver 3/27 to check out our housing when we move along with skating with the teams there, flying back in 4/1 and driving 2 hrs to play in another game 4/2. Which I will still be Oxygen-pumped from the high altitude, so that should be interesting. Thanks for reading and I will keep my blog posted with all of my challenges and triumphs(which will be alot in the next couple months with the impending move), please keep tabs with me on my SkateCourt facebook, or Maggie Randi Maehym Cox fb page and please reach out to me if Im in your area. Im gonna need alot of support with all these changes and will need as much derby love as I can get, even for just a cup of tea and derby talk.
Hugs and Slugs,
Randi Maehym
Part 1-Jamming: This was lead by Graphic Illuskater and Crystal Cutt and focused on the importance of building a solid jammer skills set which included toe-stop starts and leaps, duck starts and a bunch of great agility stuff. My fav which is something I have been working on is the absorbtion and use of a hit. Of course you need to be aware as fuck(la-ti-da), but if you see a jammer coming from the corner of your eye, you twist your back to face them to draw propulsion from her hit.
Part 2-Hitting :) I love this one and it was lead by Holly Hunter, Chucktown Bruiser, and Truckstop. There was a bunch of stuff in this section that i could go on forever about but here are a couple things, the importance of stay really low for hitting (Im 6ft so I struggle with this), execute short hits and dont linger, and staggered derby stance. Staggered derby stance-thank you Truckstop. This rinky dink point is the reason I cant knock that chick over and that she is awesome. All of my fav blockers do this and I couldn't figure out what the hell they were doing that I wasnt, but now I GOT IT!!!Instead of having your feet parallel in derby stance, you have one slightly infront of the other that will for more stability,
There was a bunch more in the bootcamp and they even gave us folders with all the info in it. So organized and awesome!! and they had a game that night. Thanks Quad Squad, its awesome being able to have the love of the game and teach your rival teams (which we are) and share what your good at. Anytime I get a chance to soak up anything derby I am sooo there. These girls are some of my local heros and I am so happy I attended.
I am playing 3/26 in Charleston, flying out to Denver 3/27 to check out our housing when we move along with skating with the teams there, flying back in 4/1 and driving 2 hrs to play in another game 4/2. Which I will still be Oxygen-pumped from the high altitude, so that should be interesting. Thanks for reading and I will keep my blog posted with all of my challenges and triumphs(which will be alot in the next couple months with the impending move), please keep tabs with me on my SkateCourt facebook, or Maggie Randi Maehym Cox fb page and please reach out to me if Im in your area. Im gonna need alot of support with all these changes and will need as much derby love as I can get, even for just a cup of tea and derby talk.
Hugs and Slugs,
Randi Maehym
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Road to awesomeness!Lesson 1- shit skaters dont tell you
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
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
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
goal-being ridiculous on the track
Soo the more I have thought about how I wanna be a better skater, The more I have concluded that ridiculousness. My definition of ridiculous- pulling off the most insane footwork, jumps, and hits ever, but not going to the SIN BIN aka penalty box. I do suggest before attempting these goals, talk to your refs and head refs so they know whats coming because if you take them by surprise in a game, they will send you to the box even if its "technically legal". I have a pretty good relationship with my refs for this reason and the fact we cant skate without them. Last week I was nailing the "roll off" and the "roll around". The "roll-off", you are an outside blocker and and opposing blocker is attempting to hit you out of bounds= you absorb some of the hit with your left shoulder, use the momentum while going into a 360 turn (while picking up your feet through transition steps) and pretty much "rolling" around her using her back for balance. Not illegal because she intialized the hit, and you are just recovering. To do any rolls, you must master the transition steps!!! I am by no means a high level pro derby player, YET!! very exciting week for me, lots of outdoor skating and practicing, and I have kept my training journal up to date for at least a week (GO Maehym).
Jumping- if you are an awesome jumper, please email me how you train-randimaehym@skatecourt,com. I have been practicing but get freaked out about jumping over stuff (which is kinda the point). My legs are 4ft (no kiddin 4 real) and I can't tuck them in that fast. Any drills, tips, equipment, send my way randimaehym@skatecourt.com. I am going to try this "roll off" during scrimmage tonight and will keep my progress posted on this blog. Have an awesome day!!! and skate your heart out!!!
Hugs & Slugs
Randi Maehym
Jumping- if you are an awesome jumper, please email me how you train-randimaehym@skatecourt,com. I have been practicing but get freaked out about jumping over stuff (which is kinda the point). My legs are 4ft (no kiddin 4 real) and I can't tuck them in that fast. Any drills, tips, equipment, send my way randimaehym@skatecourt.com. I am going to try this "roll off" during scrimmage tonight and will keep my progress posted on this blog. Have an awesome day!!! and skate your heart out!!!
Hugs & Slugs
Randi Maehym
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