Im not getting any better-what the F*&k

Hi all,

So this is for the skater who feel like they are stuck in a rut and are not getting any better

This happens sometimes and you ask your coaches help you pin point the problem and they give you vague answers like agility,strength, awareness. I know this is frustrating but here are some things that help me "plateau-ing"

1. Check your skates-I know we cant all afford fancy new skates (including this girl) but there is some things that will drastically effect your agility and lateral motion.

                 your trucks-this is the rockstar part of your skates, its what your wheels are attached to. When you start learn to skate, they are really tight and the more comfortable you get on your skates, the more you can loosen them with a skate wrench. *If you have the Powerdyne Revenge plate, make sure they are not too loose(ie jingling), they are designed to "react" on their own and if they are too loose (ie jingling) they make get stuck in a certain position and  snap/break due to your weight on they. If you have good plates and bushings, they shouldn't jingle. This helps dramatically with lateral movement.

                 your bushings/cushions- these are the rubber circle things that are right under the nut when you are loosening your trucks. They are a cheap fix-$16 for a set of 8 and come in different degrees of "hardness" and slightly different shapes(conical or cylindrical). Depending on how "heavy" of a skater you are, I am 6ft and about 160 but I am on conical yellow cushions, they are pretty "hard/85A"

here is a link to Ivanna page for pic http://www.sincityskates.com/2nd/stuff/nuts.html. Your cushions/bushings should be replaced every 4-6months depending on how often you skate.

                  interior of your skates- the cushioning on the sole of your skates where your feet sit often gets worn out. It is preferable for your feet to "sit into" your skates and for the insole to mold to your feet. Easy fix is getting a cheap insole from Dr Scholls or any brand and cut them to the shape/size of your skate. These are pretty fancy ones-http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/productSearch.do?method=doProductDetailsLookup&searchArg=54#, but you get the idea. The snugger your feet are in your skate-the more control for have over them-the better you will play

                  Toestops-Check the height of them, if your have problems with your run-out, maybe make them longer. I am currently a big fan of the gumballs and the new moonwalkers, but any monster big toe stop will make you more comfortable to walk around, and run out on them.              

2. How many practices are you going to? If you only "just making league attendance", its your fault. Im sorry but thats the reality, if you are restricted due to other obligations like family and job stuff-Start working at on "dryland-offskates" drills, plyos, squats, core stuff. Put your outdoor wheels on and skate the park with the kids in strollers and on bikes. Even 30 squats a day will dramatically help you.
I love this video (cut and paste this link-http://youtu.be/2YY9oKap0R4) and have modeled my own workouts from it, especially the footwork stuff. Its only 3mins, These gals with Demolition Derby definitely know what they are doing. I do the footwork stuff when Im waiting in a public place like the airport, there are plenty of tiles to jump and hop on.

3. check your stance? Are you falling easily? If so you arent getting low enough, thats where the squats come in handy. YOU NEED THESE LEG AND ASS MUSCLES!!

4. Outdoor skating makes you stronger- its tougher but it makes you better

Any specific questions please email me randimaehym@skatecourt.com , if I dont know the answer I will find it out

Hugs,Slugs&derby Luv

Randi Maehym

You too can have superhero derby vision and awareness!!!!

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

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     

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

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

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

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