Someone just messaged me about getting into derby and here was my response.
Ooh yess. I actually tried out for my first league when I was 17 and hereâs what I wish someone had told me.
Derby is expensive both in money and time. Between skates, gear, and dues. Expect to pay quite a bit at first, and always buy the better gear even if itâs a bit pricey. Itâll pay off in the long run. Donât cheap out you only have one body. Keep it safe.
When skating alway always wear some form of padding. I generally at the least go with knee pads and wrist guards.
Wear a damn mouth guard. Not for your teeth but to prevent concussions. Well for your teeth too.
As for actual skating. Never compare yourself to others as hard as that will be. Youâll never be the best blocker, jammer, backward skater, blah blah blah. Just do your best. Skating comes more naturally to some and some girls take years to work up to even making a team let alone a travel or competing team. If your league has that.
Always give your all. Even on days when you donât want to go to practice. Go. You will feel better. No matter the root of wanting to stay home.
Find an experienced skater and watch them. At practices and games. Maybe change each time. Look at their stance, control, the skills theyâre good at. Ask them for help. Always ask. If you donât know ask. If youâre unsure ask. If you think youâre good ask for tips to be better. Everyone can improve even the girls you think are he best.
Never feel down on yourself. So you fell. If you fall youâre learning and pushing your limits. I fall all the time trying new shit and seeing how far I can push myself. So you had a bad practice. You showed up. You were there and you learned from it. People will notice your effort and attendance more than you falling or failing. Always ask if you can help out. Do merch at the bouts. Lay track. Set up cones for drills. Be eager. And listen to what people tell you.
Make friends in your league. Go out of your way to talk to people even if you have social anxiety like me. It will make you more confident and people are generally always nice and willing to help.
There will be bitches. There will be girls you donât get along with or who for some reason or another donât like you. Donât play into it. Do you and stay out of the drama. Always be nice and courteous. People will notice if you come in with an attitude or act like an asshole. They will also notice if youâre friendly and make an effort. First rule of derby is Donât be a Dick. Take note of that. Always remember it. People will remember if youâre a douche. Also donât get shitfaced especially if youâre underage. People remember that too. On that note never drink or take drugs while youâre skating as much fun as it is. Itâs super dangerous and no one wants to be that girl who broke her ankle drunk skating.
All in all. Enjoy it. Derby will be one of the hardest, most challenging, most rewarding things you will ever do in your life. Savor every moment. Even the hard ones.
If you donât make it in your first try out, donât take it to heart but rather let it fuel you. Work out outside of derby. Skate everywhere. Skate at parks, rinks, and wear your skates at home it will help so much. If you can dodge a child at the open skate you can dodge a block from a giant blocker. If you can shut the car door with your ass you can block that super fast jammer.
General skating tips.
Always move your feet. Work on your footwork more than anything else. It will pay off. Look behind you. Derby happens in the back even if youâre at the back of the pack. Track awareness is key and your eyes should always be moving. Always know where both jammers are or youâll have no idea whatâs happening. Watch ore recorded bouts. The better the teams the better youâll learn. Know the fucking rules. Study your ruleset front to back. When you think you know it. Read it again. Read it on the bus. Read it between classes. Read it when youâre bored and watching Netflix. It will pay off. Always get low. Think youâre low? Squat lower. Itâs harder to hit and easier to take a hit. Youâll feel more stable on your skates. Think youâre gonna fall? Do a deep squat. You will probably recover. If you do fall get up quickly without your hands if you can. Always tuck your fingers. They will be rolled over, caught in the rail, or broke. If you donât. Always find a buddy. Derby is about walls. If youâre alone and youâre not a jammer out of the pack you shouldnât be alone. Youâre not helping anyone. As a blocker find someone and wall up. Two blockers are generally a ton more effective than one. As a jammer look for your walls they will help you. They are your friends and you love them for it, but donât rely on them.
I know that was a ton but I love derby and these are some of what Iâve learned skating with three leagues and trying out for four.
Lastly Skate Hard. Skate Fast. Turn Left. Hit a Bitch.
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