A penalty for back blocking can seem difficult to avoid, especially since smart derby players know how to make opposing players commit the penalty, like drawing a foul in basketball. But if you know what to do, avoiding the situation is easier than you might think. Here are some tips for staying out of the box.
Know the Rules!
This is always your first step to understanding how to avoid a penalty. Let's look at the rule section for back blocking (may I also use this as an opportunity to say how much I love that the rules actually use the word 'booty'?):
6.2.1 BACK BLOCKING AND BLOCKING FROM BEHIND
Hitting an opponent in the back of the torso, back of the legs or booty is prohibited (refer to Illegal Target Zones Section 5.2.2).
No Impact/No Penalty 6.2.1.1 Incidental contact to the back from an opponent that does not force the opponent to adjust her skating stance or position in any way.
6.2.1.2 Hitting an opponent, with a legal blocking zone into a legal target zone, while positioned behind said opponent.
Minor Penalty 6.2.1.3 Any contact to the back of an opponent that forces the receiver off balance, forward, and/or sideways, but does not cause her to lose her relative position.
Major Penalty 6.2.1.4 Any contact to the back from an opponent that forces the receiver out of her established position. This includes forcing a skater down, out-of-bounds, or out of position.
So what's the easy-to-remember version of 6.2.1?
No harm, no foul is the thing to remember here. If you don't knock the opposing skater off balance, or make her change her skating stance, there is no penalty. So a little incidental bump shouldn't get you in trouble. But if you cause the skater to stumble, or propel her in any direction, you're looking at a minor. If you actually make her fall, push her out of bounds, or make her lose her position in the pack, it's a free one-minute break.
Now for the tricky part!
There's another rule section that comes into play when you're talking about back blocking, and that's the section regarding use of hands and forearms. Let's take a look at it now:
6.2.3 ILLEGAL USE OF FOREARMS AND HANDS
6.2.3.1 Forearms or hands may never be used to grab, hold, or push an opponent.
6.2.3.2 Incidental forearm contact between skaters is acceptable when the arms are pulled into the body to absorb the force of a block.
6.2.3.3 During forearm contact between skaters, the following are indications that a push has occurred:
6.2.3.3.1 The initiating skater extends her arm during contact
6.2.3.3.2 The receiving skater is propelled forwards or sideways
No Impact/No Penalty
6.2.3.4 Incidental contact of forearms or hands that falls within legal target zones, that does not force the opponent to adjust her skating stance or position in any way.
6.2.3.5 Contact made with the forearms when forearms are pulled in to the body to absorb a hit.
6.2.3.6 A block initiated with the should
er, in which there is forearm contact to the opponent, but no observable push with the forearm.
Minor Penalty 6.2.3.7 Illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent, that falls within the legal target zones that forces the receiver off balance, forward, and/or sideways but does not cause her to lose her relative position. This includes:
6.2.3.7.1 A slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.
6.2.3.7.2 A block initiated with the shoulder, in which there is either a simultaneous or subsequent push with the forearm. A push is indicated by the initiating skater extending her arms while making contact with the forearms, resulting in the receiving skater being propelled forward or sideways.
Major Penalty 6.2.3.8 Any illegal contact with hands or forearms above the shoulders. 6.2.3.9 Any illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiver off balance, forward, and/or sideways and causes her to lose her relative position. This includes: 6.2.3.9.1 Contact with hands or forearms, as indicated by the initiating skater extending her arms, resulting in the receiving skater being propelled forwards or sideways.
6.2.3.10 Use of hands or forearms to grab or hold an opposing skater impeding that skater’s mobility, causing her to lose advantage and/or forcing that skater to the ground.
So how does 6.2.3 affect back blocking?
If the refs think you've pushed an opposing skater from behind, you're going to get a penalty. Now, they may call it back blocking or they may call it pushing, but the sin that will have done you in is all about illegal use of hands or forearms.
When it comes to blocking, pulling your arms into your body is usually enough to show the refs you're playing fair, but when it comes to contact from behind, if they even suspect they saw you push the other skater a teeny bit with your arms (6.2.3.7.1 A slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.), they'll be quick with the whistle.
The point is that if you get your arms out of the way, it eliminates the possibility of being called for illegal use of hands or forearms when you're in a situation where you might be called for back blocking. One less thing to worry about.
So remember: No touchy!
Avoid the Slowdown
The best way to avoid a back blocking penalty is to avoid getting caught behind opposing skaters. So steer clear of positional blocks by using your footwork and veering or crossing over to quickly get around opposing skaters. Don't forget to use the fake-out. A good feint, especially if timed when the blocking skater is turning her head from one side to the other, will go a long way toward breaking you clear of the pack or getting you back into position with your fellow blockers.
Do Some Damage Control
So you're boxed in and about to run an opposing skater over, now what?
First, slow down, preferably with a snow plow stop that will keep you low and wide, so you don't totally cream the girl. If you have to, you can absorb some of that other skater's energy by bending your knees and letting her butt come back into your crotch so you don't push her forward. Next, reach for the sky and get those hands out of the way. Get 'em nice and high to show the refs you're being a good girl. Finally, get ready to move quick when a hole opens up so you can get around your opponent.
Make Your Escape
Don't forget that you can utilize your teammates here, especially as a jammer. A good waitress whip can quickly turn the tables and get you clear of opposing blockers. Or just signal one of your bruisers to take the obstacle out while you roll on by. Practice some scenarios as a pack and see what works for you.
If you're jamming, use your teammates assistance, look for your holes, and use your crossovers and lateral hops to slip through gaps. If you're blocking, you may just want to get into a better position to engage the other skater. Practice stepping over a blocking skater's leg when she's nice and wide and holding the line. Once you've got a leg in front, you can shove one hip and/or shoulder across and block to the side or front of her body, since the rules allow hitting an opponent in a legal target zone even if you're behind her. Be aware that you must have good skating stance and balance to legally block a skater from behind, so practice your basics first.
Play Like a Brainiac
If you don't mind being an evil genius, you can mess with the other skater's head to give yourself the advantage. Try giving the blocking skater in front of you a little bump with your hips, but not hard enough to knock her down or push her visibly and wait for her to turn and look at the refs to see if they caught it. If you've done it right, you won't have committed a penalty, just made the other skater think you did. While she's gaping at the zebras, make your move to the outside. Don't forget to smile and wave.
It also helps to know your penalty status, so you know if another major is going to get you booted from the period, or if you'd like to go ahead and commit the fourth minor to clear them out. Pay attention to the penalty tracking board and to your captain/co-cap/alternate for guidance.
Skate smart!
Photo courtesy of I Can Has Lead Jammer?
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