tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79486989174900866792024-03-22T02:59:50.129-07:00Fishnet Burnnsblog roller derby flat track roller girl WFTDA equipment gear riedell lilac city rollergirls 187 pro-tec triple eight answer radar matter roller skate speed skate quad skate skate shop buy spokane washington jammer blocker pivot training skills drills foot pain how-to doll queenVapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-64389912460039724132014-02-18T08:02:00.001-08:002014-02-18T08:35:29.779-08:00Roller Skating, Necromancy, And Cries For Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You all asked me not to. I put it off for ages, ignoring the way things were gathering dust. I pretended it didn't matter because I told myself no one was looking. I tried not to do it, but I just couldn't see any other way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I deleted this blog. Sorry 'bout that.</span><br />
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Yeah, for about three days, there was no Fishnet Burnns. But you...you clearly crazy people just wouldn't stop visiting this musty old thing. I always figured the traffic would die down one day and I could let FB die a natural death. Put it out to pasture. Give it the Old Yeller treatment. Just a quiet death rattle that would send it the once-beloved but now obsolete way of things like the drive-in movie theater and the mixtape cassette.<br />
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But oh, no! Nary a post for years and years and thousands of you diseased flat-track freaks are still showing up every month and you just won't go away. I get it, I get it...you kids still like the roller derby. I still like it too. And I still like that smell of sweaty pads and burnt nylon and the shrill chirp of Fox 40s and having wheels on my feet. <br />
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Here's the thing though. I just can't write about it like I used to. What I can do though, is build websites and make cool internetz stuff. After all, I quit derby to go back to school, among other things.<br />
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Speaking of which, this thing is broken crap right now. You guys deserve better and I can make it better. I put the smack down on the spam around here for starters and I'd like to get things remodeled, as it were. But I really cannot do it on my own.<br />
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So I'll make all you fellow misfits a deal: <i>You write. I'll make it work and get it into the hands of as many derby people as we can muster. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<h4>
Here's what I'm asking you to do:</h4>
<b>Send your article submissions to <a href="mailto:reizerburnn@gmail.com">reizerburnn@gmail.com</a></b>. If you can write something that would help others out there in Derbyland, do it. Something short, something clear and something good. And let's have some personality in it, please! Just get it in.<br />
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Ask your coach or your captain or your favorite ref or your derby wife or whoever you've got to do the same.<br />
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<b>What's needed most are updates to these articles:</b><br />
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<a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2009/04/whats-new-in-wftda-40.html">Newest version of WFTDA rules</a><br />
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<a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-never-get-busted-back-blocking.html">How To Never Get Busted Back Blocking</a><br />
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<a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2008/09/avoiding-cutting-track-penalties.html">How To Never Get Caught Cutting The Track</a><br />
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<a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-skater-gear-guide-part-1-helmets.html">The New Derby Skater's Ultimate Guide to Gear Pt. 1</a><br />
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<a href="http://the%20new%20derby%20skater%27s%20ultimate%20guide%20to%20gear%20pt.%202/">The New Derby Skater's Ultimate Guide to Gear Pt. 2</a><br />
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If you feel like you can take on writing an updated version of one of these pillar posts, send me two or three sample paragraphs!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What Now?</span></b><br />
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Got comments? Hit me. You want to raise Fishnet Burnns from the dead? Let's get some necromancy going like it's D&D night.Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-19124182118999645792011-08-11T17:49:00.000-07:002011-08-11T18:15:17.014-07:00Bringing Back the Burnn?<a href="http://declubz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/comeback-with-warrant-doormat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://declubz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/comeback-with-warrant-doormat.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br /><div>If you follow this blog via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RSS</span> or Blogger or Twitter. You're probably a bit surprised right now. Surprised because the last post I wrote was about 3 years ago, and it was about quitting derby.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I let this blog lay dormant for along time, and even considered deleting it all together. What kept me from wiping it off of a server somewhere forever was the fact that people still read this crazy thing. I still get comments, emails and Twitter follows. People still refer new skaters to my basics posts on gear, training and techniques. So I felt bad yanking that resource away from the community just because I wasn't doing anything with it. The work I did on this blog also contributed to my tipping point. The one that pushed me off the track and back into a classroom for the past few years. So in a lot of ways, it felt like kicking a loyal dog who had only ever been my friend.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now I'm thinking about bringing it back to life. I'm thinking about how useful some new articles and maybe a forum would be. I'm thinking that there are still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">freshies</span> and coaches and captains and board members out there, who could use a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">burnn</span> now and then. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So, you're probably wondering, has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ReiZer</span> come back to roller derby? Nope. Am I planning on it? Nah, not really. I've still got lots of interest in the sport, but just like when I decided to retire, I have zero interest in the games. You know the ones. The ones that make you feel like roller derby would be just fine if the league just weren't part of the picture. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Which got me thinking: I've been up to quite a bit since I last posted here. I went to school for a tech degree (Look Ma! Now I can make websites for real!) and certifications. I learned a bucket load. Not just about academics, but about myself. I sort of set out on an intense self-development journey. It was painful. I almost ruined my relationship and had to rebuild it. I took myself apart from the inside out and put the pieces back together again. When I was skating and training and being a captain and board president...well I look back now and it's astonishing, and even laughable how small and narrow my focus and my thinking had become. Roller derby was good for exercise, and in a lot of ways at the time, good for my spirit, but it ended being bad for my personal growth and my life goals. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The interesting part, is that a lot of others ex-skaters and volunteers have had the same experiences and insights I've had. I see now the reasons why the typical problems that exist in many leagues flourish, but I don't think it has to be that way. I think broken leagues can be put back together the same way a relationship can be mended, or a flawed way of looking at things revised. And just maybe, some of you are interested in talking about that. Maybe there could be a platform where league issues and growing pains could be discussed with the same solution-focused collaboration that derby people talk about deconstructing skills and strategies with. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I also think that in every league there are skaters and leaders with a lot of good things to share and teach, and maybe they don't have the time or desire to create their own platform to do it and would appreciate a space where they can do so as guests. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So how about it? Anyone interested in Fishnet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Burnns</span> coming back? Any aspiring roller derby writers or sages of the track out there? How about league leaders with an interest in making things better? Let me know what you think. </div>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-24393477615885090932009-08-06T16:05:00.000-07:002009-08-06T17:01:46.108-07:00What to Do About Roller Derby Burnout?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Aop68olXRdt4D6yRgri4YbxofPtJmN5SeHDDQuY7CKec2tXnfWCYGNMYxvdTFU2IF5hmIYk2MFg_F0Gg8EFfxu5nAnJ4Qn_e1TlSGrkm9c2ThoipZu19QlAXSr1SOo2tY1ZWHBlLRI-k/s400/IMG_9284.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Aop68olXRdt4D6yRgri4YbxofPtJmN5SeHDDQuY7CKec2tXnfWCYGNMYxvdTFU2IF5hmIYk2MFg_F0Gg8EFfxu5nAnJ4Qn_e1TlSGrkm9c2ThoipZu19QlAXSr1SOo2tY1ZWHBlLRI-k/s400/IMG_9284.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been M.I.A.<br /><br />It's remiss of me, I know, but my life circumstances converged in such a way that it just couldn't be helped.<br /><br />I'm going back to school to pick up some current tech certifications, and between the chronic injuries and illnesses (I know you guys know all about how fast a bug runs through the league), the stress, the late nights and long weekends, I just had to let something go.<br /><br />I had to quit the league. Not an easy decision to be sure, and one I vacillated over for a long time, but ultimately vital to my personal health, mental well-being and school career.<br /><br />Does it mean I don't still love the shit out of roller derby? No. Does it mean I will never return to skating? Certainly not. It just means I had to put some activities and priorities on hold. Take some time for professional development, for myself and my relationship, and possibly, for a less demanding hobby.<br /><br />So what of Fishnet Burnns??<br /><br />I know I've been away from this blog for some time, but I just can't continue to let it sit idle due to all the comments, Twitter sign ups, emails and other communication I get from all you derby folk. I know there's still a need for this kind of blog so I'll keep giving what I can.<br /><br />Today, I want to talk about burnout. We all feel it from time to time, and for some leagues it becomes such a chronic and pervasive problem that numbers dwindle and completing projects and putting on events becomes near-impossible. For other leagues, burnout seems almost a non-issue and turnover is small.<br /><br />What's the difference? What makes skaters feel ready to take on the derby world and what makes them want to hang up their skates?<br /><br />I want to hear from YOU on this issue, because even though it seems an incendiary topic, a mere footnote in the world or roller derby, I think it's not that at all. I think it's a bigger issue than we want to admit because we love derby so damn much. I also think it's one of the main differences between leagues that struggle and leagues that flourish and one the factors that will determine if the roller derby resurgence passes away as another fad, or grows to engulf the nation the way it once did.<br /><br />Post your comments. Send me your ideas. Call your captains and board members and your injured or retired teammates and ask them to sound off on the issue. Let's get a dialogue going that might save a tired rollergirl, or maybe even save roller derby.Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-40160893547933727862009-04-29T18:18:00.000-07:002009-05-01T14:57:49.170-07:00What's New In WFTDA 4.0?<a style="" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.millenniumplanet.org/images/rules.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 350px;" src="http://www.millenniumplanet.org/images/rules.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.wftda.com/">WFTDA</a> rules set <a href="http://www.wftda.com/2009/04/28/new-wftda-official-rule-set-released/">4.0 is finally here</a>. Some will cheer in victory, others will weep and hide their faces, but all WFTDA sanctioned bouts must use the 4.0 revision as of June 1st, 2009. Which, in effect, means not only WFTDA leagues will be using it by that date, but most WFTDA-aspiring leagues as well. Essentially all flat-track leagues that bout interleague can be expected to be on-board by this fall.<br /><br />So what do skaters really need to know? What dirty deeds can we no longer get away with and what get-out-of-jail free cards have been issued? Read on for a very un-official overview of the major changes.<br /><br />Let's start with the biggest and most anticipated changes first.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cutting the Track</span><br /><br />The Derby Goddesses have smiled and the WFTDA rules committee has finally seen fit to fix the <a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2008/09/avoiding-cutting-track-penalties.html">broken, needlessly anal Nazi-ism that was 6.2.10.<br /></a><br />The fix comes in the form of redefining re-entry. Under the 3.1 rule set, cutting the track penalties were issued upon re-entry to the track, which was defined as <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"when any part of the returning skater's skates, body or <span style="font-style: italic;">equipment are touching the floor inside the track boundary.</span>"<br /><br /></span><span>This caused skaters to be penalized even in situations where they were down (and incidentally, according to the rules, out of play. How you could be 'improving your position' and also be out of play always escaped me), or otherwise not actively trying to pass other players. Under the old definition, there was no room for legal intent.<br /><br />The new rules, now under section 6.8, state that</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>"<span style="font-style: italic;">downed players that have re-entered the track are subject to applicable cutting the track penalties when they return to an in bounds, upright and skating position."</span><br /><br />Can I get an <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2927200085_dff83cd76d.jpg?v=0">amen</a>?<br /><br />Now you actually have to be skating, in bounds, and otherwise in play to get a cutting the track penalty. Although getting knocked across the infield may still subject you to tripping or blocking out of bounds penalties, so remember to fall small. Still, it's great to see this rule now phrased in a saner fashion.<br /><br />New handling is also given to the issue of a skater straddling the boundary line. Previously a skater with one foot in bounds and one foot out was given cutting the track penalties immediately upon passing other players. Now these penalties are assessed once that skater no longer has a skate out of bounds (new section 6.8.2). A skater that is pushed or blocked over the line while in forward motion now has a chance to drop back and re-enter legally as long as she corrects herself before she ceases contact with the out of bounds area. So in this case, going completely out of bounds and re-entering legally is kosher, but just picking up the out of bounds foot will get you nailed with a penalty.<br /><br />The final change to cutting the track rules is regarding entering behind the initiator of a block or other wise out of play skaters. Previously, if a blocker took an opponent out, and herself in the process, she could still force her opponent to enter behind her or suffer a penalty if she re-entered play first, creating a race to get back in bounds.<br /><br />That rule has been changed, now stating in sections 6.8.1.2 - 6.8.1.4 that a skater may enter in front of a player that blocked her out of bounds <span style="font-style: italic;">"When the initiating skater [goes out of bounds / downs herself or falls / exits the Engagement Zone] at any time after the initiating block." </span><br /><br />No longer will we see a player get a major cutting the track penalty for cutting around the 'last line of defense' if that foremost skater is out of play.<br /><br />All in all the changes to the rules surrounding cutting the track are brilliant, and have restored some much-needed balance to the universe. While not exactly in the realm of ushering in world peace, it has without a doubt prevented many riots from breaking out on Saturday nights in warehouses and arenas across the United States.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jammerless Jam</span><br /><br />Like peanut butter with no peanut, WFTDA has taken up the stance that the jammerless jam is silly. Or at least boring, and better avoided from now on.<br /><br />Instead of restarting the jam with blockers now sporting the stars when both jammers are penalized, the new rules opt to instead spring the jammers from the Sin Bin early. Like parole, but without the community service. Section 7.4 states <span style="font-style: italic;">"When the second Jammer is seated in the penalty box, the first Jammer, who has already been serving her time, is released back into play by the penalty box official. The exact amount of time the first Jammer served before she was released will be the exact amount of time the second Jammer will serve before she is released back into play."</span><br /><br />So if Jammer numero uno goes to the penalty box, and the opposing jammer then makes a trip to the penalty box and is seated 35 seconds later, the first jammer is set free as soon as the second jammer's cheeks hit the seat and the second jammer serves a penalty of 35 seconds before being released herself.<br /><br />While personally, I found nothing wrong with the old rule, this new take on the jammer-free situation serves to keep the action of the game moving at a better clip while lessening the chances that I will suddenly and unwillingly be saddled with the star. I know some of you know what I mean, although <a href="http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/2009/04/29/wftda_releases_ruleset_version_40#comment-5757">at least one die-hard fan and announcer</a> will mark the passing of the grand 'ol jammerless jam with a tear-stained shot or two.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Destroying the Pack and the Death of the Split Pack</span><br /><br />Under 3.1 when a split pack situation existed and no pack could be defined, no one was legally allowed to block or assist. Referees would call for the pack to immediately be reformed, but by then a team could have just given their jammer a gratis pass through the pack. This was most easily accomplished by every girl on a team simply taking a knee and letting the other team get stride or two ahead.<br /><br />This tactic was perfectly legal and was even seen used in innerleague play by top WFTDA leagues, such as Rat City. Although in the opinion of many fans and players, and apparently now the WFTDA rules committee, it was cheap and dirty and should have been punished.<br /><br />With WFTDA 4.0 rules, that's where new section 6.5.7 comes in. <span style="font-style: italic;">"If a player, team, or group of skaters intentionally destroys the pack with a conscious and orchestrated effort, one penalty will be applied to a single player who is most responsible (or the Pivot per Section 7.1.2 and 7.2.4)."</span><br /><br />It goes on to further clarify what intentionally destroying the pack means in section 6.5.7.1. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Examples of intentionally destroying the pack, or creating a “no pack” situation, may include but are not limited to: one team running away, one team braking or coasting to fall more than 10ft behind the opposing team, a skater taking a knee, intentionally falling, or intentionally skating out of bounds in such a manner that the legally defined pack is destroyed."</span><br /><br />Gone from the rules is the concept of the "split pack", to be replaced by "no pack". Either there is a pack, or there isn't, and if there isn't somebody has to answer for it as described in 6.5.13: <span style="font-style: italic;">"If the out of play action causes harm or has a measurable consequence for the game, it is treated as a major penalty." </span><br /><br />Please note that this does not eliminate the strategy of trapping an opposing player and then speeding or slowing, as this still fits the legal definition of the pack. It simply gets rid of the ability to create a free ride for your jammer by falling behind or accelerating away from the other team.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other changes</span><br /><br />There are quite a few additional rules and clarified rules in this weighty revision, some of which will apply mostly to officials or team captains and alternates, but here's a look at some of the other items that have changed in WFTDA 4.0.<br /><ul><li>Gone is the "4, 16, carry-the-one" business for minors and majors that can be earned in a period. Now it's just 5 trips to the box in a half and you've fouled out. Easy peasy.<br /></li><li>Players may now re-enter a tournament if they are subbed out of a roster for an earlier game.</li><li>A bout now consists of two thirty minute periods; gone is the option of playing three twenty minute periods.</li><li>The official period clock and jam clock must now be clearly visible to the referees, players and audience. Take note, leagues running without a score board!</li><li>All helmet covers used by a team in a bout must be the same color scheme. No mixing home and away panties because someone misplaced a set.</li><li>It's no longer required for blockers to line up in two rows behind the pivots as long as they are behind the pivot line and forward of the jammer line. The pivots are still the only blockers allowed to line up <span style="font-style: italic;">on</span> the actual pivot line.</li><li>A skater exiting the penalty box before her time is up will earn a major, unless she was instructed to do so in error by an official. </li><li>Removing required safety equipment, such as a mouthguard, is now an automatic major and no longer left to referee discretion.</li><li>A major misconduct penalty will be earned for <span style="font-style: italic;">"the use of obscene, profane, or abusive language or gestures directed at an official, mascot, or audience member" </span>and for <span style="font-style: italic;">"the excessive use of obscene, profane, or abusive language or gestures directed at an opposing player, manager, or coach."</span> So remember, you can give the bird to your opponents, but not excessively.<br /></li><li>A gross misconduct expulsion will be earned for <span style="font-style: italic;">"the repeated use of obscene, profane, or abusive language or gestures directed at an official, mascot, or audience member"</span> or for <span style="font-style: italic;">"the repetitive and excessive use of obscene, profane, or abusive language or gestures directed at an opposing player, manager, or coach."</span></li><li>While we're on the subject of misconduct and bird-flipping, excessive or otherwise, it should be noted that coaches and managers are now held to the same standard of conduct as players. If a coach or manager is expelled, that team's captain must serve a one-minute penalty (though it doesn't count toward her 5-for-the-period cap).</li><li>Official Reviews must be requested before the following jam starts. Only the immediately preceding jam is subject to Official Review. So speak now or forever hold your piece.<br /></li><li>Protective gear, such as mouthguards, must be worn while skating to and from the penalty box, or a major penalty will be issued.<br /></li><li>Hockey style face shields or cages are now prohibited. So much for bringing sexy back.</li></ul>Thanks for reading this overview of the WFTDA 4.0 rules set. Feel free to leave your comments and rants below. Please note that my previous <a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/search/label/rule%20smarts">Rule Smarts</a> guides which have been affected by 4.0 will be updated soon to reflect the new rules.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Other resources:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://rules.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/wftda_official_rules_version_4_0.pdf">From the horse's mouth, the official WFTDA rules version 4.0</a><br /><a href="http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/2009/04/29/wftda_releases_ruleset_version_40#comment-5757">Derby News Network's look at the new rule set</a><br /><a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p0lQpXkGAFjqHseq8bEotZg">Also, from Derby News Network, a geek-a-licious spreadsheet of the revisions and clarifications (God bless derby nerds!)</a>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-2079935550627005312009-02-06T16:51:00.000-08:002009-02-09T20:25:33.541-08:00A Guide to Effective Blocking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2078/1581120382_bf39dd0a91.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2078/1581120382_bf39dd0a91.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In roller derby, the jammers may be the 'stars' of the show, but we all know where the real excitement is: Big. Fat. Hits.<br /><br />It's what birthed our very sport, it's what the fans came to see, it's the blocker's bread and butter and it puts the quake in a jammer's knees on the start line.<br /><br />So how do you hit really hard? Particularly if you're small? With the help of some other skaters, I've broken down the key elements of effective blocking for you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Find your center</span><br /><br />First and foremost, you've got to get balanced, and balance comes from two things: proper skating stance and core strength.<br /><br />A proper skating stance is one that's low and wide. You knees should be deeply flexed, your ass should be down, not up in the air, and your torso should not be hunched over your thighs. You should always be centered in relation to your skates. You'll notice that if you ever get the majority of your body weight in front of your toes, behind your heels, or past your outside wheels on either skate, you become unstable. So first, make sure your stance is solid, and that you're comfortable staying centered, even when you are putting more weight on one skate than the other.<br /><br />The second element of balance, and the one that tends to get overlooked is core strength. What is your core? Simply put, it's the very center of your body and the power source behind any thing you do that transfers momentum. Your body core is made up of the muscles in your abs, hips, glutes and lower back.<br /><br />Consider a baseball player throwing a ball, a golfer swinging a club, or a soccer playing kicking a long pass. The power for these actions doesn't come from the arms or legs alone, or even primarily. The power comes from the core. Twisting the torso, driving the hips and contracting the abdominals all provide the necessary force.<br /><br />The same is true for blocking in roller derby. You don't hit someone with your shoulder, you hit them with your whole body, contracting and expanding your core like spring to put the 'pop' in a J-block. The power to veer into a check doesn't just come from your legs, it comes from driving your hip toward your target.<br /><br />You can build up your core by working your abs, your lumbar region, your glutes and your hip flexors and abductors. There's plenty of info on the net about how to do this but a sampling of effective exercises would include crunches and side crunches, leg lifts, back hyperextensions, seated rows, kickbacks, side lunges and wide-legged squats. A personal trainer would be a huge help in targeting these areas, but with some preparation and discipline you can also do it effectively on your own.<br /><br /><a href="http://bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.htm">Bodybuilding.com</a> is an awesome resource to find exercises that target specific muscle groups and the options run the gamut from body weight and free weight exercises to machine exercises.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't sweat the technique</span><br /><br />Make sure you know your basic blocking form. Familiarize yourself with the J-block (rising into a block from a squat when using the shoulder), the correct form for a hip check (more on that later), and how to properly execute a can opener. Have an advanced teammate or coach watch you and critique your form so you're not wasting energy practicing the wrong moves.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be light on your feet</span><br /><br />Footwork is probably more important to effective blocking than size. No matter how big you are, if you skate like a bus low on steering fluid, you probably won't hit anyone because they'll have all day to get out of your path.<br /><br />Blocking power can come from speed instead of mass, so use your skating skills to your advantage. You have probably done drills where you cut from one side of the track to the other, or where you veer through cones placed in a wide zig-zag pattern. That's the move you need to use, that quick cut from one side of the track to the other.<br /><br />Make sure you lead with the foot that's on the same side you are blocking toward. Turn that toe and knee out toward your target and focus the weight on that foot into the outside of your heel. You should be able to lift your front wheels clear off the floor once you get comfortable with it. At the same time, dig in with your other foot and carve a half circle toward the side you are blocking on, like when you skate with all eight on the floor. The weight in that skate should be focused on the inside edge and you should push through the heel, almost pivoting on the front wheels.<br /><br />Really drive your hips into it like you're skiing and remember that the deeper you scissor your legs from front to back and from side to side, the faster you can cut. Lead into it with your hip and really commit to the block.<br /><br />Again, make sure you are skating in a proper stance. This makes you hard to knock down, and when you're hitting someone, most of the time it's the lower, more stable skater who will stay on their feet.<br /><br />Good footwork is not just important in performing a block, but in strategically lining one up as well. If you can intersect a skater much faster than she can anticipate, you will have the upper hand. Work on moving around the track quickly, by veering, hopping, crossing over and running through corners to build the type of explosive agility that will catch opponents by surprise.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Block smarter, then harder</span><br /><br />Use the corners to your advantage. When you block with a quick cut from the inside of a corner to the outside, where centripetal force is on your side, you don't need a ton of power to knock down a larger skater, and a smaller skater is often easily floored.<br /><br />Watch for the way the pack often stretches out into a near line around corners, particularly with newer leagues/skaters, exposing an irresistible hole to a jammer taking the outside. Meet her in the middle of this gap and give her your regards.<br /><br />If you're smaller, don't forget you can work with your teammates on whipping and pushing you into blocks for more power. This is especially effective if you have a 1-2 blocker combo where you have a larger, power hitter, and a smaller, agile blocker. The power blocker can take on the big girls and focus on forceouts, and the agile blocker can move quickly for surprise hits or to get in front of a jammer for a positional block, lining her up for a takeout by the power hitter. The bigger skater knows to whip and throw the smaller skater into the jammer, and the smaller skater knows to use the bigger skater as a screen and line up hits for her.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Less can be more</span><br /><br />I love putting girls on the floor as much as the next derby player, but don't forget that as a blocker, your job is not always to knock opponents down, nor is it always the best use of your energy. If you can distract an opposing blocker or draw her out of position with a quick jab of your hip or shoulder so your jammer can sneak by, then save your steam for when you really need to make somebody polish the sport court.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Use <a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2008/09/avoiding-cutting-track-penalties.html">6.2.10</a> to your advantage</span><br /><br />Make the opposing skater, particularly the jammer, cut the track by blocking her to the inside, especially on the corners where she can easily re-enter illegally before she can stop herself. I've also seen lots of blockers hit a jammer out of bounds and then slow almost to a stop, making her wait to re-enter or get the penalty. Although personally, I think it's a rule loophole that will likely be fixed in a future revision, you will usually get away with it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Be sneaky</span><br /><br />The hardest hit is the one you don't see coming. So hit girls on the side they aren't looking on. A great place to do this is on the corners when blockers look over their left shoulders for the jammers. As soon as you see the back of an opposing blocker's helmet, knock her into the infield.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Be unpredictable</span><br /><br />Don't telegraph your block by looking at the girl you want to hit, tensing your body, and lining her up. She will see it coming a mile away and you'll whiff the block big time. Use your peripheral vision and work on your timing, so you can move at the last second and still connect.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be ruthless</span><br /><br />Use your strongest weapons against their weakest points. In roller derby that usually means a hip check to the mid thigh. You'd be surprised at how many skaters you can take out with a hard block, low in the legal zone, when you could shoulder check them all day and just bounce off.<br /><br />A great way to use a hip check is actually to aim for the inside of the opposing skater's thigh, on her outside leg. So you actually cut in front of her body and hit on the inside of her leg instead of hitting her in her side. Time it right and it will usually take a skater right out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take that, rewind it back</span><br /><br />If you want to take your blocking to the next level, do yourself a favor and learn to block backward. Not only in the sense of blocking to the front of the body, but in the sense of making a quick and very sharp veer that carries you at a 90 degree angle toward another skater. Master this move so that you are just this side of actually skating clockwise to block and savor the surprise of your enemies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Charge the front line</span><br /><br />I can't stress enough how important blocking to the front of the body is. I don't even try to check girls shoulder to shoulder anymore because it's a waste of my energy. Instead, I focus on using my shoulders to hit girls in the chest, or if you get low and swoop upward, in the solar plexus, which is even better. For hip checks, hit them in the front of the thighs, crotch, or stomach, which will really mess up their skating stance and force them out of balance. The can opener (using your shoulder to strike backward against the front of an opposing skater's body) is an absolutely indispensable move that every skater should master.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring the pain</span><br /><br />Lastly, don't be afraid to hurt somebody. Legally, of course.<br /><br />Far too many new skaters under-commit to blocks, pulling back at the last second. If you've never practiced checking a blocking pad, try it. It helps let go of the anxiety of injuring someone and lets you feel the full power of your efforts and determine where you need more follow through. Borrow a little wisdom from martial arts and imagine your target on the other side of the skater or blocking pad you are hitting. Don't strike <span style="font-style: italic;">at</span> your target, strike all the way <span style="font-style: italic;">through</span> it for maximum power.<br /><br />Excluding scrimmage and drills where you are told to block at low power, don't be scared to open up your entire can of whoop ass and serve it cold with a straw. It's a great compliment to another skater to clean her clock, and to borrow a bit more from martial arts, kendo practitioners talk about the zen involved in receiving a really hard hit, because for one second, their mind is completely clear. Make 'em say 'om'.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Portions of this article were originally posted in a <a href="http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14719">thread on the Skatelog forums</a>. Special thanks to the participants of that thread, some of whose ideas have been incorporated here.</span>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-56198963312152131792009-01-09T16:36:00.000-08:002009-02-06T16:48:48.872-08:00How To Never Get Busted Back Blocking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lollergirls.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga37hsTQjvusO7xrYcj_-GeYzfixa8UgtYzjqmrevxKZHoQyPIXU6C9MjZgW9W07-XsE2eQ6dJ-Sf2pNuwnA5A1olr0HxDrz3zxg07OaglezgA8avXsCPDnFhoISNU0bvPDnMvYGoKnrU/s400/lollergirls279.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Know the Rules!</span><br /><br />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'?):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.1 BACK BLOCKING AND BLOCKING FROM BEHIND<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Hitting an opponent in the back</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">of the torso, back of the legs or booty is prohibited (refer to Illegal Target Zones Section</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">5.2.2</span><span style="font-style: italic;">).</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />No Impact/No Penalty</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.1.1</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Incidental contact to the back from an opponent that does not force the opponent</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">to adjust her skating stance or position in any way.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />6.2.1.2</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Hitting an opponent, with a legal blocking zone into a legal target zone, while</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">positioned behind said opponent.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Minor Penalty</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.1.3</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Any contact to the back of an opponent that forces the receiver off balance,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">forward, and/or sideways, but does not cause her to lose her relative position.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Major Penalty</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.1.4</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Any contact to the back from an opponent that forces the receiver out of her</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">established position. This includes forcing a skater down, out-of-bounds, or out of</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">position.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So what's the easy-to-remember version of 6.2.1?</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now for the tricky part!</span><br /><br />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:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3 ILLEGAL USE OF FOREARMS AND HANDS</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />6.2.3.1</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Forearms or hands may never be used to grab, hold, or push an opponent.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />6.2.3.2</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Incidental forearm contact between skaters is acceptable when the arms are</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">pulled into the body to absorb the force of a block.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.3</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> During forearm contact between skaters, the following are indications that a push</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">has occurred:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.3.1</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> The initiating skater extends her arm during contact</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.3.2</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> The receiving skater is propelled forwards or sideways</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />No Impact/No Penalty</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />6.2.3.4</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Incidental contact of forearms or hands that falls within legal target zones, that</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">does not force the opponent to adjust her skating stance or position in any way.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.5</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Contact made with the forearms when forearms are pulled in to the body to</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">absorb a hit.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.6</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> A block initiated with the should<br />er, in which there is forearm contact to the</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">opponent, but no observable push with the forearm.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Minor Penalty</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.7</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent, that falls within the legal target</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">zones that forces the receiver off balance, forward, and/or sideways but does not cause</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">her to lose her relative position. This includes:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.7.1</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> A slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />6.2.3.7.2</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> A block initiated with the shoulder, in which there is either a simultaneous or</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">subsequent push with the forearm. A push is indicated by the initiating skater</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">extending her arms while making contact with the forearms, resulting in the receiving</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">skater being propelled forward or sideways.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Major Penalty</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.8 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Any illegal contact with hands or forearms above the shoulders.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.9</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Any illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiver off</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">balance, forward, and/or sideways and causes her to lose her relative position. This</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">includes:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">6.2.3.9.1</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Contact with hands or forearms, as indicated by the initiating skater</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">extending her arms, resulting in the receiving skater being propelled forwards or</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">sideways.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />6.2.3.10</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Use of hands or forearms to grab or hold an opposing skater impeding that</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">skater’s mobility, causing her to lose advantage and/or forcing that skater to the ground.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So how does 6.2.3 affect back blocking?</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <span style="font-style: italic;">suspect</span> they saw you push the other skater a teeny bit with your arms (<span style="font-style: italic;">6.2.3.7.1 A slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.</span>), they'll be quick with the whistle.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />So remember: No touchy!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avoid the Slowdown</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do Some Damage Control</span><br /><br />So you're boxed in and about to run an opposing skater over, now what?<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make Your Escape</span><br /><br />Don't forget that you can utilize your teammates here, especially as a jammer. A good <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGhA-sGCJzs&NR=1">waitress whip</a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Play Like a Brainiac</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Skate smart!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://lollergirls.blogspot.com">I Can Has Lead Jammer?</a></span>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-87623099958786847472008-12-12T15:46:00.000-08:002008-12-12T15:53:56.208-08:00Gotham Girls 2008 Season Highlight Video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/video_icon_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px;" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/video_icon_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A little highlight footage from the <a href="http://www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com/">Gotham Girls</a> 2008 intraleague season.<br /><br />Because when you're this cool, why not?<p><br /></p><center><a style="left: 348px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03044510171904491 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/BtJz3gCOegY&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></a><a style="left: 185px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03044510171904491 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/BtJz3gCOegY&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></a><a style="left: 283px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03044510171904491 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/BtJz3gCOegY&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></a><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BtJz3gCOegY&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BtJz3gCOegY&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-39955447424256678082008-12-05T17:11:00.000-08:002008-12-09T15:06:25.137-08:00Stop Skate Slippage With the Power of Beer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.piratemerch.com/images/pirate_koozie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px;" src="http://www.piratemerch.com/images/pirate_koozie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So your skates fit your <span style="font-style: italic;">feet</span> just fine, but your heels or your ankles slip, and you're tired of feeling like you're slopping around in your boots?<br /><br />Here's a wildly ingenious and wonderfully cheap solution from <a href="http://crdl.wikispaces.com/Committee">Dr. Hell</a>, of <a href="http://crdl.wikispaces.com/">Canberra Roller Derby League</a>, using beer koozies. Seriously.<br /><br />Dr. Hell says <span style="font-style: italic;">"Aside from the fact that it is far superior in tastiness and flavour than wine, if it weren't for beer and my large collection of stubbie holders, I would still have slippy ankles in my 125s. I'd tried extra thick socks, heel cups, ankle braces, I'd sewn a pair of neo</span><span style="font-style: italic;">prene booties but to no avail. I was seriously considering a pair of Bonts for the mouldable-ness, but found a $4 solution.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I got two 4mm neoprene bottle holders at the bargain store, cut along t</span><span style="font-style: italic;">he side seam, and then undid the seam around half of the bottom so I had a base circle of neoprene, with two flaps of neoprene coming off it. A perfect heel cup and protection from diggy counters and sharp boot edges."<br /></span><br />I know what you're thinking. How can I too, harness the goodness of my favorite beverage to make my skates fit better?<br /><br />Enter Hot Lips Cruelihan, of <a href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/">Sydney Roller Derby League</a>, with an awesome pictorial tutorial of Dr. Hell's beer koozie method. So easy even a ref could do it. Peep the deets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft1.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ingredients: Humorous beer koozies (assorted); scissors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Step 1: Cut down side seam (or for bottle holders, along each side of the zipper).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft3.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Step 2: Unpick or cut around base of stubby holder. Mine were glued under the stitching, so I wound up just cutting them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft4.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Step 3: Voila - one heel cup. The vertical neoprene is attached around half the circumference of the base. The flaps just fly free.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft5.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Step 4: Insert into back of skate. I've put this one in inside out, cos the colour makes it easier to see, but it makes a little lump at the base of the heel. This may or may not matter to you - I'm putting an insole over the top which covers that edge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://www.sydneyrollerderby.com/file.php/1/Becks_skates/Beercraft/Beercraft6.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Action shot!<br /><br />Not pictured: Step 5: Trim to not look stupid.<br /><br />There you have it. Custom made heel cups on the cheap. The bad news is that they might inspire a hankerin' for a cold one every time you put your skates on, but the good news is that they don't break WFTDA rule 9.4.2.<br /><br />Could it be the beer that's making these Aussies so smart? Maybe I should start drinking Foster's...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">via <a href="http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/index.php">Skatelog Forum</a></span>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-72794931018422220612008-12-03T17:05:00.000-08:002008-12-08T14:32:07.352-08:00How To Do a Leg Whip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/video_icon_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" src="http://acrexacre.com/video_icon_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The always awesome <a href="http://www.derbydolls.com/sd/meetthedolls/sd_BonnieD.Stroir.html">Bonnie D. Stroir</a> of the <a href="http://www.derbydolls.com/sd/index.html">San Diego Derby Dolls</a> explains how to do a leg whip and demonstrates it for us on both flat and banked track.<br /><br />If you've already got your one-footed glides around corners down pat, and you can hold a nice little <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Elena_Efaieva_%26_Alexei_Menshikov_-_2006_Skate_America.jpg">arabesque</a>, then you can do a leg whip.<br /><br />This type of whip can be very powerful when done right, lets you whip your jammer from further away, it's often unexpected, and of course, it's a real crowd pleaser.<br /><br />Check out the vid for the breakdown.<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9aDIgIIesM0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9aDIgIIesM0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><a href="http://www.arienebium.com/images/legwhip.gif">Click here</a> for a sweet photo montage of the <a href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/">Rat City</a> All Stars' fair-haired power duo, Blonde An' Bitchen and D-Bomb, doing a leg whip at last year's Nationals.Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-20370387094271559132008-11-20T18:58:00.000-08:002008-11-20T19:15:40.575-08:00Northwest Knockdown Recap and Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fracturemag.com/derby/blog/northwest-knockdown-round-1-recap"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 350px;" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/NKtree.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>For those of you who weren't able to be at <a href="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/">Northwest Knockdown</a>, I'd love to make you feel better about missing it, but it was <span style="font-style: italic;">freaking amazing</span>! The women competing for the top slots have surpassed rockstar status to become superheroes. In fact, I'm sure that some of the ladies I saw possessed super strength, the power of flight, or yes, even invisibility.<br /><br />Not only did fans enjoy the pinnacle of derby athleticism, it was a damn posh production, too. Big ups to all the competitors, refs, statisticians, mascots, volunteers, coordinators, vendors, photographers, journalists and of course fans who made the event HUGE!<br /><br />Don't forget to support <a href="http://www.fracturemag.com/derby/blog/northwest-knockdown-round-1-recap">Fracture Mag</a> by dropping by to check out my <a href="http://www.fracturemag.com/derby/blog/northwest-knockdown-round-1-recap">coverage of Nationals</a>. If you like it, let them know, and they may send me to capture other derby goodness for you!<br /><br />Also, I've a got a few lovely pics to share with you from the weekend, so head on over to my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rei_zerburnn/sets/72157609483286189/">Flickr album</a> to check those out.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclaimer: I am not a photographer. I do not have a fancy camera. These are not super awesome derby photos in which you can see the sweat flying off <a href="http://www.txrollergirls.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=53">Rice Rocket's</a> brow. They are more like the photos you would probably take if you were there. Which, in a way, I guess makes them kind of cool.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.fracturemag.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.fracturemag.com/images/fracturemag_banner1.gif" alt="FRACTURE magazine" width="468" border="0" height="60" /></a></center>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-1597662687321529512008-11-19T16:28:00.000-08:002008-11-19T16:37:05.998-08:00Roller Derby in the Newspaper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ireporter.tv/Upload/www.sportsnut247.com/bigstockphoto_sports_section_of_newspaper_69897.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px;" src="http://www.ireporter.tv/Upload/www.sportsnut247.com/bigstockphoto_sports_section_of_newspaper_69897.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/">The Orgeonian</a> was caught flat-footed last week when they received questions from fans and readers as to why they hadn't covered <a href="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/">Northwest Knockdown</a> in the sports section of their paper.<br /><br />I mean, seriously, national championship roller derby in your backyard and you don't even send out a junior journalist with a point-and-shoot?<br /><br />Boneheaded but true, so now the Oregonian is wondering if they should start including some flat-track goodness in their C section.<br /><br />I think you know the answer. <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/11/poll_what_do_you_think_about_r.html">Tell 'em what's what. </a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">via <a href="http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/">Derby News Network</a></span>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-59766274588430777192008-11-13T10:43:00.000-08:002008-11-13T10:53:15.689-08:00Training Jammers to Find Holes in the Pack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.shamelessmag.com/media/content/2008/04/derby_435px.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.shamelessmag.com/media/content/2008/04/derby_435px.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This drill comes to us from <a href="http://www.qcrg.net/category/16/Suicidal_Saucies/page/49/Punk__N_Pi__sq__root______coach__.aspx">Punk N' Pi </a>of the <a href="http://www.qcrg.net/home.aspx">Queen City Rollergirls</a> and is compiled in <a href="http://interderby.wordpress.com/hoolis-drills-and-spills-page/frankie-facebreakers-drillbook/">Frankie Facebreaker's</a> drill book. When Punk N' Pi does it, they call it "G", "PG" and "R".<br /><br />When my league does it, we like to call it "Safety, Risky, Danger".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Safety, Risky, Danger</span></span><br /><br />This is a three-stage drill meant to help jammers find holes in the pack, teach them to break through blockers without assistance, and build their confidence.<br /><br />As a bonus, it teaches blockers to form a cohesive pack when at a disadvantage and helps them understand the importance of communication and passive blocking.<br /><br />This drill works very well with smallish groups and is just as good for the experienced jammer as it is for the player who is starting to make a transition to jamming.<br /><br />I've found this drill works best if you explain the rules one portion at a time, and then have the skaters do the drill the way you just outlined.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phase 1: Safety</span><br /><br />Make a pack of about 10-15 blockers and get them moving at a normal pack pace (I have also done this drill with as few as 6-8 blockers, though it is not as challenging for the jammers if they are experienced).<br /><br />The pack has to follow these rules:<br /><ul><li>Blockers can move laterally (from side to side) on the track in any way they want. They can hop, veer, crossover, whatever, as long as they do it often and randomly.</li><li>Blockers cannot look behind them. The rear of the pack has to let the front of the pack know when they are getting too far ahead. This is probably the most difficult rule for the pack to follow at this point.</li><li>Blockers cannot talk about or verbally communicate the jammer's position to the rest of the pack.</li><li>Blockers are not actively trying to stop the jammer, they're just presenting moving obstacles.</li></ul>Now, send your jammers through one a time, a few seconds apart. Encourage the jammers to watch the movement of the blockers' hips so they can anticipate the holes, and to keep their speed up as they hit the pack. This should be like a game of Asteroids for them, where they are just avoiding the moving players.<br /><br />To keep the pack engaged in the drill, remind the blockers that this is their chance to be working on their agility by moving quickly around the track, and to practice staying packed up tight. Encourage them to change positions within the pack.<br /><br />Run this for 5 minutes or so, or until the jammers start feeling confident or the blockers start getting bored.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phase 2: Risky</span><br /><p><strong></strong>The jammers job is till the same, but the pack now follows a new set of rules:</p><ul><li>Blockers can now look behind them.</li><li>They can now communicate the jammer's position to the rest of the pack.</li><li>Blockers can also now try to actively stop the jammer, but NO CHECKING! Only booty blocks (or passive blocking or The Ass of Fury, or whatever your league likes to call it) are allowed. </li></ul>The jammers are going to feel more challenged by this, but they will find that the first round has made them more able to see holes.<br /><br />This phase is great for encouraging blockers to talk to one another, since they've just seen what a handicap it is when they don't communicate, so remind them to do so. The blockers should also be working on their "smear" or "swipe" (veering across the jammer so that their booty goes right into her crotch, throwing her off balance) and practicing their snow plow like crazy.<br /><br />Once again, run this for about 5 minutes, or until antsy-ness is evident.<br /><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phase 3: Danger</span></p><p>It is, as they say, "on". Jammers are still going it alone, but now the blockers are off the leash.</p><ul><li>Blockers can now check the jammer. Observe the evil grins when you declare this new rule.</li></ul>You may, depending on your players, remind your girls that since the jammer is a lone ranger, as it were, to keep their checking to say, 50% power, if you don't want them breaking each other before a bout. Use your judgment and knowledge of your skaters.<br /><br />Your jammers will no longer be having be having the sort of cats-away-mice-will-play fun they were having at the beginning of the drill, and you may even hear a little whining. Punk N' Pi suggests reminding the jammers that if they can make one legal pass through a pack of 10-15 vengeful blockers alone, they should be able to get through the toughest pack in a bout, when they will have help.<br /><br />Jammers will typically do very well in the last stage, and may even surprise themselves, since the first two phases have forced them to focus on exploiting holes and getting through while keeping their speed up.<br /><br />Only run this for a couple minutes, especially if your jammers are getting bounced around a lot. If you like, you can run it from the top a second time, either keeping the same groups, or changing them up.<br /><a href="http://interderby.wordpress.com/"><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Via InterDerby</span></a>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-27032294563158106522008-11-13T10:30:00.000-08:002008-11-13T14:49:34.230-08:00Ready for the Knockdown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/art/floorbanner2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 545px;" src="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/art/floorbanner2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So here's the deal. Starting Friday I will be covering all the crazy action at <a href="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/">Northwest Knockdown.<br /></a><br />Not here on FB though, you'll have to head on over to the radness that is <a href="http://www.fracturemag.com/">Fracture Magazine</a> to catch the coverage, so go check it out, and stay on top of the bouts as they unfold.<br /><br />I'll be <a href="http://twitter.com/Rei_Zerburnn">Twittering</a> from the event as well, so if you want scores at halftimes and "ZOMG! So-and-so just got their clock cleaned!" moments, <a href="http://twitter.com/Rei_Zerburnn">follow me</a>!<br /><br />Don't forget to stick around Fishnet Burnns itself, because I'll have more tasty derby articles up, still hot and fresh from the oven! I'll also be posting some peek-tures from Rose City that you won't want to miss.<br /><br />All in all, it's going to be a crazy exciting weekend and I can't wait to bring you all the derby goodness from Portland!<br /><br />Feel like helping me out with my travel expenses? You can make a contribution for the good of derby below :)<br /><br /><center><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick"><br /><input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="1137895"><br /><input type="image" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donate_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt=""><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1"><br /></form><br /></center>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-83085921659683291192008-11-12T11:32:00.000-08:002008-11-12T17:21:43.320-08:00When Refs Give You the FingerOr the elbow. Or the 'chop'. Or that crazy signal that means traveling in basketball. What the heck are those zebras on about anyway?<br /><br />Well, if you can crack the code to their mysterious sign language, you'll gain access to a whole new world of secret information. Okay, not really, but it <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> keep you from annoying the Striped Ones with silly questions, give you more knowledge as a captain or alternate to communicate intelligently with the refs and be a better advocate for your team, and give you the ability to tell/ask your teammates why they went to the box <span style="font-style: italic;">while</span> they're still in the box. All cool stuff.<br /><br />Here are some of the most common signals you'll want to know:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/61/218192707_b5d93aaa42.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/61/218192707_b5d93aaa42.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lead Jammer</span><br />What every point-scoring star wants to see. My favorite refs are the ones who do this signal with great flourish, making the event fancier for everyone. Showmanship, people... showmanship.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref11.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref11.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not Lead Jammer</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">/No Lead Jammer</span><br /><br />Opposite of awesome. Also known as "You phail and must skate the full two minutes!"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref2.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref2.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elbowing</span><br />For shame! If you're new, you probably see this one a lot. Keep those chicken wings in check and focus on laying the smack down legally. Or for pete's sake, if you're going to elbow, at least use the outside one!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Edit: The WFTDA-approved and more common signal for this penalty has the ref touching or cupping their elbow with the opposite hand, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/appendix_c_wftda_ref_hand_signals.pdf">as seen here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. Either way, you know you've been bad!</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref6.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref6.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Out of Play/20 feet</span><br /><br />Watch out pivots! That cocked arm is your warning. If you get the tomahawk chop, you've just been penalized. When the arm comes up, it's a good time for the rest of the pack to tell you to lay off.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref1.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref1.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Back Blocking</span><br /><br />Getting a little too close and personal with the other team? You'll see this one if you've been all but spooning the opposing skaters. The signal used looks like a push, although technically pushing with the hands and back blocking are different penalties, and pushing actually falls under the next category.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref12.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref12.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Illegal Use of Forearms/Hands</span><br /><br />You'll see this signal if you've been pushing, groping, grabbing or whipping off of the opposing team. Although pushing actually falls under this category, refs will usually use the back blocking signal for a push and this signal for holding. See how tricky they are?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref10.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref10.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cutting the Track</span><br /><br />See those crossed bones? That's poison to jammers, to be <a href="http://fishnetburnns.blogspot.com/2008/09/avoiding-cutting-track-penalties.html">avoided if at all possible</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref8.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref8.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tripping/Low Block</span><br /><br />Whether you meant it or not, taking out other ladies' skates with your skates is a no-no.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Special Bonus Section!</span><br /><ul><li>When a ref sends you to the sin bin with one pointed finger, you just fouled out on a major.</li><li>When they send you out with four fingers and the thumb tucked in, you just fouled out on four minors.</li><li>When you're jamming, and you hear your jammer ref tapping the top of their helmet with their wristguard, it means you're about to get slammed by the other jammer.</li><li>Too many skaters on the track, false starting, illegal star passes, calling off the jam when not lead jammer and cutting in front of skaters when leaving the penalty box all fall under illegal procedure. Many refs will also use this one when a skater does not have their mouthguard in, although the rules do not specify the penalty for removing your mouthguard and leave it to the refs' discretion, it seems to be the widely accepted signal.</li><li>One of my favorite signals is the one for gross misconduct, with one hand on the hip as if to say "Oh no, you didn't!"</li></ul>Check out these other resources for a complete and comical listing of WFTDA referee hand signals<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/appendix_c_wftda_ref_hand_signals.pdf">WFTDA Offciating Hand Signals</a><br /><a href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/refs.html#calls">Rat City Rollergirls Referee Hand Signals</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photos by <a href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/">Rat City Rollergirls</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohtoberich/">ohtoberich</a></span>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-2517409043524117272008-11-11T11:40:00.000-08:002008-11-12T13:10:19.449-08:00How To Pass Your WFTDA Written Rules Test<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/WFTDAtest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 263px;" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/WFTDAtest.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You know you have to do it, but just thinking about it makes you break out in a cold sweat. You've got flashbacks to stuffy classrooms where every pencil seems to be scratching along but yours. Imagining all those multiple choice questions and diagrams on paper in front of you makes all the rules you think know fly right out of your head and it 'aint pretty.<br /><br />Relax. Every rollergirl that skates for a WFTDA or WFTDA-aspiring league has done it and so can you. Maybe you're taking the test for the first time as the last hurdle before getting placed on a team. Or maybe your league gives the test every season and you need to brush up on any revisions. You can give yourself a much greater chance for success if you have a plan in place and use the right strategies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First, review what you already know</span><br /><br />You're probably more knowledgeable than you think. For example, do you know how many whistles signal the end of a jam? How long a skater goes to the box for a major penalty? Who can call a time out? What the helmet covers mean?<br /><br />Information that may seem like a no-brainer because you've already learned it by experience will still be on the written test. All those rules you've learned by doing will be one less thing to worry about on test day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Identify the things you most need to learn</span><br /><br />If you get called in scrimmages for penalties you don't understand, that 's a sign that you have an opportunity to learn! Talk to the refs after practice and ask them to explain the penalty to you. They're usually happy to share their knowledge, especially if you take a genuine interest in understanding the rules.<br /><br />Watch some WFTDA bouts on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=roller+derby+wftda&search_type=&aq=f">YouTube</a> or <a href="http://www.rollersport.tv/">RollerSport.TV</a> and pay attention to the flow of the game. Look for things that don't make sense to you. Do you understand why they're stopping the period clock, why the jammer got 4 points for a pass when only 3 blockers were on the track, or why the captain is serving a penalty when she didn't skate the last jam?<br /><br />Take notes and then ask your captain, senior skaters or referees about the situation. <a href="http://rules.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wftda_rules_v3_1.pdf">Download a pdf of the rules</a> and use the search function to find the answers to your questions. Pretend another skater has asked you a question and you have to research the answer for her.<br /><br />The things you'll probably need to brush up on most are the rules that have to do with referee protocol and support staff, so pay special attention to those areas. Highlight or write the numbers of the rule sections that make the least sense to you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Read the rules</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/getout.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/getout.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First, make sure you have <a href="http://rules.wftda.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wftda_rules_v3_1.pdf">a copy of the rules</a>. Paper is great, if you learn better by reading something you can hold, but otherwise I recommend having a pdf version. You can use the search function to skim through a pdf and find the section you are looking for right away whenever you want to study a specific rule.<br /><br />Then, read the rules. <span style="font-style: italic;">All of them</span>. I know this sounds tedious, which it is if you're not the sort of person who thinks reading contracts and legal documents is fun, but the best way to learn the rules is straight from the source. Think of it as your textbook for the written test.<br /><br />Asking questions from others in your league is great, and encouraged, but always read the pertinent section of the rules afterward. Not only will it clear up any possible inconsistencies, it will help cement the rules in your mind by reviewing them.<br /><br />You can read the rules in one sitting, if that idea appeals to you, or break it up into chunks. Decide to read one or two sections each day, or read for 30 minutes and then stop. Just make sure you get through the entire document at least once before you start studying. If you're surprised by a question on the test you didn't specifically study for, the wording of it will likely jog that bit of the rules out of your memory if you've read the whole thing.<br /><br />Having read the complete rules will also make you a better player or captain, so don't skip this step!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.enkeling.nl/beeld/girl_studying.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.enkeling.nl/beeld/girl_studying.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Create your study strategy</span><br /><br />To be as prepared as you possibly can be for the test, you have to have a plan of attack for learning the information. So how do make this battle plan? Think of it like a bout. Exploit your strengths, address your weaknesses and build your confidence before tackling the test.<br /><br />These general study strategies will apply to everyone:<br /><ul><li>If you study in a group, only study with others who are serious about passing the test.</li><li>Study at times when you naturally have the most mental energy. If you're a morning person, check out a few flash cards on the way to work. If you're more alert at night, read a section of two after dinner.</li><li>Review the rules and your notes right after practice, or after skating, while the associated actions are still fresh in your memory.</li><li>Don't try to cram. Space out your study times over the course of the week and focus on one area at a time.</li><li>Learn the general concepts first; don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas. </li><li>Take notes. Jot down a summary of the rule sections as you read them.</li><li>Take frequent breaks to avoid overload. Tell yourself you will study one section, or study for 20 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. Don't skip your breaks!</li><li>Make sure that you <span style="font-style: italic;">understand</span> the rules. Don't just try to memorize everything. Get clarification from others and use strategies specific to your learning style to really cement an understanding of the rules in your mind.</li><li>Have a fellow skater, friend, or family member quiz you on difficult areas.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Use your strengths by studying they way you learn best</span><br /><br />You can also take advantage of your particular learning style to help you absorb information quickly. Here's an overview of some specific strategies.<br /><br />Are you a visual learner? Do things "make sense when you see them"? Try some of these strategies to help you study:<br /><ul><li>Look for visual sources of information. Use videos or Power Point presentations to help you learn.<br /></li><li>Make yourself some flash cards.<br /></li><li>Use highlighters and take notes or draw diagrams in the margins of your notes or the rules.<br /></li><li>Draw <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map">mind maps or concept maps</a> to help you review and learn each section.<br /></li><li>Focus on the "big picture". Look through section titles, bullet points, pictures and diagrams to get an overall idea of the content before reading a section.<br /></li><li>Visualize. As you learn a new concept, close your eyes and imagine it playing out in a bout situation.</li><li>Avoid visual distractions while you study.</li></ul>Are you an auditory learner? Does it help to hear the information you're studying?<br /><ul><li>Read key sections of the rules aloud</li><li>Discuss the rules with other league members. "Talk through" a situation where the rules might apply.<br /></li><li>Explain the rules to another skater or a study partner.<br /></li><li>As you read, imagine yourself giving a lecture on the subject.</li><li>Make up rhymes, songs or <a href="http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/Mnemonics.asp">mnemonics</a> to help you recall the rules. The crazier the better.</li><li>Write out important concepts in sentence form, then read them aloud.</li><li>Summarize a rule section in your own words and record yourself reading it. Play it back in the car or when you're doing simple tasks like cleaning.<br /></li><li>Avoid noisy distractions while studying.</li></ul>Are you a person who learns by doing? Does sitting still and studying make you ansty? Try these study methods:<br /><ul><li>Simplify the information into the basic elements and build up from there.</li><li>Act out concepts, such as penalties, to help you remember. Use a partner for this if you like.</li><li>Ask your league mates for real life examples of how the rules apply, or for a demonstration if you don't understand.</li><li>Connect the rules to things you actually do in practice and scrimmages. As you study, remember the last time you were involved in the situation the rule describes. Move around if it helps.</li><li>Draw a chart with some X's and O's, or use board game pieces to simulate things like pack formation, out of play, legal passing etc.</li><li>Write out notes by hand. Describe a situation in which the rule section you are studying applied to you in your notes. Make it a story.<br /></li><li>If chewing gum, fidgeting, or pacing the room helps you relax as you study, go for it.<br /></li><li>If you get too restless, look over some notes or flash cards as you go for a walk.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Address your weaknesses</span><br /><br />Spend the most time on the sections you find hardest to remember or understand using the techniques that have worked best for you.<br /><br />Before you study one of these difficult sections, briefly review a section you understand well to boost your confidence and settle your mind into a calm learning mode.<br /><br />Taking a dummy test, or having a friend quiz you can help you pinpoint the sections you need to work on most. Revisit those sections with another quiz or dummy test to evaluate your progress.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stay positive and confident</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.centurionministry.org/images/cat-lion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px;" src="http://www.centurionministry.org/images/cat-lion.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The night before the test, do a short, relaxed review of all your notes and remind yourself that you are well prepared and are going to do well. Resist the urge to cram!<br /><br />Visualize yourself taking the test and answering all the questions confidently without any nervousness. Do this several times before you go to sleep and again just before taking the test. Get a good night's sleep and keep a positive attitude.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Test day</span><br /><br />You'll probably be taking the test in the evening, around the time you usually practice, so make sure you're not too burned out from the day's activities. Plan some calming, pleasant things to do for a couple hours before the test like listening to music, light physical activity or whatever makes you feel alert and relaxed. If you're one of those morning people who starts to fade after work, take a short nap if you can.<br /><br />Eat a light snack such as some fresh fruits and veggies before the test, but avoid greasy or sugary foods or caffeine, as they can negatively affect your focus and concentration.<br /><br />Arrive early with pencils, scratch paper (if it's allowed), or anything else you need to take the test. Remind yourself that you're going to do well and imagine yourself answering all the questions to the best of your ability.<br /><br />Resist the urge to talk to other skaters about the test or how you think you will do. Anxiety is contagious.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taking the actual test</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.liquidelearning.com/uploaded_images/pencil_sxu-731460.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.liquidelearning.com/uploaded_images/pencil_sxu-731460.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Approaching the test in a relaxed, confident way, and using some simple techniques for managing your time can help you score much higher on your WFTDA rules test.<br /><ul><li>Stay positive and relaxed. If you start to feel nervous, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you are well prepared and are going to do your best.</li><li>Get comfortable. Change positions throughout the test if you need to.<br /></li><li>Make sure to read all the directions carefully. It seems obvious, but it can help you avoid silly mistakes.</li><li>Read each question carefully. Don't just skim it and assume you know what the answer is.<br /></li><li>If you have time, quickly look through the entire test for an overview. This will help you budget your time. If it's allowed, briefly jot down any notes that come to mind so you can refer to them later.</li><li>Bring a watch so you can pace yourself.</li><li>Write legibly. If the graders can't read it, they will probably mark it wrong.</li><li>If you don't understand a question or need clarification, ask the coach or whoever is administering the test. Don't just guess.<br /></li><li>If you go blank on a question, skip it and go on. You can always come back to it later, and another part of the test may jog your memory or help you out with one of the tougher questions.<br /></li><li>Answer the questions that are easiest for you first, then answer the questions with the highest point value. Finally, come back to the more difficult questions or the ones you skipped.<br /></li><li>When going back to the questions you skipped, eliminate the answers that you know are wrong, don't seem to fit, or are so similar they would both be incorrect. Then, make your most educated guess based on what's left. If it's an essay question, broadly outline your answer, sequence your main points, and do your best. Don't try to b.s.<br /></li><li>Don't worry if other girls finish before you. Just focus on your own test.</li><li>When you finish, review your test for any careless mistakes, and proof read your essay answers, if any. Only change an answer if you misread the question, or if you find information elsewhere in the test that indicates your first answer was wrong. Make sure your name is on the test!<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">All done!</span><br /><br />Once you turn in your test, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. If you have to re-take the test, don't sweat it! You'll be even more prepared for a re-take because you can review your study techniques and pinpoint what worked and what didn't.<br /><br />Most of all, remember you are doing this so that you can do something fun: play roller derby!<br /><br />I hope this article helped you prepare for your WFTDA written test! Good luck!<br /><br />Comments? Test-taking tip you want to share? Leave them below!Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-72228869605721518302008-11-08T20:04:00.000-08:002008-11-08T21:11:37.581-08:00Are You Tying Your Skates Wrong?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa94/Rissa_roo_roo/rollerskates.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 228px;" src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa94/Rissa_roo_roo/rollerskates.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tying my skates isn't something I think about after I've done it. But I find that after warming up I usually have to re-tie them because they've loosened. Jamming and certain drills seem to make my laces slip too, and I hate going into a corner and thinking about how I need to tie my skates as soon as I get off the track.<br /><br />My old double knot just wasn't cutting the mustard. Maybe I needed a better way to tie my skates?<br /><br />So I found this <a href="http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/index.htm">super-secure knot</a> from <a href="http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/index.htm">Ian's Shoelace Site</a>. Seriously, it's a whole site about <span style="font-style: italic;">just shoelaces</span>, and it's not even remotely a joke. And people think being obsessed with <span style="font-style: italic;">roller derby</span> is weird...<br /><br />Ian's secure knot is just the thing for keeping your skates tied, though. I used this knot at my last practice where we happened to be doing a lot of hopping, manuals, and one-legged agility work. My skates were just as tight at the end of the night as they were when I first tied them, yet the knot was easy to undo. I'll definitely be tying my skates this way from here on out.<br /><br />The knot is simple to learn, thanks to some nice diagrams, and easy to remember and show to others. I taught it to another girl the same night and she also had great results with it keeping her skates snug.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/secureknot.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 80px;" src="http://www.shoe-lacing.com/Dont_Link/FinishedSecureKnot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Check out the <a href="http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/secureknot.htm">instructions for Ian's secure knot</a> here. While you're at it, take a look at <a href="http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/slipping.htm">this article</a> that explains what makes your laces keep coming undone.<br /><br />You may have been tying your skates the wrong way all along.Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-65696794177950524402008-11-06T12:14:00.000-08:002008-12-08T14:32:59.910-08:00What Do Refs Really See?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/video_icon_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" src="http://acrexacre.com/video_icon_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Inquiring minds want to know. From your travel team pivot to that guy sitting in the crash zone and waving an eye chart he made out of posterboard at your head ref, skaters and spectators often wonder: What <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> refs really see?<br /><br />Check out this referee helmet cam video from the <a href="http://www.charmcityrollergirls.com/">Charm City</a> vs. <a href="http://www.windycityrollers.com/">Windy City</a> <a href="http://www.derbyindairyland.com/">Eastern Regionals</a> bout and find out what the action looks like from inside the vertical stripes.<br /><br />This particular ref is skating around the outside of the track, but there are a few seconds of footage from the infield as well at around the 1:25 mark. Which is fairly hilarious, because the ref actually crosses the track to the center just to tell a skater to get the eff out. Watch his frantic "Authoritative Point Which Singles Out The Naughty"!<br /><br />While you're watching, try this fun interactive activity!<br /><ul><li>Turn on your TV to a sporting event and crank the volume as loud as it will go.</li><li>Put your skates and all your gear on.</li><li>Stick a whistle in your mouth.</li><li>Have a friend or small child fall down near you at random intervals.</li><li>If you can find a few buddies to yell profanities at you, even better.</li><li>Now, see how many penalties you can catch!</li></ul><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ihD9QLO9WrY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ihD9QLO9WrY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br />There's a bitchin' soundtrack but no audio, 'cause us mere mortals aren't supposed to hear secret zebra-speak. It makes your bearings rust and your teeth fall out, trust me.<br /><br />The best part is, I really had no idea how <span style="font-style: italic;">completely freaking awesome</span> the derby action looks from the ref's point of view. They've got the best seats in the house, that's for sure.<br /><br /><span></span><a href="http://madrollindolls.com/footage.htm" target="_blank" title="http://madrollindolls.com/footage.htm" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr">http://madrollindolls.com/footage.htm</a><br /><span></span><a href="http://hinckleyproductions.com/" target="_blank" title="http://HinckleyProductions.com" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr">http://HinckleyProductions.com</a>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-42789930049475550712008-11-06T10:35:00.000-08:002008-11-06T10:58:49.390-08:00Back to Basics: Variations on The Line<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.inlandempirephoto.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px;" src="http://www.dawephoto.com/iephoto/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=7533&g2_serialNumber=2" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's one of the first drills many of us participate in, yet it remains as relevant to veterans as it is to newbies. I'm talking about your basic line.<br /><br />People call it different things; a pace line, a draft line, or sometimes a weave line or a snake, but in its simplest form it's a group of skaters, one behind the other, each maintaining a consistent speed and distance from one another. Now, if that's all you do, it can get stale pretty quick, but there are lot of variations on the line that can help build, speed, focus, agility, endurance, blocking effectiveness, timing, pack awareness, and team cohesiveness.<br /><br />Let's look at some different ways to use the line now.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Pace Line</span><br /><br />This is the line in it's purest form. Each skater remains a consistent distance behind the skater in front of her and the foremost skater controls the speed of the line. The skaters in the rear must all match her stride, so that they are pushing off of their left and right feet at the same time.<br /><br />It's crucial that the line leader find a consistent rhythm and stick with it so the rest of the line can fall into step. If you're doing it right, it's like marching in time on skates. It's truly amazing to see one line pumping along with every skater in sync like the wheels on a train.<br /><br />Once the line has been skating in unison for a bit, the front skater drops to the back and the next skater takes the lead.<br /><br />This type of line forces skaters to become more aware of their stride, and also of their teammates' strides. It encourages a methodical rhythm and focus on proper form and makes each skater pay close attention to her leader.<br /><br />Keep in mind, this is difficult at first, but stick with it. By adjusting the width and power of each push, even skaters of very different heights can match up their strides.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/">Rat City</a> is one league that uses this skill to great advantage. Each girl knows her teammates' strides so well that collectively controlling the speed of the pack becomes intuitive for them, and they can do it without any verbal cues.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Follow the Leader</span><br /><br />The leader of this line can skate in any direction they choose and everyone else must follow. They can slow down, speed up, veer, cut, loop-the-loop and change directions all they want. Once they've been leading for a little while, they drop back and let the next skater take the wheel. Or, put your wiliest skater in front and your least agile skaters in the back and watch the hilarity ensue.<br /><br />This type of line is great for agility and awareness, since it's critical to observe the way the line is moving ahead of you in order to stay in formation. Remember, the closer a skater is to the back of the line, the quicker they have to be.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Weave Line</span><br /><br />Also called the snake, this variation is a staple of many practices. The rearmost skater "weaves" her way to the front, slipping between the other skaters in line as if they were cones.<br /><br />This is a great drill to build agility and a sense of timing, and it can really help new girls get comfortable with the idea of skating close to others.<br /><br />Any weaving line can also be a great opportunity to work on communication. Have girls look over their shoulders and tell the skater in front of them if the weaving skater is coming on her inside or outside. Get those third blockers and pivots yelling!<br /><br />There are tons of variations to the weave line. Here a few:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Backward Weave</span> - The foremost skates drops backward through the line, weaving as she goes. Excellent for working on veering or cutting skills, speed control, and looking over your shoulder.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Monkey Bar Weave</span> - Skaters in the line present their 'monkey bars'; arms back and slightly bent, ready for the rearmost skater to grab on and whip herself through the line.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Blocking Snake</span> - As the skater moves through the line, she checks each skater she passes. You can specifying whether hip or shoulder checks are to be used, or add another layer of difficulty by having each skater crouch and touch the ground before checking, so that she executes a 'swooping' or 'J' block.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Weaving Walls</span> - The two rearmost skaters must weave through the line as a 'wall' and remain connected (touching at the shoulder, hip, or knee, in order of difficulty) as they weave.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Crossing Weave</span> - Skaters weave through the line, but must make lateral movements only by crossing over. Great agility drill. If you're feeling particularly evil, do it backwards.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Hopping Weave</span> - Same idea as the Crossing Weave, but skaters use large lateral hops to weave through the line.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Catch the Tail</span><br /><br />Also called the Swedish Mile. The foremost skater breaks away and sprints around the track to the back of the line. Excellent for endurance. You can also split the group into two lines and have the front skater in each line 'race' one other to the back.<br /><br />Try having the rearmost skater weave to the front and race the foremost skater to the back. That skater then weaves the line and races the person now in front to the back, and so on.<br /><br />Another variation is to weave through the line, and upon reaching the back and sprint around for a second lap, ending at the rear once more. This variation can also be done with two parallel lines and racing pairs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Newbie to Veteran</span><br /><br />Brand new skaters are usually focused only on their feet, and working with lines can be a great way to get them looking up and paying attention to what's going on around them with less confusion than being in a pack might cause.<br /><br />Intermediate skaters can skate without thinking about it, but may have difficulty with consistent pacing and distance, or with timing. Lines are a great way for them to focus on those skills.<br /><br />Advanced skaters have skating skills, consistency, and timing but line work can be an opportunity for them to hone their awareness, break down their skills, and focus purely on form and execution.<br /><br />When working lines, keep an eye on your skaters at different skill levels and give them a little coaching or a reminder of where their focus should be.<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed this post and found some lines you can try out at your next practice! If you have your own favorite line drills, or you come up with your own variations, please share them in the comments!Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-91271490836542914412008-11-05T22:15:00.000-08:002008-12-08T14:33:20.263-08:00Wired Magazine Gets Down and Derby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/video_icon_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" src="http://acrexacre.com/video_icon_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The alpha geeks over at <a href="http://www.wired.com/">Wired Magazine's</a> GadgetLab needed to test out Nikon's flagship camera, the 12 megapixel D3. It's a camera designed for action photographers and photojournalists, such as photographers covering war zones.<br /><br />With no war handy to create hellish lighting and blazing fact action conditions to put the D3 through it's paces, the Wired guys picked the next best thing: roller derby.<br /><br />They took the Nikon D3 out to a <a href="http://www.bayareaderbygirls.com/">B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls</a> bout and got some sweet shots. Check out the video for the pics.<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0YN2pRpXSYE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0YN2pRpXSYE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br /><br />My favorite part:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"What do the girls look like?"</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"They look like they could beat most of us up."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">via <a href="http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/">Derby News Network</a></span>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-71430087193454951012008-11-05T17:16:00.000-08:002008-11-05T17:20:56.681-08:00You've Got Brand New Burnns<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/Burnnonly.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 100px;" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/Burnnonly.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />You know the site redesign I was promising you, the one you probably thought was purely fictitious and created to excuse my break from posting?<br /><br />It's here.<br /><br />After lots of hours and lots (really, <span style="font-style: italic;">lots</span>) of trial and error, the new Fishnet Burnns is live.<br /><br />So, tell me what you think.<br /><br />And enjoy your new Burnns.Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-18733815224661575472008-11-04T12:45:00.000-08:002008-11-06T14:58:09.728-08:00Heading to Northwest Knockdown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 216px;" src="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/art/nwklogo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I know, I know, by now you think the recent lack of site updates means I don't love you.<br /><br />Well, that's not true, but there have been a few things keeping me busy, chiefly among them a redesign for Fishnet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Burnns</span>. I wanted to keep it a surprise, but I just can't anymore. The new site layout will be easier to read and navigate and make commenting, following news and digging through archives simpler.<br /><br />The other big thing I've been busy with is making plans to head to the <a href="http://www.northwestknockdown.com/">Northwest Knockdown</a> national tournament in Portland, OR, Nov. 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> through 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>.<br /><br />I'll be covering the event for <a href="http://www.fracturemag.com/">Fracture Magazine</a>, so watch for that. And of course, expect <a href="http://twitter.com/Rei_Zerburnn">plenty of Tweets</a> from the event and score updates as the action unfolds.<br /><br />If you're heading to nationals, make sure to say hello!Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-17749674309533295802008-10-15T19:37:00.000-07:002008-11-05T11:16:06.919-08:00Why Cutting the Track Sucks for Fans Too<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref10.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px;" src="http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/images/refs/ref10.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>If the top-level derby players in the country are getting called out on cutting the track penalties like it's going out of style, is it just growing pains from adjusting to the 3.1 ruleset, or is something broken?<br /><br />Gnosis from <a href="http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/">Derby News Network</a> has an interesting answer to that question <a href="http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/blog/gnosis/2008/10/cutting_track_a_fans_perspective">on his blog right now</a> about cutting the track penalties from his perspective as a fan.<br /><br />His main point is that 6.2.10.5 ("Cutting the track penalties are issued when any part of the returning skater's skates, body or equipment are touching the floor inside the track boundary") is too strict and creates too many penalties against skaters who really are trying their best to follow the rules.<br /><br />This comes right on the heels of a maelstrom of penalties for cutting the track handed down at Eastern and Western regionals, which proved to be a game deciding factor in some of the closer bouts.<br /><br />As a skater, nothing leaves a worse taste in your mouth than knowing your team could have won a bout if only your girls hadn't spent so much time in the box. I mean, warming the seats in the Sin Bin is one thing if you're out there roughing the other players up and really being a bad girl, but sitting out on technical calls really bites.<br /><br />For fans, though, I wonder if it's sucking the fun out of the game in a different way. Spectators usually have a casual understanding of the rules to begin with, and it must look to most of them like some sort of penalty cakewalk where the prizes are random 1 minute rests. After all, no one likes to see their favorite jammer taking up residence in the penalty box jam after jam when they can't see that she's done anything wrong. Even if your team is enjoying the benefit of a 1-jammer jam, can it really be that entertaining to watch your jammer slam the points down on the opposing blockers when the other team has no way to score?<br /><br />But more than that, is it unfair to the skaters, or is it a disservice to the fans to create a situation where the referees can remove the only point-scoring player from half of a scoring round for a rule infraction that doesn't always impact the other team negatively?<br /><br />In any other sport, something like that might be called game-fixing. In roller derby, it's called the breaks.Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-89200491756993793432008-10-14T11:18:00.000-07:002008-11-06T12:11:43.690-08:00Awesome Minnesota Rollergirls PSA Video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://acrexacre.com/video_icon_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" src="http://acrexacre.com/video_icon_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.mnrollergirls.com/">Minnesota Rollergirls</a> put out this short series of public service announcements that just might remind you of someone in your league.<br /><br />It's two and a half minutes of total hilarity for jammers, blockers and refs. Enjoy!<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0LafXGcC_Dk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0LafXGcC_Dk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object></center><br />Whenever I see some of the Minnesota Rollergirls promotional material, like this video, I'm always impressed at what a perfect balance they've struck between being tough, gritty, sexy, funny, and family friendly all at once. Now there's a league with an awesome PR committee!Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-2555773547496413882008-10-13T15:31:00.000-07:002008-11-05T11:07:05.982-08:00The New Derby Skater's Ultimate Guide to Skates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rollerbug.com/Images/Riedell_Wicked.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px;" src="http://www.rollerbug.com/Images/Riedell_Wicked.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So you're just starting out, and you've decided that roller derby is something you could see yourself doing for a while. You're ready to make the leap and buy your first pair of skates, but there are so many different styles out there you're feeling overwhelmed. How do you choose?<br /><br />Armed with a little knowledge beforehand you can make a decision that you can be happy with without breaking the bank.<br /><br />There is an incredible amount of information to learn about <span class="nfakPe">skates</span>, but for the purposes of this article I'll keep it to the stuff that will help you choose your first pair. Here's what you need to know.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Know Your Size</span><br /><br />Roller skates are sold in men's sizes, so ladies will need to go one size down from their shoe size. If you wear a women's 9, try on an 8 in skates. Keep in mind that some brands and styles run differently, so while an 8 may fit you in a certain skate, you may need a 7 1/2 or 8 1/2 in another style. Don't assume that because one skate fit you, that same size will fit you in every skate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Trying on</span><br /><br />First off, when you get ready to buy, try <span class="nfakPe">on as many different skates</span> as possible. Go to local skating rinks and sporting good stores and try out what's in stock. Tell them you're shopping for roller derby skates. If they don't know what you're talking about, tell them you want to try speed skates and jam skates.<br /><br />If there's a shortage of retails shops that sell skates in your area, it may be worth your while to make a trip to the next largest town in your region to do a little skate shopping. You can also ask to try on other girls <span class="nfakPe">skates</span>, but keep in mind that their skates will already be broken in and so a new pair will feel a little different. The most important thing is to get a feel for different styles and manufacturers and just to see what feels good on your feet.<br /><br />If you just can't find a skate locally that is appropriate for derby, buying online may be your best option. You can buy just about any skate you want online, but you'll be buying blind, so if you go that route, make sure to compare size charts, <a href="http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/ss/measurefeet.htm">measure your feet</a> and find out how the sizes run compared to brands you may have tried. And be prepared to make an exchange rather than wear <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> that cause you pain. Paying a restocking fee may suck, but wearing skates that don't fit can cause permanent damage to your feet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >How Much to Spend</span><br /><br />Some people will tell you to go out and buy the best <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> you can afford right off the bat. Other people will tell you that derby is so hard on <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> that it's better to replace cheap <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> every year than expensive ones. Everyone is different.<br /><br />Unless you've got a trust fund burning a hole in your pocket, I would recommend spending <b>at least $100 but no more than $200 on your first pair of <span class="nfakPe">skates</span></b> and go from there. Once you have been skating longer you will have a much better idea of how you skate, what position you play, what feels good on your foot etc. and can make a better choice on a high-end pair of <span class="nfakPe">skates</span>. Then those $100 <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> that you started out with will make a great pair of beater outdoor <span class="nfakPe">skates</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Leather or Synthetic?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leather</span><br /><br />Many people prefer leather for it's durability and for the fact that it will break in to your foot for a somewhat personalized fit. A quality leather boot, properly cared for, can outlast almost every other component of your skate and can be a great investment. Leather also tends to be more expensive, and the higher quality leather used, the higher the cost of the skate. While it's possible to find leather skates on the cheap, keep in mind that the reason the cost is low is because low quality leather is used, so don't expect them to be as durable as quality leather skates.<br /><br />As for the fit, a leather boot will usually feel firmer than a synthetic boot and while some skaters feel that it gives them more support, other skaters may find certain leather boots hard or uncomfortable.<br /><br />When trying on skates, remember that leather <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> will stretch and break in a bit, but it won't make up for a poor fitting skate. If your foot is swimming or you have spots that are getting pinched, try another size, style or brand until you find one that works.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Synthetic</span><br /><br />Synthetic skates are a very cost-effective, animal-friendly alternative to leather, and can have a very comfortable fit with no break-in period. This is because vinyl doesn't stretch, so it will not mold to your feet like leather does. This also means that a synthetic skate is likely as comfortable as it is ever going to get, so make sure you're happy with the fit before you buy.<br /><br />Synthetic skates usually feel 'softer' than leather skates, and many have a sneaker-like feel. You may find this to feel comfy, or just too squishy depending on your preference.<br /><br />Vinyl skates are generally not as durable as leather, though, and if you skate like a mad woman, you can eat up a pair of synthetic skates in no time. Of course there are certain skaters out there that can tear up a leather skate almost as easily and your skating style and playing surface will have a big effect on the life of your skates.<br /><br />Most synthetic skates are entry-level skates, so it's a bit more difficult to find a high quality pair if you want a vegan alternative. Manufacturers like Riedell, however, are beginning to make higher quality synthetic skates, such as the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/fishburn-20/detail/B001E0L216">Divine</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Finding the Perfect Fit</span><br /><br />Just remember that skates very a lot. A skate that someone else might love could feel terrible on your feet and vice versa. The most important thing is that the boot itself fits and is comfortable to you. You can upgrade the wheels and bearings on a cheap skate boot and it will feel like a much more expensive skate, but a pricey skate that fits you poorly will be money wasted. Remember that if down the road you buy a higher quality skate, you can move a lot of parts from your old <span class="nfakPe">skates</span> over to the new boot, so those parts a like an investment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Additional Resources</span><br /><br />The best resource is often your team mates because they skate in the exact same conditions and on the same surfaces that you do every day! Don't be afraid to ask them what they like, what they don't, and what they would get if they were buying their first pair of skates over again!<br /><br />Here are some web links you can check out for more information as well:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=41689588&blogID=175899909">Sin City Skates Blog: New Skates - Choosing them, Breaking Them In, ETC.</a><br /><a href="http://http//blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=41689588&blogID=248884465">Sin City Skates Blog: Vinyl vs. Leather - What Makes a Better Roller Derby Boot?</a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://http//blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=41689588&blogID=248884465"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"></st1:place></st1:city></a><br /></span><a href="http://www.sincityskates.com/2nd/about/sizing.html">Sin City Skates Skate sizing info</a><br /><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/adultconf?dest=%2Fgroup%2Froller_girls%2Fdatabase">Yahoo! Rollergirls group</a> (an excellent place to ask for a rollergirls' opinion on anything derby)<br /><br />To check out the skates in stock in the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/fishburn-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=28">Fishnet Burnns Skate Shop, click here.</a>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948698917490086679.post-15381747956666885182008-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:33:35.000-08:00How to Stop on a Dime With The Powerslide<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x292/Nishid4ke/video_icon_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" src="http://acrexacre.com/video_icon_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Every roller derby skater needs to have a variety of stops in her repertoire so she respond quickly to any situation. Being able to efficiently control your speed and momentum not only makes you a better blocker, jammer, or pivot, but it can often mean the difference between sustaining an injury and simply skating away.<br /><br />In this awesome tutorial video, <a href="http://www.derbydolls.com/sd/meetthedolls/sd_BonnieD.Stroir.html"><span>Bonnie D.Stroir</span></a> of the <a href="http://www.derbydolls.com/sd/index.html">San Diego Derby Dolls</a> demonstrates how to stop quickly with the powerslide on both flat and banked tracks. If you've already mastered the t-stop, the mohawk stop and the snowplow, try learning this one. Keep in mind that this will be easier to learn if you can already sidesurf for a short distance.<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jd3WJKV-J5M&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jd3WJKV-J5M&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object></center>Vapor Wisphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365495243573104253noreply@blogger.com0