Week 43: Two's Company, Eight's A Pack

An apology is most definitely in order! I have currently been in the process of moving house and starting a new job, and everything (including derby) had to take a backseat for a while! I've actually missed two weeks of derby, but this is the practice before everything happened!

This was my first official week of Level 2. It was once sign-offs had been fully finished, everyone who could be signed off, was, and after Sur5al. It was all very exciting and we were told we were going to be doing a lot of pack work, but first was an introduction to dynamic stretching.

Dynamic stretching is essentially stretching while moving around the track on your skates, and it's a lot easier than it looks! First were ankle stretches, which were fairly easy...I don't actually know what any of the stretches are called, so I think I'm going to save you the long amount of text that it would take me to describe them! There was lots of leg lifting, some weird hip rotation-y moves, some arm stretches (which are easy! Both feet on the ground!), and one where we had to hold up our foot to our bum, which was pretty scary! I did get a little confused at times, and every time we brought our leg down for one rep, I thought we could put it properly down and give a little push to keep us moving, but you actually have to keep your foot off the ground - whoops! I wondered why everyone else seemed to be lagging! My right foot glides also failed me. Or, should I say, my weak right leg. I can do right foot glides, but my leg has a hard time holding my weight, and throw in some dynamic moves and I was toast. More one legged squats, me thinks.

Next was pack work. We did a lot of this in Level 1, but more recently it didn't seem to get taught and was than taken out of Level 1 sign offs, so it really began with basic pack work - skating within close proximity of each other, getting used to touching people, recycling, keeping close together, communication, etc. We then moved on to more advanced pack work. Pack speed was one of the first things and it was actually quite fun. We would skate at 50% speed, and then our coach would call out either 100% or 10% and that would then involve us either speeding up as a pack or slowing down as a pack. This was quite interesting as you have to work as a whole, not at your own speed, so you have to adjust and work with everyone.

Next was pack avoidance. This was great fun! We would skate along in a pack, communicating, recycling, and then suddenly someone would appear on the track and we would have to avoid them and reform the pack as quick as possible. It was a lot to focus on but we were doing it like pros! You know those schools of fish that move in those huge groups? Well that was us. Or, in my mind anyway... We then had a go at falling in a pack. We were given a number and then when our coach called out our number, we would have to do a knee fall. The other skaters would then have to skate around and try not to trip over us. That also went really well. I actually kind of wanted to catch someone out, but we were all amazing. That meant that pack avoidance and pack falling were then thrown in together! So not only did we have to avoid people in our pack, but also people on the track! It was really fun though (have I said fun too much in this post?!) and I love skating with people. It gives you a real sense of camaraderie and reminds you what roller derby is all about.

Week 42: Level Up!

This technically isn't Week 42, it's from Week 41, as my Level 1 training is now on a Saturday. However, I didn't have training the Saturday just gone as we were hosting a Sur5al, sooooo I thought I would write about Week 41's extra training as Week 42! Then we'll be back on track this week with Week 43. Phew!

So, you may have heard, that I managed to pass my Level 1 Sign Offs! Woohoo! This means that I can now train every Monday and Saturday. As Monday's are just a recap of Level 1 skills, I will write about Saturday's now which are Level 2 skills and you can just assume that I'm now pro at all the Level 1 skills...ahem.

I must admit that I was absolutely terrified about Saturday. I was excited, sure, but I had no idea what to expect and was assuming that I would end up being bumped back to Level 1 as they realised they'd made a terrible mistake. The other thing that was worrying me was the floor. Our Level 2 training is held at a different venue and I had heard that the floor was lush, but I was worried that because I wasn't used to it, I would probably fall over...a lot...and make a fool out of myself...a lot.

As we were missing a session the week after, it was decided that this week would be Week 0. A good week to introduce some of us new Level 2s and to give us an idea of the kind of skills we would be learning. I kitted up and was met by lots of friendly faces who told me they were glad to see me there. It made me feel better, but I was still pretty terrified. I skated on to the track and instantly noticed the difference in the floor. Our old one was bumpy and bitty and broken and wonky and sticky and dusty, but this one was smooth and slippy and soft and clean and just a dream to skate on, to be honest. I tried a few crossovers and picked up some speed but found that coasting round corners was a little tricky as my right foot would slip out from underneath me. A fellow newbie, who had already been on this floor before, asked me if I had tried a plough stop yet. "No?" I responded, "You should" she said, "It's great!" I was still just getting used to the floor but we then started the warm up. The first few drills were fine, squats on the whistle, a few knee taps, nothing too bad. Then it was "Stops on the whistle!" Oh god, I thought, this is where I fail to stop and they realise that I am rubbish and it was all a fluke... "T-stops!" Not too bad. The floor was a lot more slippy so I found I had to use all 4 wheels rather than the front 2 and had to use more pressure, but I soon got used to it. "Plough stops!" Oh no...this is it... I got into a plough shape and felt friction on my wheels, this beautiful sensation that I had never experienced on the old floor (maybe because it was too sticky?) Oh my! What a wonderful plough stop! Maybe I am meant to be here, after all? The novelty of good plough stops never actually wore off and I thoroughly enjoyed them during the warm up. I also found that I use my right leg more. Who knew?!

We then stretched and were told that some of the old Level 2s had some more of their sign offs to do, so us newbies were put at the end of the hall to learn some basic skills. I was quite pleased about this as there was only a small group of us with three Level 3s helped us with the coaching. We were given a little speech about Level 2 and how the skills are going to get harder, etc. and then our first skill was knee taps. That seemed okay, until we were told that a knee tap involved putting your knee down and getting up without losing momentum...fair enough, I can do that with my right knee, not so much my left...and that we would have to be able to get up without using our hands. Not just on the floor which is common sense, but not even on our leg...say what now?! This seemed an impossible feat. Looks like I'll have to do more squats!

Next we were shown laterals. This is when you have to turn sharply from one side of the track to the other. For sign offs, I think you have to be able to do three turns on a bend and four on the straight? So you obviously have to be able to turn quite sharply. At first it seemed odd to me, but then we were told that you have to lead and almost pull with the leg on the side your turning. I.e. If you're turning right, you lead with your right leg. You almost get this kind of lunging effect, which is odd to begin with. It kind of feels like you're going to fall over because you're feet are going sideways, so you're more narrow. Apparently, I took to it really well, however you're constantly told not to look at your feet, so I had no idea if I was doing it right!

The next skill was very exciting - backwards skating! I had tried it once or twice before. The first time I went nowhere. The second time I manage to do half a track but it hurt so much! This time still wasn't that successful, but after a few tips (not leaning too far forward, remember to look behind you, try and keep more weight on your toes) I managed to do couple of laps, although it really ached! It's a completely different set of muscles and it's like learning to skate all over again!

Next was weaving and we all know how much I love weaving... We had five cones laid out and were told that we had to be able to get round 10 cones in six seconds so, in theory, five cones should take us three seconds. I lined up and thought Here we go... However, I made it through them with a fair bit of speed. And I did it again, and again, and I actually started enjoying it! Woah! I had become a born again weaver!

After having lots of fun weaving, we were asked if we wanted to move onto the next skill - stepping. Ergh, we all moaned. I guess we should just get it out of the way. I think we all changed our minds though, when it turns out Level 2 stepping is a hell of a lot more fun than Level 1 stepping! First, was quick step. This is were you're almost jogging on the spot but are able to move from side to side. That was a little scary, I must admit. But then we were taught galloping! This is where you you kind of hop along...like a horse. That's the only way I can describe it! I swear, I thought it would be terrifying, but I actually loved it. I could have done it all day. Gallop, gallop, gallop! However, my fun was soon squashed by grapevine stepping. This is where you cross one leg over, then step to the side, then cross one leg behind, then step make to the side, etc. I found crossing my leg behind a lot easier than crossing it over the front, but it was just getting used to the weight distribution and the fact that your feet were in the wrong place.

After a fair bit of stepping, we had some time left so we had a go at transitions. These have always looked hard and scary. It's when you're skating forwards, pick up a foot, place it behind you and then turn and start skating backwards, and visa versa. So I practised a few stationary, some with one of my feet against the wall so it wouldn't roll, etc. And then I decided to try it rolling. Very slowly. I looked behind me, picked up my foot, put my foot down....stood on my back wheels and fell over. Nice one! I then tried skating with one leg behind and looking behind me so I would get used to that. That wasn't too bad, so I tried it again and almost fell over, but put my hands down and really jarred my shoulders. Damn. So then I was told to try it the other way. to go from backwards to forward. This was a lot easier. Your body naturally wants to go back to forward skating and you're already looking the right way, and I managed one very very slowly. I've come to the conclusion that if I really work on my backwards skating, they will become easier. This is because my body isn't used to backwards skating so there is no automatic muscle memory to kick in when I turn from forwards to backwards. However, I know what it feels like to skate forwards, so it's easier for me to go from backwards to forwards. Does that make sense?

 After a bit more of skating and practising the skills we just learnt, we were invited to join in with the old Level 2s for some more stepping. This time we had to do it from one side of the hall to the other and, by the end, I was knackered! I cooled down and thought about how awesome this practice had been. I loved the fact that I was learning new skills and that even if I was rubbish at them, hat was okay because I had never done them before. Rather than the frustration of knowing how to do a skill but just not getting it, this was a new refreshing start and I was so excited for the rest of Level 2!

(This week, my wife also passed her minimum skills, which means she'll be coming to Level 2 with me! Woohoo!)

Week 41: Level 1 Sign Offs - Take 5 Pt. 2

This post is actually quite hard for me to write and I'm still trying to work out how to go about it, but I decided I'd be better just writing it and seeing what happens. Essentially, this weeks session was a hard one for me. This post is not meant to be bitchy, I'm not trying to cause any drama, it's just how the day panned out and the emotions I went through. I would rather tell it truthfully than sugar coat it and make it sound better than it was.

My bad derby day started around lunch time when I found out that we were being assessed on every skill, whether we had passed it or not. This concerned me and I asked that if we failed a skill we had already passed, would this mean we had actually failed it and we then have to re-take it again. Simply put, I was afraid of passing the only block I had left to pass, but messing up another one, meaning I still had to stay at Level 1. Unfortunately, my question was answered in a very vague, irrelevant way, which began to concern and infuriate me at the same time. I spent the rest of the day mulling it over and getting more concerned and more angry.

I'd perked up by the time I'd got to the wives to get ready. I was still annoyed but after some derby videos and some dancing, I was psyched up and ready for whatever the evening would throw at me. This optimism did not last long. I'm pretty sure, in the back of my mind, I was ready to hate everything about tonight, so I may have had quite a short fuse. Again, our venue had reduced our session again, meaning we had to get kitted up before we left home, and meaning we were short for time. I put my skates on and got on track only to notice some cones had been set up in the middle of the track and a mysterious line of tape was going along one side of the track. The tape was more intriguing, but the cones were starting to bother me. There were so many of us on track and a fair few times I almost went over a cone and saw some very close calls of people going round them. Our warm up also involved one foot glides and stops, along with squats and some sprint laps, which also annoyed me as there were the skills I had to pass, yet with so many people on the track, it was hard to pick up enough speed, and I seemed to fail miserably.

 I stretched and we were then spilt up into groups and a kind of rotation was introduced. I was in group 2, so we were put on the area of the track with the mystery tape, group 1 were on the other side with the cones, and group 3 were in the middle. Our group was told we were going to assessed on lateral hops and that is what the tape was for. It measured 18 inches from the inside line so we had to skate along the inside of the track (which seemed wrong in itself!) and then hop over to the other bit of tape. As you may have expected, I hated it. The usual way of being assessed on lateral hops was to skate round the track and hop on the whistle. That was good as when you picked up speed you had time to slow it down or you could just keep going. The tape version meant you had to go much slower, which made it harder for me, and my first attempt was more stepping than hopping. After a few more attempts, I managed to do a few good ones but could only fit in about 2 over the distance due to my speed. We were then sent back into the track to wait for our next skill.

Next was weaving, which I don't particularly like that much. I gave it my best though and managed to get through the cones and a pretty good speed (I'm sure faster than I originally got signed off on), and I was very happy with myself. That was soon extinguished when I was told I had to go faster. So I went back round and tried again. Half way through "faster!" was shouted at me, which threw me off and I missed a cone. Returning to the back of the queue, I was almost in tears. One of the coaches came up to me and told me not to worry. "This is bullshit" I sobbed "I've done this! Why do I need to do it again?"...."Just try your best, you can do it". So, with a lot of sniffling, I took to it once more, I missed a cone, missed three more. Fuck This, I thought and did a knee slide into the centre of the track and hastily took off my skates. My wife came over looking concerned "I've had it" I said, "I'm not doing this shit anymore" and stormed off the track. After removing my wrist guards, I then proceeded to storm off to the ladies, grab some tissue, and sit on the side in tears. My wife later appeared (I'm so lucky) and gave me a sweaty hug. I proceeded to rant about how this wasn't fair. How I was promised that I just had to pass each block, and once I had I could move on to Level 2. I had one block left, so why the hell was I being assessed on everything again?! I would actually be stuck in Level 1 forever and, I'm not kidding, it was the first time I had ever felt like I wanted to quit derby. If the sessions were now going to be like this. This regimental, this strict, this horrible, then I didn't want to be a part of it. Later, another coach appeared and told me how it is difficult getting used to change and how she would talk to the other coaches to see what actually was going on and if I could just be assessed on the block I had to do.

I came out of the loos and went to put my skates back on. Lots of my lovely skater friends came over to comfort me, cheer me up, and to give me support. One even told me that she had arrived late and didn't know what was happening but that the atmosphere was horrible. After a wonderful bit of advice, I decided I wasn't going to care anymore. I wanted to skate, I wanted to have fun, if I didn't pass, so what? I wasn't really thinking in terms of my derby future, mainly just that evening and how I wasn't going to let it break me. I returned to the track to find my wife almost in tears. What was going on?! After having a talk and hugs with her, and trying to convince her to have the "Fuck it" attitude I had adopted, I was told I could join another group to do my stops. Yes!

I tried not to think about it and just got on with it, and they went pretty well. It wasn't until the coach started counting to three that threw me off again. We have to stop in three seconds? For level 1? Since when? I was quite pleased that I managed to do a couple of t-stops in that 3 seconds, but the plough stops not so much. But I didn't care, remember?
Next was one foot glides, the one skill I had to pass. My left ones went quite well and I was determined to get my right ones. After a whole weekend of ankle strengthening exercises, they were a lot better than normal, but I still didn't think they were up to scratch. Ah well.

After the other groups had taken part, we were then given an announcement; just our passes were being collected, not our fails, so the fails didn't count towards anything (unless you were dangerous) - why didn't they tell us that in the beginning?! That would have saved a lot of stress, a lot of tears, and a lot of upset and confusion. We were then given an apology for the atmosphere. They just wanted to fit in as much as they could as they want us all to pass. By that point, it was too little too late and I wasn't having any of it.

I stretched, came off the track, de-kitted and decided I wasn't going to see if I'd passed. I didn't care. Many a rant was had in the car on the way back and then when I got home a stuffed my face with fairy cakes (that a fellow skater had made for me!), ranted to the boyfriend, had a glittery bath, watched Pokemon, and went to bed.

The next day, I received a message saying I had passed, I was now able to train on a Saturday and join Level 2. I was happy, sure, and later in the day I was excited and over the moon, but a little part of me was sad. My derby heart had been broken and it just didn't seem fair or right. I wanted to pass, obviously, but not like this. I wanted to feel awesome and to jump and shout and cheer and dance and cry happy tears. I have worked so long for this and wanted it for so long, yet Level 1ended so badly for me. Ah well, I guess I should stop complaining. I passed, didn't I?!

I'm now incredibly excited about Saturday, if a little terrified. It's time to put that bad experience behind me and focus on my training. I need to get stronger, fitter, more determined, and you're all still coming along with me in my derby journey!

Week 40: Level 1 Sign Offs - Take 5 Pt. 1

It's that time again! Unfortunately, we were only allowed into the venue an hour later than usual so it was kind of a half sign offs session. We even got kitted up in the car park to save time for when we got in! It also meant that whatever we didn't cover this week, we'd get to do next week and we might even be lucky to get reassessed on the blocks we didn't manage to pass.

I only had one block to pass, which consisted of right and left foot glides, plough stops and t-stops. My anxieties had now moved from plough stops to right foot glides. I had spent a lot of Friday practising them and just not being able to fully make it round a corner. After balancing on my right leg for what felt like the whole of the weekend, I came to the conclusion that it was how I held my left leg. I always used to instinctively tuck it behind me but I then found that this caused me to lean forward and get really low, which then threw me off kilter and caused me to put my foot back down. So I tried to work on a different stance, putting my left leg in front of me and keeping my knees together. It was a little ambitious to change my technique the day of sign offs but if it worked, why not? I gave it a go during the warm up and it seemed to work, so I started to feel a lot more confident.

We had our usual warm up of squats, knee taps and a couple of sprint laps and then were divided into groups to be assessed. I was in Group 1 so we were first to go on track. It seemed odd that I was on track straight away, only having one block to pass which wasn't the first block, but we were just told to skate around so I carried on. A few minutes later, we were told to go into sticky feet, which confused me. I had passed this block. Why was I having to do it again? The blocks had been adjusted a little, did this mean I had to be assessed on everything again? I started panicking; what if I failed a different skill, one I knew I could do but didn't know I was being assessed on?! I confidently finished the block, but was not particularly happy about what I might have to do next, so I asked a coach, who set my mind at ease - "You guys are just showing the others, who haven't done sign offs before, what to do." Oh phew! We were just demonstrating the structure of sign offs. That's alright then!

Next up was the block I needed to pass to move on to Level 2. I made my way on to track and started skating. A lady behind me was saying to herself "I can do this, I can do this..." which made me realise I too was really rather nervous, so I focused on my slowing my breathing down and stopping my legs from shaking. The first skill was right foot glides. Right, this was it. On the whistle, I shifted my weight on to my right leg, picked up the left, brought my knees together, got half way round a corner, lost my balance. Balls. Right, lets try again. Weight over, leg up, cut the corner. Bollocks. I looked to my wife, who was sitting in the middle, and shook my head at her. Right, one more time. Weight, leg...nope not happening. Fuck, fuck, fuckity, fuck. I'd buggered it up. I hadn't passed the block, but I still had to keep going with the other skills. Left foot glides were a doddle. I could do them all day. (Why won't you do that, right leg?!) Next was t-stops, and every time the whistle went, I was on a corner. They were a little wobbly, but I stopped every time. Next, was plough stops. Ahhhhh, plough stops, how I still fear you slightly. Once again, I managed to stop every time. It might have taken a little longer than some people but I stopped. My only concern was that my plough stops are quite narrow. They start wide, but I always end up quite upright. I kept looking over to the coach for clues in her facial expression, but they never give anything away. Then we were told to come off track. It was done. Let the chips fall where they may.

I spent the rest of the session obsessively watching my wife. I'd be talking to people in the centre but as soon as a whistle went, I had to stop mid-sentence to see how she was doing. She's been training as long as I have but due to commitments or illness, this was her first sign offs. I so badly wanted her to do well because I knew she was awesome. I knew she could do it.

A little while later, I got pins and needles in my feet so I skated up and down the end, practising stops (oh yeah, I could do them when people weren't looking!) and then stretched. I almost didn't ask the coach how I'd done as we'd had so little time to get de-kitted and out of the building, but I needed to know.
When I asked, she showed me her notebook, under the number 182 were the notes R Foot Glides. "Right foot glides?" I asked. "That means you managed the left ones" "But that's it? Right foot glides? That means I did plough stops?" "Yeah you did!" Squeeeeee! I did the biggest, happiest jump and ran off. Plough stops! Muthaclucking plough stops!!! A few people saw my dance of happiness and asked if I'd passed. "No! But I did plough stops!!!!"

I was over the moon. I drove home with butterflies in my stomach and my cheeks aching from smiling. Right foot glides, I will master you. And I will get to Level 2 next week. Just you watch me.

Week 39: Why I Love Men's Roller Derby (or Why You Should Have Watched The MRDWC)

Alas, the dreaded stomach bug has rendered me far too weak to train this week, so I thought I would talk a little bit about what I spent my weekend doing - being ill and, more importantly, watching the first ever Men's Roller Derby World Cup.

I was introduced to Men's Roller Derby ("Merby" or "Broller Derby" for short) at the beginning of this year when I went to officiate at a Team England Men's practice. I was aware it existed - the Brawds have their own brother team, the East Anglo Smacksons - but I had never watched any before. It had never really crossed my mind that I would be interested in it. I was used to Roller Derby and I didn't want to watch another off-shoot of it. The same reason why I have never watched Junior Roller Derby, although I probably should! Anyway, I digress. Even though I had never watched Merby, I was excited to see some, especially at an International standard! From then on, I was hooked, Merby had won my heart.

Source: Roller Derby On Film

This weekend was the first ever Men's Roller Derby World Cup and it was held in Birmingham, UK, which was awesome as the Roller Derby World Cup is usually held in America. I knew several officials that were there for the event, which made it even more exciting! I was ill, as I may have mentioned, which meant that I got to stay in bed and watch Merby all day, and that is what I did for the whole weekend (well, until I had to go back to work on Sunday, from which I hurriedly returned and proceeded to keep my face about 4 inches from the screen for the final.) "Why?" you may ask, "What's so great about Men's Roller Derby that I should take a break from Roller Derby to watch it?" Well, I'm glad you asked...

The game play itself is different:
I don't necessarily mean the rules are different, they're not. But how they play is different. The tactics are slightly different and, being heavier built, skaters tend to throw themselves in to it more. That's not saying there aren't the light, juking, quick on their feet players. A jammer in the final even took a minute to stop and assess the pack before he made a move. There is a lot more recycling in the pack, a lot more goating, and lot more trickery. It is also a lot more penalty heavy, though.

There is always an apex jump:
Men love their apex jumps and it's pretty much guaranteed that you'll get to see one during a game. It makes me squeal with joy everytime!

There is much more camaraderie:

I'm not saying there isn't in Roller Derby, but it's more noticeable in Merby. The jammers always line up and shake hands before each jam, sometimes the whole pack acknowledges each other and gives a friendly pat on the back. I've even seen a player being goated or incessantly harassed while trying to get past a blocker but as soon as the whistle goes, they shake hands, slap each other on the back, give a big smile and leave as friends. It's really heart warming to watch.

To be fair, though, it wasn't just all the Merby action that made this weekend awesome. It was the general power of Derby! There were so many stories going round that just made me feel proud to be a part of this sport:

Source: Rollin' News

A player from Ninjapan broke the plate on his skates during the opening ceremony. When he took them to the Quad Skate Shop stall, it turned out he had been wearing the same skates for 15 years; they were completely battered with even a hole for his toe to poke through. Instead of repairing the skates, they sponsored him with a brand new pair.

Source: Rollin' News

 Team Argentina's funds unfortunately ran out while they were at the tournament. So much so that one of the team members, El Pibe, had to sell one of his tops that he skated in that weekend, simply to buy food. Once the word spread, a red cowboy hat was passed through the crowd and over a £1000 was raised for them.

Source: YouTube

During half-time of USA vs. England final, Optimus Quad, of Team Argentina, started to make a speech about how brilliant their weekend had been and wanted to thank everyone. He then went on to thank his girlfriend who had introduced him to roller derby and continued to get down on one knee and propose to her in front of thousands of fans. She said yes! The crowd went wild!

Source: Indiegogo

A Team Ireland member, Rave-N-Bust Her, wound up breaking his leg during their game versus Germany. His leg is so badly broken that he is unable to travel home for 6 weeks and, because he cannot work, this means he cannot pay his rent. So an indiegogo page was set up to raise money for him while he has to stay in England. So far the page has raised over $2000 for him. Visit this page to donate: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-rave-n-busther

All this stuff makes me all teary eyed and me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That is what this sport is about. Yeah, we like to put on skates and kick each others asses, but really it's about bringing people together and supporting each other. I've said it before, and I still stand by it, Derby brings the most wonderful of people together and I really don't think you can say that about any other sport.

Source: Roller Derby On Film

No, no, I'm fine...it's just allergies...

Week 38: Practice 2.0 (Beta Testing)

I apologise for the late post. I have, once more, been knocked down with another stomach bug (I swear NSOing can be more dangerous than skating!) and it has taken me until today to be able to concentrate on writing.

This week we had a bit of a change around. As it's a new year, we've got a new Coaching Coordinator who was ready to resculpt our training structure. Their main aim is to get rid of the bottle neck that we seem to have at Level 1. Not that it's a bad thing, as it shows we're getting more and more skaters in, who are staying! But it just means that we're being deprived of training time and space on the track, and the higher levels are looking a little empty.

Warm up and stretching was normal. We skated round the track, did squats on the whistle, knee-taps on the whistle, a couple of speed laps and then stretched. During stretching we were told what was going to happen to our practices and how our sign-offs would be changing, etc. Basically, our sign offs are going to have a few skills removed as they're not necessarily essential to pass on to Level 2 and less skills to learn, means less to pass, which means people should move on to the next level quicker. The other change is that our rotation has been extended from 6 weeks to 2 months. This is mainly down to our venue often cancelling our practices at short notice, meaning we used to lose a week of skills in our rotation. Two months also means that we have longer to practice skills, thus increasing our chances to pass sign offs and move up quicker.

After the warm up, the rink was then split into 4 sections. We had Level 0 (newbies), Smacksons (Men), Level 1, and Level 2, each with their own coaches. At first it seemed a little odd, having such a small section for practice, and not having a track, but we practised stepping first, so that didn't make much difference. The one thing I noticed instantly was the cosiness of it, though. Not in a cramped way, but in a more sociable, intimate way. At the end of each skill, we were able to stand around in a group and discuss it and everyone was allowed to voice their opinion and tips. Not that we didn't do this usually, but there used to be so many of us that it was hard for everyone to have a say and, unfortunately, other conversations would start in little groups so often people were spoken over or ignored.

We had a go at 15 second balance, which was fine, and then moved on to lateral hops. Now this is where cracks started to appear. We only had the width of the track to practice lateral hops and lateral hops cause you to gain speed pretty quickly, so if you tried doing more than two, you'd end up slamming into the wall or have difficulty stopping. For higher experienced skaters, this might not be a problem, but we're still learning how to stop and to control our speed to it wasn't the best thing. We had to limit our hops, which meant that we didn't really get a chance to practice them. Even more so as we had to be split into three groups because there were still too many of us to safely do it at once. However, another positive came from this way of skating - reassurance and help. As were were split into groups, and because we had to line up along one side while waiting for our go, you found yourselves watching your fellow skaters more. This then sparked remarks like "She's just stepping, she needs to pick that other foot up" etc, which led to advice being given and improvements made, and skaters going "Can you watch me? Am I doing it right?". Again, not that this didn't happen on the track, but sitting down in the middle of a track while other skaters went around you, made it harder to watch and harder to give advice as they'd be gone again before you could get it out. I also found that being on the track could feel a little lonely as the people in the middle would talk amoungst themselves and the people on track were focusing on what they were doing, so you only had the coaches to pass advice whilst you were skating.

Next was gliding and this is where I think the track is the most useful. With the new setup, you found yourself using half the track to pick up speed and then the other half gliding, and then having to stop. This meant that you didn't come to a natural stop, so unable to test how far you could actually glide, and there were no corners so you couldn't practice going round them like you have to do for sign offs. Admittedly, I think it's a great way for people to get to grips with glides when they are first learning but maybe not for when you want to get to sign offs standard.

We then had a short while to practice stops, where I only did a plough stop and got a "Yeahhhhh, Honey!" off our coach! (Still not convinced though. It's taken me so long that I'm waiting for Sign Offs to make me believe!) We then had a track laid for skills that really needed a track such as pace-lines, pack work, crossovers, etc. We were told that if we had other skills to practice then we could go over to the end of the rink and practice there. I didn't quite like that, though, as it felt like we were intruding on the newbies which I can imagine might have been a little intimidating, so when the track skaters needed extras for a pace line, I dived straight in! I love a good pace line!

We were then given a chance to practice crossovers while a few of the coaches helped out the ones who were less confident with them. I gave some advice to one of the newbies who seemed to be struggling and then continued to practice mine on my new wheels, trying to get them big and wide and to push with both feet. A little later we were told that the boys were going to come on the track so unless we "want to skate really fast" we were advised to leave the track so they could get some practice in (they are notorious for showing off!) but I took it as a challenge to see if I could hold my own against the boys. I think I did pretty well. I managed crossovers on almost all the corners and kept at a relatively fast pace and it was good to get a proper skate in as I hadn't really felt like I'd had a good work out that session. When it came to cool-down stretching, I was out-of-breath, drenched in sweat, and feeling like I was going to throw up (although, in hindsight, I believe that may have been the stomach bug) and I had a chat with some of the other skaters to see how they felt about the new arrangement.

I think the new layout will work well. It's not that great yet in the Level 1 section as we've still got so many skaters but once that bottle neck is cleared, then I think it will be a good thing. It's good for the Level 2's as they get to practice more of their skills than constantly going back through the Level 1 skills. I'm not saying they shouldn't work on the Level 1 skills, practice makes perfect, but it just doesn't seem fair for them to be constantly working on the skills they are able to do and neglecting the ones they need to learn. It also isn't fair on the people who can't do those skills to have people who can take up their track space. I think the Men prefer it as it gives them space to practice the skills they need to work on as they have a different coaching structure to the ladies. Level 0 still get to keep their area at the bottom to work on skills and build confidence. It might have it's teething issues, it's bound to, and no-one likes change but, from what I remember, we had a little moan about the last time the practice structure was changed and we ended up loving that one!

*****

P.s. We also had our AGM that weekend where awards are given to the team skaters for "Best Blocker", "Most Valued Player", "Most Feared", etc. I was given a certificate for officiating, along with everyone else who had NSOd over the year, but was then surprised with the "Special Recognition Award"! They had brought it in this year to recognise people who had put in extra effort to the league. I think it was for this blog and my NSOing and the times I've helped out, but I was a little overwhelmed to listen properly! But I wanted to say yet another thank you to the Brawds for giving me that award and to just say that I do all of that because I love to. I love my league, I love roller derby, I love watching it grow and helping it grow and, afterwards, I just love writing about it! So, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Week 37: Brawds Assemble!

So this week was my first training session with the Brawds in three weeks! It felt a bit weird to be back on the track, but a good kind of weird, like I'd just got home after being away for a while.

We started our usual warm up of squats on the whistle, knee taps on the whistle, a couple of speed laps and then stretching. I even got to demonstrate how I stretch my back (I don't do the happy/sad cat one, I do the lying on the floor and twist one - I don't know the names!) even though it was a lot more difficult to explain than demonstrate! We were told we were going to practice one foot glides, stops and crossovers, ending with our 20 in 5 endurance laps. We also had a kit check to explain what was needed of your kit when playing in a bout.

One foot glides weren't so bad. I can do my left one. My right ones are still a little iffy and I always seem to cut the apex, so I tightened my king-pins a little and that seemed to stop me from turning so sharply. Next was stops. My t-stops were pretty good, although I still keep turning to the right slightly. I know it's because my body is twisting to the right, so I need to work on that! Next was plough stops and, before we practiced, we were asked if we had any questions. I had to ask "How can you sit down and dig your heels in without falling over? Everytime I do that, I fall on my arse!" I was told I have to bend my knees more and get them over my toes, although everyone's stance is different so it might be different for me. I was then offered a little one-on-one session from one of the coaches. When she first started, she went through exactly the same thing as me. It took her 8 months to master plough stops and she kept getting so frustrated. This was a great comfort to me as it shows I'm not the only one! The one-on-one session was really helpful; we held onto the rail and got into a plough position so I could see how it felt. I then kept pushing my heel out so I could feel the friction from my wheels. After watching her do a few plough stops and hearing a few tips about where she puts the pressure in her feet, which leg she puts more weight on, etc, I gave it a go. I was only going slowly as we were at the bottom of the track so I couldn't pick up much speed, but I managed to stop...until I started rolling backwards - "If you're rolling backwards, you're in the right position! As when you plough stop you're rolling forward but you then almost try and change the direction while rolling, which then creates friction, causing you to stop!" Woohoo! I practiced it a few more times, and fellow skaters kept coming over to say how much better my plough stops were looking, so overall I was rather pleased (if still not convinced I can properly do them!)

Next was the 20 in 5. I always like doing 20 in 5s as it visibly measures progress by keeping track of your laps. (Although, you should never obsess over that number as it can cause many a heartbreak, as I mentioned in a previous post.) I was in group 3 so we had a nice little break before we got to start. I then lined up and prepared myself and was off! My crossovers have definitely improved over time so I was ready to try them out more. However, I don't know if it's because I'm on smaller, slimmer wheels, but I kept slipping on my crossovers and at one point I actually fell over, which has never happened to me during 20 in 5. I lay sprawled on my back for a second or two before realising that I should probably get up (along with encouragement from the onlookers) and managed to haul myself up and skate off the pain. One of my wives was also skating in the same group as me and, after a couple of minutes, I saw her come off the track. She'd recently been to the doctors about chest pains so I was concerned but assumed they were just playing up and she needed to rest. Next thing I hear is "Take a knee!" No! My wife! I got into a double knee slide and then instantly shuffled my way over to her. She was curled up into a ball, struggling to breathe, clutching at her chest. Fortunately, we have a few nurses in our league, so one was already on the case while another first-aid trained skater was trying to get her legs out straight.

From this moment on, it was action stations. One of the coaches looked after the rest of the skaters and directed them to the end of the track to stretch. Another one was already on the phone to the emergency services. The nurse was talking my wife through everything, trying to get her to slow her breathing, telling her to try and ignore the pain, getting her into a position that would make her more comfortable. Someone had taken off her skates, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet. A coach had given me the objective to search her bag to see if there was any medication or information about her illness. There was nothing but her phone so I rang her partner to see if they knew anything. I de-kitted myself and then went over to see how she was doing. I felt a little useless and helpless, really. It was scary seeing one of my best friends in such a state. The other two skaters looking after her were taking care of it so, instead of looking on like a lost puppy, I decided to make myself useful. When the emergency services came, I decided I would go pick up her partner and drive us both to the hospital. I collected up her kit and packed it away. I put everything in my car for a speedy get away, but the emergency services seemed to be taking a while.

Meanwhile, unknown to me at the time, there were skaters outside in the car park. One was waiting, ready to flag down the ambulance when it arrived, another was helping to clear the car park so the ambulance could get through. Everyone was genuinely concerned and I promised to keep them updated as the situation developed. Fortunately, my wife was okay. The ambulance arrived and the paramedics did lots of tests, managed to calm her down, got her to sit in a chair and eventually walk out to the ambulance for an ECG. Her condition was, and currently still is, a bit of a medical mystery but there was no trip to the hospital and I got to take her home to her very concerned partner.

It was all a bit of blur, really, (I can't imagine what it must have been like for my wife) but what astounded us both was the amount of care and organisation the other skaters had. They were on it and took care of everything. It really made you realise that if you ever did injure yourself, you would be in seriously good hands. Afterwards, everyone posted in our facebook group their concern and their relief when they found out she was okay. There is so much love in our league, it's crazy. I'd like to think that all leagues are like that but at least I know that we're part of an amazing one.