A Lesson Learned
The Art Of The Game
I am sure that all of you have read all sorts of articles that tell you the physical techniques involved in a sport. There are a lot of stories written about the techniques of roller derby. I thought I would discuss the taboo subject that few talk about. And that is the art of the game. This month's column is dedicated to that hard-core skater in all of us; the professional performer.
The Pure Sport Of It
Skating is the type of sport that requires many skills. Skaters need to practice often if they want to become a proficient at their craft or if they dream to become a first place winner in their chosen type of race. Skaters spend much of their time learning how their body reacts to the many different types of skating equipment. They experiment with different makes and types of wheels to find the wheel that gives them speed, grip as well as balance. They try different plates and boots that will provide the weight and comfort they need to compete. They experiment and share those experiments with other speed skaters. The spend much of their time in search of the right mix of equipment for their center of gravity, style of stride and body height and weight.
Skaters find themselves involved with many muscle building exercises. On top of their weekly skating class, they may run and work out with weights. They make sure their legs develop the muscular strength it takes to become good at the sport. Weight lifting and leg extension exercises are added to a skater's regiment. And some go to the added extent of gymnastics, aerobics and dance classes. Today's athletes find nutrition and fat burning consultants. A skater as an athlete is always in pursuit of physical perfection.
Once a skater embarks on the path of becoming a professional, their focus changes drastically. In order to become a professional roller derby skater, an athlete must already possess the ability to speed skate with agility, precision and strength. These are a given. But suddenly a new area of sports development will become obvious at some time in a skater's journey to stardom. And that is the art of roller derby.
The Professional Stage Of Development
In this part of a professional skaters journey, they realize that their body must do more than simply perform the athletic part in order to win the race. The body must communicate to the audience. They realize that their body language is used to communicate emotions to the cameras and audience. If a skater has not developed a comfort on skates and superior balance skills they will not be able to accomplish the art of derby.
The basic roller derby block, where one skater begins to pass another and then
extends their shoulder and elbow to throw a block on another skater is one of the simple skills used in the derby all the time. It is the basis for most if not all of the body contact. When someone first attempts this move, they will look very odd and awkward. They can miss the other skater, move rigidly or throw themselves forward so fast that they teeter and fall on their face. The body movements to reach out the elbow and block another skater are unnatural to a skater at first. And suddenly the skater realizes that they have medals and trophies at home telling them, their family and friends that they are accomplished athletes. The skater may have spent at least five years or more developing their stride, speed and endurance. But now they look and feel like an amateur. They look so awkward, there is no way they will become a star.
The Art Of The Block
There is an art involved in roller derby. An art of body movements that look fluid and natural. There is an art of body language that looks competitive and violent. And those moves must be acquired. They must be learned. And some people seem never to be able to learn them.
Making that elbow block should be done over and over. It needs to be practiced so many times that the skater giving the block feels at home with the movement. The skater must feel the other skater's body reactions and roll with them. A new skater will use their arm and shoulder muscles. Their movements may be jabbing and short. But as a skater develops they will begin to use their entire torso and upper body. They will develop movements that are graceful yet telegraph violence, aggression, anger or any other intended emotion. Their movements will become bigger and wide and follow through with the torso and hips. And then after many practice hits, the skater delivering the block will learn to telegraph their moves by lifting their left leg or throwing their head and hair back just the right amount in order to show the audience the deliberateness and intention of their movements.
The Dance Of Violence
Just learning to perform, as a sole skater is only part of the derby. Skaters must learn to move with others. They must be able to roll along with others body movements and maintain balance and positioning on the track. It is all a delicate dance with other people. The body contact in the game is where much attention must be placed as a skater. Skaters are in perpetual motion and small mistakes can cause harm to oneself or others. Watching and learning others body movements and style is a must. Skaters need to learn to move with one another. They need to coincide their movements in a way that they are working together. This phase of a professional's development may take time. And it requires that a skater work with other skaters. And those skaters work in return. Skaters work together much like Tango dancers. It takes years of practice with one another to do the dance of derby and do it in a way that inspires millions who watch it.
The entire group of skaters that are on the track need to work together as an ensemble in order to bring the excitement to the fans. An individual skater must know where they are in respect to the entire group. Positioning your body as part of the group and using other skaters along with you to communicate the power of the game. When you first begin your skating career, you might have thought the goal was to show yourself off, and stand out. When in fact as your career matures, you will begin to understand it takes two to Tango, and then it takes an entire group to provide a fine skating sport.
Athletes In Their Growth Phases
No matter what sport a person chooses, they will go through phases of development. Some athletes do not make it into stand out shining stars. And this makes them no less of a star when they compete in a team sport like the derby. Athletes spend many years developing muscular dexterity and skill. And once the athlete begins to discover that their body communicates emotions such as aggression, speed and competition to an audience, this is when they begin their growth into being a professional. The athlete now moves to a place where the will become more than an athlete. They will become a performer and eventually may become a star.
To top of Page
|