Checklist for Preparation

by Veruc Assault






You’ve made the decision. You want to play roller derby! Here are a few things to consider in order to be ready for the Fountain City Roller Derby training camp:

1. Attend a Bout!

No matter what you have seen in the movies or on TV, you MUST experience a roller derby bout live! Attending the game will help you understand the mechanics of the game. It will show you what you are getting into. You may also be able to chat with some of the players before or after the game.
Fountain City Roller Derby still has upcoming bouts this season! Check out our Web site for the details.

2. Do Research!

You’ll get a full rundown of what to expect from Fountain City Roller Derby at one of our informational recruitment nights. It’s a good idea to attend either of these:




You can also learn more about our national organization online!  Fountain City Roller Derby skates with the M.A.D.E. rule set. Take a look at Skatemade.org for the rules and links to popular articles on M.A.D.E. skating, including rookie-specific articles.  Watch YouTube videos of M.A.D.E. derby games. There are also lots of general videos on skating and derby techniques.

3. Budget

Make sure to include a section in your budget for the following:

• Monthly dues. These can also be paid quarterly or yearly, whatever you decide works best for you.
• Skates and gear. There will be more posts on gear and where to purchase soon.
• Practice-related costs (gas, babysitting, etc.)

4. Skate, skate, skate and skate some more!

Get on wheels! Hit up as many open skating sessions as possible! Don’t worry if you do not have your own skates just yet! Rock the rentals! Get confident on your feet. Try skating faster each time! Practice those crossovers! Try skating in derby stance for extended periods of time!

5. Get in Shape

The roller derby training camp will test your fitness, and you want to make sure your body can handle the different challenges thrown at it!
Try to spend 30 minutes/5 days a week doing some type of cardio activity. Sprints and suicide drills are always excellent!
Strength training is great! You will need strong legs and core! Squats, lunges, calf raises and wall sits will help with legs. Planks, crunches and pushups will help your core! Don’t neglect the upper body through, you will need that strong for your balance.  (Check out the off skates training post)

6. Stay positive! It’s hard work, but you can do it!

This is perhaps the most important one of all. Every roller derby skater has stories of disappointment in the beginning. Perseverance and positive attitude are key!