Roller derby is known as a “full-contact” sport that requires special skills and strategies to win. Skaters need to use the force of their core body to push rivals out of their way. Each game involves two teams, each having one jammer and a few blockers. Each team aims to get the opposing team’s jammer to move forward and earn points. Not as hard as it seems. Do you want to try yourself in the game? Or do you consider betting online on roller derby games at GGBet LV? Make sure you know how jammers and blockers should act and what strategies can help them achieve the desired outcome.
Strategies for Jammers
Jammers are expected to go through the opposing team’s blockers. This position requires speed, energy, and fast decision making. Here are a few strategies to implement at your next scrimmage:
Take your lap time for breathing
When fighting through the pack, take a breath if you need. This will help you reset and start jamming with more power. Otherwise, you will waste all your energy and fail to act at the most critical moment.
Focus on the weakest or strongest blocker
Aim for the weakest blocker in the opposing team. Once he is down, you can go through and earn points for your team. If you are a super strong athlete, consider attacking the strongest blocker(s). When you hit them strongly but legally, they are less likely to fall.
Follow their feet
When you are ready for to the jam start, check the rivals’ feet. Are their feet in a hockey stop? Or do they point straight ahead? Focus on skaters whose feet are pointed straight ahead, since you can make them roll right out of play easily.
Figure out the rival’s strategy
Give yourself two jams to understand the other team’s tactic. Check how they move, who takes the most action, and when they attack. Identify their weaknesses and use this knowledge to adjust your own strategy accordingly.
Overcome your mental struggles
If you don’t focus on success, you can’t get a positive result by the end of the game. Start motivated before and during the game. Don’t expect everything to work within the first few minutes. Struggle is a big part of jamming at different levels. When you’re pushing a wall of blockers, and they’re not falling down, that’s not your fault. Trying and learning from your mistakes are important for effective play.
Strategies of Blockers
Blockers are expected to get in the way of the opposing player, which takes energy and creativity. It needs you to take your body under total control. Here are a few strategies to implement in your next blocking attempts:
Build up a wall
Use effective communication and put your bodies into specific positions to create a strong barrier for opposing jammers. Stay low and maintain little movement to leave no gaps. If a jammer breaks through, quickly reset by moving to the front of the pack and reforming the wall. This strategy leaves little chance for the opposing team to earn points.
Reach the balance between offense and defense
Switch between offensive and defensive play. Assist your jammer with strategic blocks while keeping the opposing jammer contained. Make adjustments to your strategy based on the actions of the opposing team. The line of offense and defense should be flexible throughout the play.
Block kindly and clearly
Stop your rivals from moving forward without breaking the rules. Make sure your wall has a chance to stop jammers. There is no place for aggression. If a jammer passes through the wall, reply and form a new one. Talk to your coach to reorganize the wall formation approach or engage other players.
Stay aware of the game flow
Follow your jammer, opposing jammers, and possible penalties. Keep track of the game flow and adjust your position based on the other team’s strategy. Use verbal and non-verbal signals to coordinate with teammates. Clear communication ensures the smooth execution of strategies.
Mastering these strategies makes jammers and blockers useful for their teams. Regardless of your position in roller derby, keep your approach flexible until hearing the whistle.