Week 12: Assessment Preview, Intro to Contact

It was an ultrapacked practice full of basic drills and some packwork, focusing heavily on your agility, balance, footwork, and overall comfort on skates. There were obstacles to weave around in a pack situation. Cones to jump over. Backwards crossovers and a time trial for the 27/5... but overall, everyone stuck it out and gave it some gusto! We covered a lot of ground and I could tell the nerves were already setting in for the assessments that will take place on the next two Saturdays... but honestly? Quit siking yourself out. If you're ready, great, and if you don't make it you will get a holiday break and start back on March 1st! Regardless, you're a derby girl now, and you are really looking good. I'm so proud of all of you. I am grateful for your perseverance, your dedication to organize and practice outside of Saturdays, your attention during our short two hours together every week, and your loyalty towards learning the skills slowly and correctly so that you don't damage yourselves. This will give you a solid foundation for years of future derby play. PRD is lucky to have you!

After we did most of the assessment material for White Star (minus stops, falls, and wheel locks), we had an intro to CONTACT. Hip checks and shoulder checks are "contact 101." Basically, as if it wasn't enough to concentrate on not falling when skating fast, you are almost ready to begin dealing with the pesky blockers from an opposing team. Today we broke down the HIP CHECK, which is when you either swing your ass over to knock your opponent's upper thigh area or when you step in front of her (I'M the boss!) to then land your upper thigh into her upper thigh. It is called a hip check because you are using your hips to swing in. You are aiming for her upper thigh, NOT her hip. We also learned the SHOULDER CHECK (or as I call it, the toe touch hit), which is when you reach down and touch your hand to the opposite foot (less later after you understand the form), then spring up to land the back of your shoulder into your opponent's upper arm. There are varieties on both of these basic hits that will be expanded upon in Middle School. For now, we wanted you to see the exciting new chapter ahead that will be added to your toolbox!

Please refrain from practicing hits at this time, as they will NOT be on the assessment and will be covered in greater depth during middle school. This was just a sampler. You're welcome ;)

With the exception of clothing whips (really similar to a hip whip), we have covered everything that you'll be assessed on. Here is your study guide checklist.

White Star Assessment Material

• Skating Stride and Posture
• Forward/Backward Crossovers
• Endurance (27/5)
• Stops (T-Stop, Snow Plow)
• Balance and Agility (fast feet, 1 foot glide, sticky skating, space invaders, hopping, jumping)
• Lateral Movement on the track
• Backwards Skating
• Recovery (single knee taps, double) NO HANDS
• Focus and awareness on the track (can look around instead of down)
• Weaving (stationary cones and paceline weaving)
• Transitions (180 and 360 degree turn(or two 180 turns in a row), clockwise and counter clockwise)
• Whips, giving and receiving (arm whips (inside/outside), hip whips, clothing whips)
• Pushing, giving and receiving (remember to SKATE out of whips and pushes!! No free rides!!)
• Unexpected obstacles (amoeba-ing around downed skaters in a moving pack)
• Wheel Locks

Beat Box was obnoxiously loud, which was amazing. We will use it for our warm up and our 27/5's on Saturday. Come hydrated and ready to show off all of what you've learned!

Calamity