Rain has dampened our practice schedule so we've had less time on skates with canceled practices here and there. We've been really working on offensive weaving, to help open up space for the jammer. The first skill that we have been working on are lateral cuts in to take someone's space followed by containment (by sitting).
I'm finding it difficult to get the power needed to take someone's space. I think when I cut in, I am pretty much faced with enough force that I simply contain them, not really moving anyone out of their space at this point. But on the flip side, I'm not being launched when I get hit, so that's a gain for me.
Last practice I had a wide eyed moment when I saw an amazing jammer just zip through the pack like it was nothing. She was aggressive, fast and didn't let anyone get in her way. They called her OJ. So curious, I looked up to see what team she played and I didn't find anyone with a name related to orange juice, but then I see a picture of someone who resembles her, and it was Olivia Shootin' John. I had a fan girl moment. I got to skate with THE Olivia Shootin' John!
So tonight, as I was gearing up, guess who sat down right next to me?!?! Anyways, we talked mostly about alternative schools, but it was cool to be talking to a derby celebrity!
The drive to every practice has me feeling nervous. I really want to make a team, I really love skating derby, but there's a part of myself that knows I'm such a newbie and I don't want to let whatever team I join down. The girls have all been super encouraging and I usually leave practice feeling ok and not beat down. Sometimes when I am doubting myself, I ask myself, do I derby because I love it, or do I want the status that comes with being on a premier team?
When self-doubt settles in, I often think the latter. Maybe I just want to be able to say that I got selected on a team, prove to my friends that I'm good enough. But once I strap on my skates and join the other women on the track, I feel so alive, liberated, and it is then when I know without a doubt that I do it because I love the sport along with the encouraging and accepting culture that surrounds it all.
Before skating with the league I was pretty set on joining a certain team. Mainly because most of my closer derby friends are on that team. However, after skating with different skaters and getting to know more girls, I think I would be happy with whoever takes me. The hot rods are an amazing team of diverse women from all walks of life. The Hustlers are relaxed, but they work hard at the same time. Hell Mary's have the reputation of being more strict, but the women who I've skated with are all super friendly. And then the Heartbreakers have an amazing team full of mentors who I've looked up to during my time in the rec league.
I found out today that the try-out period has been extended an extra week. This means I get more derby time and will have the opportunity to learn so much more. I still have a pretty good feeling that I'm going to get cut this time around. Of all the women trying out, I am the least experienced. Like Hellgha said, "Fall is a better time to join because you start fresh and have a chance to grow with your team." During mid-season try outs teams are looking for skaters who are ready to go. My only chance of getting in is if they want to pick me and plan on growing me through this season so I would be ready to go next season.
A part of me still feels guilty about leaving Steve to take care of the kids while I go play roller derby. But I need to not feel guilty. I have to remind myself that I'm doing this for me, but also for the kiddos too.
I still have 6 practices left! I'm going to try to learn as much as I can and see where things take me. So excited!
No comments:
Post a Comment