Hips Don't Lie

My awesome "Big" Trigger noticed that I was carting my gear around in a laundry basket. She got me this rad skate bag! Thanks Trigger! 

In the past 11 days, I have put on skates and skated for 7 of them. My pads definitely need a good washing. Currently, I have bac-out, which is an enzymatic cleaner soaking through the foam, working its magic against the funk, and then I'll put them through the wash and let them air dry before practice on Tuesday. It's still pretty hot outside, so I'm pretty sure they'll dry up really quickly.

Skating with the Hells
Today, we skated with the Hell Marys. Despite what others have told me, I found their team environment to be super friendly and I really like that they focus their practices on drills -- because in the long run, that's just going to make you that much better. We worked on tracking and hitting a person rolling--something I am very nervous about doing. I know what you are thinking, you play derby, you hit people...but the protective instinct in me doesn't want to hurt them, so I think it makes me extra focused on executing the hit just right, so it's not done in a dangerous and reckless way. Basically, I over think it. We have not spent a lot of time on hitting, so this drill today was super helpful. A few things to remind myself when I'm tracking and hitting another player:

• Look at their hips and get in front of them just a little. 
• Make contact with your hips and side meat. 
• Swoop down low, and drive with your outside leg, up and out. 
• Position yourself to contain. 

As I'm typing this, it seems so easy. But when you throw skates and moving feet into the mix, things get a little complicated. You have to stay low step up and in at the right time, come in a good angle, and all the things. 

We also did a drill where as a team, you have to travel either to the front or back of the pack while the other team is preventing you from doing so. This was the ultimate test for me because I committed so many penalties, (mostly directional and then leaving the track so I can join my pack in the back). 

This is another reason why I love derby it's definitely a complicated sport and it keeps me on my toestops just thinking about it.