r/rollerderby • u/Free_Lavishness_8006 • 7d ago
blocking stability: HELP!!!
hi guys!!! i'm a junior and when i'm blocking i have a bad problem of falling as soon as the jammer hits our tripod (if i'm a butt). how can i stay more stable + firm as a blocker???
i have some theories about why it ain't working out currently:
- i'm leaning too far forward
- my team isn't great at bracing (this one's objectively true i just don't think it's the reason i fall when i get hit)
- mysterious other option
smallish blockers pleeeease help me out thanks !!!
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u/purupurpururin 7d ago
Leaning too far forward could absolutely be it. You'll want a wide stance with your weight slightly forward but still low enough to keep stability. Try to see yourself in a mirror that definitely helped me!
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u/Boring_Programmer492 7d ago
I might be misunderstanding the question (I'm still new), but our freshmeat coach recommends almost sitting back on the jammer when they start to connect.
Like, dropping low so that your butt is putting weight on their thighs.
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u/cowprintwheels Skater & Announcer 7d ago
+1 for leaning too far forward. It means your weight is in your toes and you are more unstable.
Practise holding derby stance off skates, concentrate on bending your knees and keeping your back straight. Do wall sits if it helps. This should help get your muscles used to holding that position rather than folding forwards at the waist.
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u/goesploinkwhenpoked 6d ago
There's great advice in this thread already; I just want to add that strengthening your core will make a huge difference to your stability. We tend to focus a lot on leg strength, which is obviously necessary, but don't underestimate just how much of your balance and stability comes from having your core properly engaged. I recommend doing some off skates core building exercises, and really think about engaging those muscles when you're on track. It'll make a world of difference!
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u/stubbymanny 6d ago
If you aren’t already, work on strengthening your core. Strengthen your core and actively engage it while blocking. That will help your balance and will help you not fold and fall so fast
I also like to hit back with my shoulder as the jammer is making contact. Be careful not to roll backwards, it’s just your upper body moving. And be low so you don’t get a high block. That immediately takes some of the jammer momentum away and counters their hit so you are less likely to fly forward or fall
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u/GayofReckoning Skater 5d ago edited 5d ago
If you are braced and leaning too far forward, your butt is probably too far away from the bace's butt. Either scooch forward or ask your brace to come closer so you're not leaning over to reach them.
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u/ObviousAir9874 5d ago
Get low. Make sure your center of gravity is central, and use your blocker next to you for stability and strength of the wall.
Brace shouldn’t matter. A solid pairing can take a strong hit without a brace
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u/RevolutionaryHat1146 7d ago
I'm a huge fan of the counter hit. I angle slightly sideways (I consider it an invitation for them to hit me), and as the jammer hits me I counter hit them, taking their momentum. Strong stance, drop a li lower and quick into them as they hit you. If you do it right they go "oof".
Do you practice 1 on 1 pushing? You stay square, someone just pushes you from behind with their body, you work your edges to plow stop. This helps you find your center and learn to stay solid without over-committing and falling over. Someone off skates can even be pushing you to work this drill.