Skills. Attitude. Perception.
Sitting on the sidelines has recently allotted me a lot of time to observe skater interaction. I love sports psychology, especially that of roller derby. SCDG has had the great gift of 25 new skaters. There are a lot of girls, lots of variance in skill and even more in attitude. This got me thinking.
When you are first starting out in derby you spend most of you time trying to figure out what the heck is going on and get your skill set down pat - during this time most girls are proving to themselves and the girls around them that they got what it takes to play this gnarly game.
This is a pivotal time in player development. A girl could come in with a good skill set and a shitty / cocky attitude and the reality is she is going to have a lot more to prove to the coaches and senior players then a girl with slightly less in skill and a good attitude. It's called coachability and it is a necessity for girls who hope to make it to be teamed skaters.
Why is this? Shouldn't skill conquer all? There are plenty of pro athletes who are good, know they are the shit and will tell anyone who listens.
It's my opinion from a skater perspective that I don't want to skate with someone who thinks it's all about them. Derby is a team sport - you have to play with your team. Everyone has something unique to offer on the track. Even the best jammers in the sport are crap if they don't play with their blockers and even the best blockers are useless if they are out there playing their own game, going for big hits and not thinking about strategy.
It's all about the T E A M. If you can't get along or respect, or get respect from the skaters around you - you might want to reevaluate how you are interacting with your sisterskaters.
Having confidence is different from being cocky. I'm cocky as shit to my opposing players - but I save that for games and use practice as a time for learning, not showing off. Allow me to clarify before I go any further. I treat my opponents with the same level of respect and sportswomenship that I expect to be treated with . . . but I do like mind-fuck them a little bit. practice is a time to connect with your teammates, ask questions and work your ass off.
Now that I'm on the sidelines and have to look at things more from a coaching perspective - I'm more likely to want to work with the girls who have smiles and questions verses attitude and SDS (Shit Don't Stink) Syndrome. I don't care what the skill set is, my time is valuable and I want to help those who will be playing with the team, not against it. That may sound kinda harsh, but it's the truth.
Most of our newbies are doing a stellar job. They are getting themselves out of their comfort zone, showing their balls and leaving their egos at the door. I heart you ladies! I wish I could be out there tearing it up with all you. For now you'll just have to listen to my bellowing voice from the bench.
Hugs & Bruises,
Raven
Santa Cruz Derby Girls
Boardwalk Bombshells
Love these bitches!
When you are first starting out in derby you spend most of you time trying to figure out what the heck is going on and get your skill set down pat - during this time most girls are proving to themselves and the girls around them that they got what it takes to play this gnarly game.
This is a pivotal time in player development. A girl could come in with a good skill set and a shitty / cocky attitude and the reality is she is going to have a lot more to prove to the coaches and senior players then a girl with slightly less in skill and a good attitude. It's called coachability and it is a necessity for girls who hope to make it to be teamed skaters.
Why is this? Shouldn't skill conquer all? There are plenty of pro athletes who are good, know they are the shit and will tell anyone who listens.
It's my opinion from a skater perspective that I don't want to skate with someone who thinks it's all about them. Derby is a team sport - you have to play with your team. Everyone has something unique to offer on the track. Even the best jammers in the sport are crap if they don't play with their blockers and even the best blockers are useless if they are out there playing their own game, going for big hits and not thinking about strategy.
It's all about the T E A M. If you can't get along or respect, or get respect from the skaters around you - you might want to reevaluate how you are interacting with your sisterskaters.
Having confidence is different from being cocky. I'm cocky as shit to my opposing players - but I save that for games and use practice as a time for learning, not showing off. Allow me to clarify before I go any further. I treat my opponents with the same level of respect and sportswomenship that I expect to be treated with . . . but I do like mind-fuck them a little bit. practice is a time to connect with your teammates, ask questions and work your ass off.
Now that I'm on the sidelines and have to look at things more from a coaching perspective - I'm more likely to want to work with the girls who have smiles and questions verses attitude and SDS (Shit Don't Stink) Syndrome. I don't care what the skill set is, my time is valuable and I want to help those who will be playing with the team, not against it. That may sound kinda harsh, but it's the truth.
Most of our newbies are doing a stellar job. They are getting themselves out of their comfort zone, showing their balls and leaving their egos at the door. I heart you ladies! I wish I could be out there tearing it up with all you. For now you'll just have to listen to my bellowing voice from the bench.
Hugs & Bruises,
Raven
Santa Cruz Derby GirlsBoardwalk Bombshells
Love these bitches!
Labels: Fresh Meat, santa cruz derby girls
posted by Raven Von Kaos at
4:33 PM
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