A sport practiced almost exclusively by women, it is rarely worth mentioning! Roller Derby is relatively unknown in France, but is more popular in North America.
Created in the 1940s, they disappeared in the 1980s before experiencing an unexpected renaissance just a few years ago. This highly physical sport pits two teams of players on roller skates against each other. The goal of the game? Overtake your opponents without leaving the track or being thrown to the ground…
Roller derby, for those who are not afraid
For those in the know, roller derby players are these young fighter women who race at full speed across the court, pushing their opponents! The sport was popularized in France through the movie “Bliss (Whip It!),” in which a young Texan, played by Ellen Page, decides to give up beauty pageants and join a roller derby team.
The typical image of a derby player
If roller derby is so popular, it is particularly because of the image of feminine, strong, and confident women that has been captured by popular culture.
In the 2000s, an American club owner wanted to restore the nobility of roller derby, attracted by the exciting side of the sport. And that's without relying on the female players who have regained control of roller derby to make it a feminist and committed practice!
We find this spirit in the players' often pin-up, rock 'n' roll or even punk clothing. They claim to combine femininity, determination, competitive spirit and, above all, solidarity among members of the same group.
Participating in roller derby truly means being part of a team and embracing the values of courage and explosiveness. Strength, speed, agility, strategy and balance are qualities developed by playing this sport.
How is roller derby played?
Roller derby is played on a rectangular track specifically designated for this practice. However, stadiums are very rare in France and players compete brilliantly to find a way to train despite everything. Athletics track, parking… anything is possible!
In terms of equipment, you should of course be equipped with a good pair of roller skates and wear a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. In fact, roller derby is a fairly intense sport that moves at a good speed and where you often fall. Therefore, it is best to protect yourself from possible bumps and bruises.
Anyone can try roller derby, but it is recommended that they be in very good physical condition and not be afraid of getting hurt! In addition, it is useless to hope to join a team without already having a good level of snowboarding or snowboarding. You will then learn the game in more detail during training.
Roller derby rules
It would be boring to explain in detail the rules of roller derby: there are dozens of them…
In short, the match is divided into two periods of thirty minutes each. These periods themselves are divided into rounds called jams.
Five players from each team are on the track during the game: a jammer responsible for scoring points, and four blockers. The Jammer tries to quickly pass her opponent on the opposing team, while the Jammer tries to protect her and disable the opposing Jammer.
In addition, team players must remain close by forming a group, that is, they must not be more than three meters apart from each other. In addition to pure speed and impact resistance, roller derby players must constantly communicate with each other and display collective intelligence to achieve victory.
So, do you want to take on roller derby and outdo yourself? Go to the French website Roller derby.
Roller derby in full view
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