SPLICED LIFE /
ISSUE 05
FEATURE / ROLLER DERBY
THE ART
OF
WAR
Roller derby is a game where
offense and defence are played
simultaneously, an extremely
chaotic aspect which considerably
complicates strategy and tactics but
also adds depths to the game. Here
are a few of the tactics employed.
ENDING THE JAM
The lead jammer can end the jam at any time,
thereby denying the opposing team from scoring
points. The lead jammer will attempt to score as
many points as possible and end the jam before
the opposing team scores any points.
PASSING THE STAR
The jammer for a team may "pass the star" to the
pivot by handing the star helmet cover to the
pivot. The pivot then becomes the scoring jammer
for the team. Reasons for passing the star could
be that the pivot is in a better position to score or
the Jammer may be suffering fatigue, injury or in
violation of a penalty.
THE WHIP
A blocker or pivot joins hands with the Jammer's
and swings her forward, transferring some of her
speed and momentum to the jammer. Yeah we
know, it’s awesome.
WALLING UP
A typical wall includes two blockers working
together to take up as much space on the track as
possible making it difficult for the opposing team
to manoeuvre around them. "Walling up" refers to
creating a wall formation at a strategic time, so the
opposing team doesn’t have time to respond.
THE DIAMOND
Typically four blockers form a diamond formation
around the opposing jammer to prevent her from
getting through the pack.
38
Photo by Phillip Santos