Roller Derby 101The game is played between two teams in a set of three 20-minute periods. During each period, there are usually about seven or eight jams. When the Pack is in formation, the ref blows the whistle and the jam begins. Once the Pack is on a roll, the ref blows a double-whistle., and the Jammers take off. The first Jammer to legally break through the pack in the initial pass is named the Lead Jammer. The jam lasts for two minutes, unless the Lead Jammer calls it off. The pack of Blockers and Pivots set up offensive plays to help their own team’s Jammer, and also play defense to prevent the opposing team’s Jammer from scoring. The Jammers are the only one’s that can score, by lapping the pack and passing the opposing Blockers and Pivot, while staying inbounds.
Team: Five of more Derby girls, with a maximum of five on the track at a time: a Pivot, a Jammer and three blockers Period: A set of jams played in a 20-minute duration Jam: A two-minute scoring session Pack: Two teams of three Blockers and a Pivot, for a total of eight, skating in formation Formation: Pivots in the front, Blockers in the middle, Jammers in the back Jammer: Scoring skater, wearing a star helmet, who breaks away from the Pack and scores points by lapping opposing team members on the track Lead Jammer: The first Jammer to break through the pack earns the strategic advantage of calling off (ending) the jam; she signals the refs by putting her hands on her hips Blockers: Each team gets up to three Blockers on the track. They make holes in the pack for their jammer to get through, and block the opposing Jammer. They also knock down members of the opposing team Pivot: each team gets one Pivot, wearing a striped helmet, on the track. She sets the pace of the pack skating in front, in addition to playing both offense and defense with the Jammers. Under special circumstances, the Pivot can also jam if her Jammer hands off her star helmet cover Offensive play: Helping score points, including whips and pushes and knocking down Blockers Defensive play: Inhibiting opponent from scoring points, including booty blocking and takeouts Lapping: After the Jammer’s initial pass through the pack, she skates her ass off to catch up to the pack again and attempts to break through again. For each Blocker and Pivot on the opposing team, she passes; she earns a point for her team, for a maximum of four per lap. Need a visual? Go here to HOW STUFF WORKS.COM... Learn more details about roller derby at Wikipedia. |
