Happy New Year! I have finally returned to the track and low and behold not just as a skater but as our Rose Bud Trainer (what we named our Fresh Meat). Since this is a new year with new trainers and after a break we have gone back to basics. This means that I have had the opportunity to run basic skills training for our league. So far it has been a blast for me, and I hope for everyone else too.
I spent my recovery from surgery reading, researching and learning everything I could about roller derby, drills, coaching and I am putting all that to work on the track. I have specific goals for myself this year and for our team. We are now a WFTDA Apprentice League and that is a game changer for us. We have more rules to follow and we hope to become full WFTDA league in the future.
That being said, I plan to to do some serious weight lifting and off the track work outs. I want to improve my agility skills and up my endurance. Since I will be planning practices and such when we have new skaters join us I have a plan in writing that I will hold myself accountable to. I would like to see everyone on our team write down their goals and share them so we can help each other meet and exceed these goals.
Running a team and league takes every single person to do some part and be willing to learn all aspects of the game from NSO to reffereeing. The more you learn about all the pieces the better you will be as a player. I also encourage everyone to take advantage of other training opportunities such as speed, and open scrimages. The more you play, the better you get and the more you learn.
I have been so blessed to get to skate with some truly awesome people and look forward to a great year of learning and playing. Another goal is to write my blog more often this year. I am working on all aspects of my life. Until next time, skate hard and learn things!
Melody Kool's Blog 