Skate, Hit, Score: The Basics of Roller Derby

The first time my parents came to a DCD bout, my mom leaned over to my dad (who was intently concentrating on the game) and said “Do you know what’s going on?” My dad responded, “Not at all!” That’s not an uncommon reaction for new roller derby spectators. After all, it’s a fast-paced sport with a lot of moving pieces when the whistle blows. Don’t worry — I’m here to break it down for you!

Let’s start with what exactly flat-track roller derby is. Simply put, it's a full-contact sport played on a flat track (instead of a traditional banked track). Teams of five skaters each — four blockers, one of whom is a pivot, and one jammer — compete against each other in a series of two-minute jams, trying to score points while simultaneously blocking the other team from scoring.

Roller Derby Basics from WFTDA

It’s about safe gameplay.

Jammers are the point scorers for each team. You can identify them by the star on their helmet, and their goal is to lap the other team's blockers as many times as possible, scoring one point for every blocker they pass legally. The first jammer to break through the pack legally becomes the lead jammer.

Blockers try to stop the opposing jammer from scoring while simultaneously helping their own jammer get through the pack. They use a combination of body positioning, hits, and strategic formations to control the track and keep the other team from scoring.

Remember how one of the blockers plays the role of pivot? The pivot wears a striped helmet cover and has the ability to take over as jammer if the original jammer legally passes them the star helmet cover during the jam.

It may look a little chaotic, but there are rules to keep everything in check and ensure we’re playing safely! DCD’s adult team follows WFTDA rules, while our junior team follows JRDA rules. Skaters must stay within the track boundaries, hits must be to legal target zones on the body, and the list goes on. Our awesome officials issue penalties for any rule infractions.

It’s about strategy.

One of the things that makes flat track roller derby so exciting is the constant action and strategy. Jammers and blockers play both defense and offense! Teams have to work together to control the track, and there's always something happening — whether it's a jammer racing to score points or a blocker trying to make a strategic hit.

A key part of roller derby strategy is that the lead jammer has the ability to call off a jam by repeatedly tapping their hands on their hips. The lead jammer may choose to call off the jam to prevent the other team from scoring, or if the lead jammer's team is ahead and they want to run out the clock.

It’s about fun.

At the end of the day, roller derby is ultimately about having fun. From creative derby names (like Mad Splatter, Bruce Pain, or Valhalla Back Girl) to themed bouts, the derby community knows how to have a great time — and our spectators are a huge part of that! And now that you have a clearer understanding of how the game is played, you’ll have an even better time at bouts.

See you on the track!