Fresh Meat: Advice for New Roller Derby Players

Are you new to roller derby? Here's some advice that we wish we'd gotten up-front. What advice would you give those just getting into derby?
One thing we'd add is to check out www.devaskation.com for all of your roller skate and derby gear needs!

[@TruthNloV3]

I really appreciated this! I'm fresh meat too and I'm the slowest learner on my team. My legs and back are killing me every night and I struggle to even stand on skates let alone move but I'm encouraged to continue!

[@Devaskation]

Go go go!

[@emelliott]

The other week I got hit I'm the face with someone's wrist guard that has a METAL POLE in it and my hole face went numb and I swear that if I didn't wear a gum shield I would have chipped a tooth and the thing I was most angry about was not that they didn't say sorry or that pain, it was that they didn't get a penalty 😡😡😡😡😡

[@Devaskation]

Oh my goodness! Hope you're ok!!!!

[@vsusanmoon]

Face guards

[@aesopriccio7026]

I am currently fresh meat and I can't be happier- seriously going around the track killed my body th right next day but I'm sticking with it! Thanks girl

[@NerdyQueen456]

I'm planning on doing roller derby next year so this video is really helpful!

[@Devaskation]

Yay!! So exciting! :D :D Wishing you the best of luck!! :D :D :D

[@thatanxiousone6792]

I started derby last year. Did so much off skates training including HIIT, running 5-10k, working out on my strength with weighs.(I was doing this prior to joining derby)..and still got injured and progressed slow AF. I think off skates exercise will help later on, or with endurance to nail the 27/5 and actually play the whole game without dying, but from my experience (and from what I have observed) it does not make you learn the beginner skills faster (I mean to learn them initially, it can help with the speed, strength, and how fast you get tired etc.). I even started outdoor skating and went to the skatepark, returned to derby Sep 18 and I am still just getting the transitions down. Sure, some of my other skills are better now, but...off skates training is not such a miracle as it's portrayed IMO. At least I think I put it on such a pedestal after seeing so many videos, and thought that if I turn up to every practice I will be good in a few months, but nope, haha. What I wish I knew before starting derby: You're gonna get there when you're gonna get there, and there is basically nothing you can do about it XD

[@rlondon1958]

Shut up freshie!

[@aileengastelum8927]

Thank you so much for sharing! I´m fresh meat and it has been very difficult, since last year I broke my left fibula skating. It takes me double the strength and time compared to others in order to accomplish roller skating goals. Without knowing that I have to go to the gym to improve in roller derby, I thought that my battle is even bigger than other beginners due to my injury, so I made a plan and decided to dedicate 1 day of roller skating and the next day at the gym. Best decision ever.

[@brexpeep]

My coach told me not to compare myself to the others because I'm only a beginner, he said most of the people couldn't even stand. The best thing I could ever hear from him is "your t-stops are the best part of your progress so far" Mind you I haven't been doing derby for long I haven't even been doing it for a month and t-stop are one of the hardest stops. I still need work on my plow stops though, I'm on a junior team if you're wondering

[@terrychavez371]

Thank you so much for this video. I am very interested in learning the sport and joining league. This was very helpful.

[@Devaskation]

Awesome! If there is any way we can help you, please let us know!!

[@paulav-s795]

Hey you actually helped us all! Even me cause I'm a beginner

[@Devaskation]

We're so glad!! How are you liking derby?

[@lexisaurushex3409]

Thank you, I was doubting myself today and this video brought things back into focus

[@Devaskation]

You can do anything you put your mind to! :D We believe in you!

[@luisestrada1784]

My girlfriend has been entertaining the idea of joining for 3 years. I am finally pushing (rocky style) to get seriouse about it. First thing i told her is go to gym! She is 5'10 of fiery latin passion, she can be so good at this. Thanks for the video! I shared it with her

[@Devaskation]

Sweet! Did she join yet?

[@emelliott]

I've been playing Derby for 1 and a half years in the junior team and most of this is really helpful even though I'm not fresh meat lol

[@ElectriKitty]

I went to my first open practise yesterday! Going back again on sunday.. and I'm loving it so far, hell yeah it's frustrating to learn stuff.. like.. Stopping? It is HARD x) but I'll get there!

[@Devaskation]

That's the spirit!!

[@sarahgearhart349]

I have my first practice tomorrow and I am scared

[@Devaskation]

You're gonna do so great!! :D :D Was it awesome??

[@sarahgearhart349]

It was awesome!! I don’t know why I was so scared. I can’t wait for the next one

[@Devaskation]

Yay! We're happy to hear!! Way to go!!

[@dickbentley852]

Great, inspirational video that applies to other sports as well... passing it on to our rugby teams. Thank you!

[@caseymiller8107]

This was super helpful! A friend of mine does derby and has tried for ages to talk me into joining. I just did my first fresh meat training yesterday. I hadn't been on skates in 15 years and could barely stand up, but everyone was super supportive. My legs are crazy sore, but I absolutely cannot wait for the next practice!

[@Devaskation]

How have you been doing with it??

[@SensationallySilky]

I just signed up a few weeks ago and everything you said is 110% facts. (this is me admitting I should have worked hard on my physical training (lifting/cardio) these last few months on top of what I was doing between the rink and the pilates studio.

[@yoursadnessisnoted.792]

I wish I had this vid six years ago when I first started! Well now I can send this to my friends planning to start, so, thank you!!

[@markcurran4473]

Highly recommended, even for vet skaters! Thanks Deva!

[@fernandalbauer]

Very helpful! Thank you very much for the video!

[@haleydoesstuff7161]

I've played for 2 years in Chemical Valley Junior Roller Derby in Charleston, West Virginia and I have used these tips and I love it!!

[@Devaskation]

Awesome!

[@dominiqueraymond2174]

That was reassuring. Thank you!

[@janecrocker2447]

I'm planning on joining Roller derby and I have a pretty good pain tolerance. This video is really helpful

[@Devaskation]

Congrats on making that epic decision! Please let us know how it goes!!

[@cassidysmiles4659]

I've only been doing derby about a month but I'm completely obsessed and this video helped a lot! :)

[@Devaskation]

Wishing you the best fresh meat. :)

[@cassidysmiles4659]

Thanks!

[@rlondon1958]

I have spent years in the derby with my good friend Ralphie Valladerez. We have covered lots of track and racked many skulls. Go Bombers!!

[@adrienneewanchyna2409]

Thank you... I felt like you were speaking right to me and telling me everything I needed to hear. My frustrations are high right now... it's nice to know I'm not alone in what I am feeling!

[@Devaskation]

Hey Adrienne - are there any subjects you would like to see Vulvarizer cover?

[@adrienneewanchyna2409]

I'd love to see if she's got any advice on how to move past fears that may be holding you back from progressing. She touches on this here in different ways, but if she has any direct advice I'd love to hear!

[@melissavines4454]

Thank you for sharing!

[@arrgorndenethor]

Thanks for making thi video, I am Fresh Meat to the sport learning so much and working on what hurts now so it can get better

[@Devaskation]

Congrats on making the leap to Roller Derby! And good luck on your progress. If we can help you along in your derby career, please don't hesitate to ask.

[@arrgorndenethor]

..right now its just getting more comfortable with some of the drills, till I can afford some reliable skates

[@Devaskation]

It's been a few months, so...how is it going?

[@anessalariscy9039]

This video helps so much

[@ashtonftm46]

THANK YOU!

[@happycharlie9968]

Thanks for all the tips! I am really interested in this sport so eventually i'm gonna join a league : )

[@Devaskation]

Please let us know if you do!

[@WillowAreal]

This. Was. Amazing. ❤️

[@Devaskation]

We are glad you found it helpful.

[@sunwatr]

I have been played no roller derby for over a year yet I’m watching this? Ps, my second ever derby game is today, wish me luck! 🤞

[@RebekahMartinModernJaneAusten]

My second training is tonight. First was Sunday. I'm just now starting to not feel sore from the first one. Lol

[@diannastephans4680]

Can’t wait ❤

[@Flabbergasted-yl4hv]

I heard about this a while ago and I would love to start getting into it! Do you have any advice on how to find a team or get started?

[@bmbrown318]

I've just joined.. did 4th practice tonight..I'm doing good on Alot. However when I fall I literally cannot get back up. Pretty discouraging

[@JanethOlivia]

This is so helpful thank you 💛 also glad to have stumbled on roller derby KZbin I make videos too 😸😸😸

[@morgandeany-salis2205]

Hell yeah, this video rocks, thank you for all of your great advice it really helped a ton. I would love to get your insight on several different aspects of the derby life. I am hella interested in going a team...but honestly don't know where to begin..I've been researching skates for some time now and am finally able to purchase some. I'd like to have skates that are versatile that I can skate on outdoors to practice but also ones that work for when I join a derby team...do you think it would be best to go with a practice pair and just do that for a while then when I've gotten the basics down upgrade to a different pair and join a team? Or hop right into derby?

[@Devaskation]

Hey Morgan - We are here to help. We see a ton of Atom and Mota skates on the track. This link will be helpful. www.devaskation.com/Roller-Skates/Derby-Skates AS far as skating indoors and out we recommend a hybrid wheel like. Atom Poison Hybrid wheels www.devaskation.com/Atom-Poison-Hybrid?search=hybrid%20wheels For more info call our shop. Ask for Dan. 480-335-7447 [e-mail]

[@Devaskation]

First things first, contact your local team/league and find out when their fresh meat night is. Most typically have an event for those considering the sport. Regardless if you decide to join or not, I bet the weather is just right where you are right about now so you can start getting the feel of wheels strapped to your feel. If you choose to start getting comfortable on skates outdoors, remember you'll need a different set of wheels when/if you start roller derby. This is a great place to start -- www.devaskation.com/FAQs#rd -- and be sure to scroll up & look to the right side of your screen for more info. Feel free to call/email us too! We're always here to help.

[@michaeld4937]

Hmmm the background music is from lift the veil. Nathan Stolpman. Is this music from somewhere else?...

[@chayse7512]

I am new to roller derby kinda I've been doing it for about a mouth but I am not able to go to the gym because I am to young (11) so I can't drive my self so what can I do to practice??

[@eevee7433]

Chayse Richardson you dont need a gym to train, just use your own bodyweight until you're finished growing ^^

[@bryandjordan2310]

I have the same question

[@novafova29]

as soon as I get my toe operation and it heals I'll join my town's team 😄😄 I'm gonna start weight lifting now though,

[@Devaskation]

How is your toe doing?

[@novafova29]

+Devaskation I got the operation and it's all good now😊 I've already signed up to the nearest try out

[@Mikayla320]

You're beautiful. I'm in NY but wish I could try this sport. Keep it up!!!

[@Devaskation]

NY has leagues. Why not give it a shot?

[@MsMichelle026]

I start fresh meat Wednesday 🤩

[@Devaskation]

So...how'd it go??

[@AmberJayneArt]

Just been to my first ever derby session, learning how to fall and lost my balance and smacked my back super hard-required hospital treatment! I’m so scared of falling but want to go again. Do you have any tips for me?

[@Devaskation]

Definitely follow doctor's orders, take it easy, and wear the best protective gear money can buy. Hoping you can get back out there!

[@tudormiller8898]

Your so cool. 🤘♥️

[@makyymedina]

I've always always wanted to do this, there will be try outs towards the end of the year and i am thinking of going for it, is there anything i can start doing now to prepare? Thanks!

[@Devaskation]

Are you used to skating with a lot of protective gear on ?

[@Devaskation]

Just start skating! Do lots of reading and watch lots of how-to videos so that you know and can start practicing what your coaches will drill you on. :) We're excited for you!!

[@musicka013]

WHAT IS 27 and 5 and done ????

[@emeliapersell807]

musicka013 27 laps in 5 minutes :)

[@taekook5744]

Hi. I’m the freshest meat ever. I just made the team today after a month of hard practice. When we were doing hitting practice, I knocked this girl over so hard she practically backflipped. Being the fresh meat I was and not wanting to come out as a bad person to the team, I apologized profusely and helped them up. Later when practice ended and I was turning in my borrowed pads, that person talked about me behind my back saying “... she’s dumb this is roller derby you don’t apologize...” I’m one of the youngest teens on the team and skated the least amount of time they did and I feel like I don’t want to play anymore with them. I love derby, but I would never want to play with a team like that. However if I leave I’m admitting defeat and I do know one kid that goes to my school that would probably insult me if I left. What should I do? Should I stay? Or should I just forget about derby?

[@taekook5744]

The staff also talked quite bad about me because they didn’t think I’d be so “soft” and were threatening to kick me off the team but when I went up to them their whole mood changed and sounded encouraging saying that I did so good out on my first day.

[@deltafour1212]

I have a question. Why do they wear the low top skates with a no heal rather than the traditional high top skates with heals? It would seem you would have better ankle support with high top skates

[@ForkPuke]

Turning that fast in highboots would absolutely rip your ankles up. Highboots are mainly used for dance skating

[@mirnamartinez1512]

Is it okay to join even though I don't know how to skate? 😅 I've also wanted to learn but how do I start? Thanks !

[@Devaskation]

They will teach you!!!! It's the best way to learn, IMO.

[@andiceni24]

Most the derby players I've ever encountered started off not knowing how to skate ;) your local league should be willing to teach you. If not, then it's the wrong league for you

[@Chrisentiae]

Totally agree, and I do think we never quite leave being Fresh Meat ... it really is the foundation to being champion skaters.

[@jackiehifi]

i want to do this so bad! but im so scared and i honestly dont know about the sport.. :/

[@Devaskation]

Jackie, check out some of our other videos and blog (www.devaskation.com/blog). We also love Treblemaker 909 out of the UK. She lives for helping others interested in the sport! Just keep learning & we're sure you're gonna get so excited you just have to join a league!

[@babybliss6749]

Jackie Contreras where you from?

[@jackiehifi]

California

[@jackiehifi]

Thank you!

[@elizabethhaley5964]

Jackie Contreras I didn't know much about the sport when I started playing but my coaches say I'm a really talented skater. If it's something you're interested in try it!

[@Lucia-nl6kf]

Wish I could join a Roller Derby club but there aren't any in my country :(

[@adrianarosales2715]

Lucy then do it yourself 😉

[@Devaskation]

Lucy, which country do you live in?

[@peoplearestrnge]

There are even leagues in lame *ss Holland, I'm sure there is one close to you!

[@autumnr9628]

Even if their isn't, you can get on some skates!

[@danandam7100]

Start a team!

[@shannoneverdeen]

I'm 19 and wanna start derby (you have to be 18 in my league) but I still feel like I'm too young :/

[@Devaskation]

No way! There are even junior derby leagues that kids can join!

[@ttatiana6299]

Lose toe nails?! I used to play but wtf toe nails that..... Would probably be alot of painful skating

[@Devaskation]

Toughest people we know are in Roller Derby

[@brexpeep]

I run 4 miles almost everyday

[@synthvault]

I am a great skater but am a guy. Could I join a league? If not why?

[@KirstenBoehmer]

There are men's leagues and coed leagues, so yes!

[@barbiefxckedmylife]

are all the beginners in aroller derby called fresh meat? is this like this in 2022? does anyone feel like its a bad name or is it just me?

[@jawbreaker087]

most are not anymore, but it was a norm years ago. my recreational adult team right now is called "wreckers"

[@treyboy27]

What is a 27 and 5?

[@Devaskation]

27 and 5 is the lingo used to reference the skill of completing 27 laps in 5 minutes. It's something skaters work hard to hit. Skaters will push themselves to go above and beyond that number too, but typically the 27 and 5 is used to test a newbie's endurance and skill, and keep a veteran on their toes ;)

[@brettpatetto6847]

Im a real derby skater actuall made a name on the banked track. My advice to any one that does not want to waste time is to get ready to try out for banked track derby. The real thing is comm8ng back. This is fun but should replace the name derby as the young generation thinks wer all fools

[@flapjacks4947]

90th like

[@hollywood5703]

Hot tub, chiropractor, stretch

[@lorijosephson9062]

*is fresh meat*

[@hollywood5703]

Sounds like you need football helmets. Never mind getting hit in the face! I paid too much for my face.

[@miraclo3]

so much bad advice here I don't know where to start. so I just wont.

[@donniehagy970]

Here's some advice for you: learn how to skate.

[@chelle5413]

This was super helpful! I start Fresh Meat Training in two weeks

[@Devaskation]

So, how's it going so far?

[@chelle5413]

Devaskation 6 more days until training/try-outs, but I’ve been hitting the gym since watching this video. It’s paying off a lot - my endurance and balance is already improved by so much!

[@Devaskation]

@@chelle5413 That is so awesome to hear! Stay strong, keep going. 💪😁

[@rlondon1958]

@@chelle5413 you will make a good jammer!