Even before I got on skates, “get low” was the anthem I learned when starting my journey with Foco Girls Gone Derby. My first day of training I was an exact representation of what a baby dear on ice looks like, where I was simply told by the coach to “get low.” Not heeding her advice, I continued to spend the majority of my practices on the floor not being able to stabilize myself, or do any of the exercises. The lingering phrase “get low” was told to me once again. Feeling defeated, and like a failure I almost wanted to throw in the towel.
I suddenly decided that giving up was not an option. I spent the days I didn’t have practice in front of my house and at Rollerland practicing squatting on skates and skating as low as I could possibly muster. When we began to learn hits and blocking, I found that I needed to be even lower than I had anticipated, so I started squatting while doing the dishes, brushing my teeth, even at work if I could sneak it in. What I came to learn as I was being hip-checked to the ground is that the lower you skate, the easier it is to not only take hits but to do anything in roller derby. It was a whole new world as I finally started to have fun and improve. So, new recruits, when you feel like you’re going to give up or that you made a mistake starting derby, just get low! -Ginger SnapHer
Free this Saturday? Even if you’re not, cancel them plans and head on over to watch our kick-ass Punchy Brewsters take on the High City Derby Dames! Traveling all the way from Aurora, these ladies are eager for to win, so this bout should be an intense firefight! Come to Qdoba Event Center at 218 Smokey St. in Fort Collins in order to experience the food, beer, crowd, and fun we have in store for you. The bout starts at 7pm, but the doors open at 6:30 so you can make sure to snag your favorite seat in the booty zone! Come and support your favorite roller derby league and we’ll make sure you’ll have a great time! Tickets can be purchased here!
See you track-side!