Roller derby is one of the fastest-growing full-contact sports in the world. But if you’re new, it can look chaotic — wheels spinning, whistles blowing, players shouting. So, how do you play roller derby exactly? Let’s break it down step by step, explain how you win, how points are scored, and even answer whether there’s a ball involved.
What Is a Roller Derby Game?
A roller derby game is played on an oval flat track between two teams of five players each — one jammer and four blockers. The aim is simple: the jammer scores points by lapping members of the other (opposing) team while blockers try to help their jammer and stop the other one.
Each game is played into two thirty-minute halves, with several short plays called “jams,” each lasting up to two minutes. The team with the most points at the end wins.
How Do You Play Roller Derby Step by Step
Here’s a breakdown of how a typical roller derby match works:
- Line Up: Each team starts a jam with one jammer and four blockers. The blockers form a pack in the middle of the track.
- Start the Jam: When the whistle blows, the pack begins skating while the jammers try to break through it.
- Lead Jammer Status: The first jammer to pass all opposing blockers legally becomes the lead jammer.
- Scoring Points: After clearing the pack once, the jammer earns one point for every opposing blocker they pass.
- Calling Off the Jam: The lead jammer can end the jam early by placing their hands on their hips — often a strategy to prevent the other team from scoring.
- Repeat: Each jam lasts a maximum of two minutes. Then players reset for the next jam.
- Winning the Game: The team that has the highest total score after both periods wins.
That’s the game in simple terms — fast, tactical, and full of energy.
Is Roller Derby Dangerous?
It’s a contact sport, so bumps and falls are expected — but with the right safety gear, it’s far less dangerous than it looks. Players wear helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and mouthguards. Modern rules ban hits to the head, back, and below the knees. With training and protective equipment, injuries are rare and usually minor.
How Do You Win Roller Derby?
Winning comes down to strategy and teamwork.
- The jammer scores points by overtaking opposing blockers.
- The blockers and pivot form defensive walls to slow the rival jammer while clearing paths for their own.
- Smart teams manage clock time, use lead jammer status wisely, and minimize penalties.
- At the end of two periods, the team with the highest cumulative points wins the match.
Understanding Roller Derby Strategy and Teamwork
Roller derby is more than speed and collisions — it’s a strategic game built on timing, communication, and positioning. Each jam becomes a mix of offense and defense happening at the same time.
- Communication: Skaters constantly shout cues (“inside,” “outside,” “goat,” “bridge”) to maintain control of the pack.
- Walls and formations: Blockers often form tight walls to trap the opposing jammer or “waterfall” to recycle her back behind the pack.
- Star pass: The pivot can receive the jammer’s star helmet cover and become the new jammer — a quick tactical switch to surprise opponents.
- Clock control: Lead jammers use their power to end a jam early to prevent the other team from scoring.
- Penalty management: Teams rotate blockers to keep at least three defenders on track even when one is penalized.
Strong communication and pack awareness often matter more than raw speed. The best teams win by mastering timing — knowing when to open a gap and when to shut it.
Training and Skills Needed to Play Roller Derby
If you’re thinking of joining a league, you’ll need to build the right combination of endurance, agility, and confidence. Even beginners can train effectively with some structure.
Key skills every skater develops:
- Basic skating skills: Balance, stopping, and crossovers come first.
- Falling safely: Learning how to fall on pads instead of wrists or tailbone is crucial.
- Lateral movement: Quick side shifts help in dodging blocks and finding open lanes.
- Core and leg strength: Exercises like squats, lunges, and planks improve power and control.
- Track awareness: New skaters learn how to look in all directions while moving — awareness prevents collisions.
Most leagues offer a “fresh meat” program, which teaches these basics before players enter full-contact scrimmages. Regular off-skate training like resistance workouts, yoga, or cycling helps too. The more comfortable you are on wheels, the more fun and competitive the game becomes.
Quick Safety Tips for New Players
- Always wear a certified helmet and roller derby pads.
- Learn how to fall safely before you learn how to block.
- Stretch before and after each practice.
- Replace worn-out wheels and toe stops regularly.
- Respect referees and other players — derby thrives on fair play.
FAQ
What are the basic rules of roller derby?
Two teams of five compete on an oval track. The jammer scores by lapping opponents. Blockers defend and attack simultaneously. Only legal contact zones (hips, shoulders, torso) are allowed.
How do you win at roller derby?
The team with the most points after two 30-minute halves wins. Points are earned when a jammer passes opposing blockers during scoring passes.
How do you score points in roller derby?
Each opposing blocker legally passed by the jammer is worth one point. Passing a blocker in the penalty box also counts.
What are the three positions in roller derby?
- Jammer – the point scorer
- Blocker – plays defense/offense in the pack
- Pivot – a blocker who can become a jammer if handed the helmet star
How long is a penalty in roller derby?
Most penalties last 30 seconds in the penalty box, during which the team skates short-handed.
Is There a Ball in Roller Derby?
No — there’s no ball in roller derby. The focus is on skating, positioning, and blocking. Points are earned by skating laps and passing opponents, not by shooting or scoring with an object. It’s all about movement, speed, and precision.
Do Men Play Roller Derby?
Yes. Roller derby began as a women-led sport, but men have their own leagues, too. The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) governs competitions worldwide. Many cities now host co-ed and open-gender leagues where anyone can join.
Conclusion
If you came here wondering how do you play roller derby, you now know the rhythm — speed, strength, teamwork, and strategy all rolled into one. From jammers slicing through the pack to blockers forming human walls, every second counts.
There’s no ball, no luck — just skill and coordination. Whether you join a local team or cheer from the stands, roller derby delivers adrenaline, community, and pure competitive fun.