We all hear that watching derby is the single best way (off-skates) to get better at playing it. And derby is hecka fun to watch, right? But I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that you mostly don’t do it.
Why?
High level derby can be hard to watch if you’re not used to it. Plus watching derby and analyzing derby are two different things.
- How do you know what to pay attention to?
- How do you think about what’s happening on the track and apply it to what you might do on the track?
- It’s all moving so fast. HAAALLPP!
Here’s my contribution. The next installment in my “You Should be Analyzing More Derby” series.
This month’s bout is:
Charm City v Wasatch at 2016 WFTDA D2 Playoffs
The questions (and comments) below are to help you hone in on specific parts of the game and get you thinking like a derby analyst. These questions are by no means ALL OF THE THINGS that you could glean from this bout, but it’s a good place to start. You can download them in PDF version HERE.
The First Half
Jam #1 –> How does Wasatch manage to position their blockers to break their jammer out into lead? What is Charm City’s response in order to minimize the damage of losing lead?
Pre-Jam #3 –> It’s interesting that Wasatch waits to sit on the opposing team/jam line until the 5 second mark. What do you think is the strategy there?
Jam #3 –> Track cut on Wasatch’s pivot. What makes it a cut?
Jam #4 –> Wasatch has a great opportunity to capitalize up one blocker. Their strategy looks sound, what fails about it?
Jam #5 –> What makes Charm City’s decision to grab the pivot line here a good one strategically? Does it work out for them?
Jam #6 –> On the flip side, what makes Charm City’s decision to line up in the back NOT the best decision strategically? What happens because of it?
Jam #9 –> The majority of escapes from the pack, for both teams, are coming up the inside line. What can the blockers for Charm and Wasatch do to button up that line?
Jam #10 –> A 3-3 jam — How does Wasatch avoid that again in the future?
Jam #15 –> Charm City is on a run taking advantage of Wasatch looking a little frantic. What’s your move here (if you’re Wasatch) to regain the momentum? What’s your move (if you’re Charm City) to keep the momentum?
Jam #16 –> Fortuitous starting position for Wasatch. Why?
TIMEOUT –> Now Wasatch has the momentum and Charm City needs to regain it. What is each team’s focus for the rest of the half.
Jam #23 –> Both teams seem to struggle with holding the jammers once lead has been established. What are the teams doing that is making it such a challenge?
Jam #26 –> Jammer penalties and offense. Where’s the D? (heh heh)
HALFTIME –> This bout seems a little bit like a free-for-all right now, not a ton of strategic decisions on either side being put into play. What does each team need to execute better to come out on top at the end of this bout?
HALFTIME SCORE = Charm City 81 Wasatch 78
The Second Half
Jam #1 –> THAT INSIDE LINE, THO!
Jam #2 –> Given these first 2 jams, what strategy are both teams trying to lock down?
Jam #2 –> Wasatch blocker gets pulled out of her wall trying to block a run back. What were the pros/cons of that decision?
Jam #4 –> Ignore the one long whistle — listen for your color/number.
Jam #4 –> What is Wasatch’s strategy during the power jam here? What are other options?
Jam #4 –> Wasatch gets some points at the end of the jam. Both teams have been managing to steal points at the end of the jam. How do you avoid that as a blocker?
Jam #7 –> THAT INSIDE LINE, THO!
Jam #7 –> Both teams are starting to look super gassed. The team that can hold it together the best will likely win this game.
Jam #8 –> A Wasatch blocker leaves her wall to bridge forward and keep the pack connected. What does that allow Charm City to do?
Jam #11 –> Wasatch needs a clean jam here.
Jam #13 –> Wasatch’s jammer battles to escape the pack as close on the heels of lead jammer as she can. What could her blockers do to help her once she escapes?
OFFICIAL TIMEOUT –> Charm City just got gutted in the last jam. What should they be doing to take advantage of this OT?
Jam #16 –> Charm City needs lead (and gets it!). How do they best capitalize on having lead? Are they doing it?
Jam #18 –> Really well executed jam on both sides. They’re tightening it back up!!
Jam #19 –> What’s the strategy behind Charm City’s jammer blocking against Wasatch’s jammer? Did that help or hurt Charm City?
Jam #19 –> Wasatch has lead. What are the pros/cons of running the clock for them?
OFFICIAL REVIEW –> Is it possible this is a strategy from Charm City to put Wasatch on ice? If so, what do you think about that?
Jam #20 –> Racing pack. Why is this happening? Did either team benefit? Is Charm City able to take advantage of Wasatch’s super heavy jammer rotation?
TIMEOUT –> Charm City ices Wasatch again?
FINAL –> Holy shit. Did Wasatch’s decision to run 2 jammers for the entire second half have something to do with this? Did Charm City’s defense finally win the day?
FINAL SCORE = Charm City 197 Wasatch 194
Want more?
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