Tag: #GrowthMindset

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DoItDerby: The Power of Reviewing Game Footage in Roller Derby

In the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled world of roller derby, every second counts. Each bout is a blur of strategy, strength, and split-second decisions. But after the dust settles and the bruises start to form, how do you grow from the experience? The answer lies in one of the most underappreciated tools at your disposal: game footage.

I’ll admit, I used to be one of those skaters who didn’t see the value in reviewing game footage. I figured, why relive the hits and the mistakes when I could just focus on the next practice? But then, one of my coaches made it a requirement, insisting that we watch and analyze every bout. At first, it felt like just another task on the to-do list, but over time, I began to see the benefits. Breaking down those plays and revisiting key moments started to reveal insights I never noticed in the heat of the game. Now, I can’t imagine improving without it.

Why Reviewing Game Footage Matters

When you’re in the heat of a match, it’s easy to miss the finer details of your performance. Reviewing footage allows you to step back and analyze the game with a cool, objective perspective. Here’s why it’s essential for every skater:

  1. Self-Improvement:
    Watching yourself in action is like holding up a mirror to your performance. It highlights your strengths—maybe your footwork is sharper than you thought—and it exposes areas where you can improve, like maintaining positional blocking or quick recovery after a hit. Seeing these moments helps you understand what to replicate and what to refine.
  2. Team Strategy:
    Roller derby is a team sport, and success depends on seamless cooperation. Reviewing game footage with your team enables everyone to see how the strategy plays out in real-time. Did the wall hold up as planned? Was the jammer support consistent? Did the star passes happen smoothly? Understanding these dynamics can refine your game plan and enhance team cohesion.
  3. Opponent Analysis:
    Just as it’s crucial to know your team, it’s equally important to understand your opponents. Game footage reveals patterns in the opposing team’s strategy, individual skater tendencies, and how they react under pressure. With this knowledge, you can anticipate their moves in future bouts and counteract them effectively.
  4. Mental Preparation:
    Reviewing footage isn’t just about physical performance; it’s also about mental preparedness. Watching how you handled previous challenges can boost your confidence and help you mentally rehearse different scenarios. This practice strengthens your mental game, making you more resilient and adaptable on the track.

Making the Most of Your Footage

To truly benefit from reviewing game footage, consistency is key. Here’s how to make it a part of your routine:

  • Schedule Regular Reviews: Dedicate time after every game to watch the footage, either individually or as a team. It’s best to do this soon after the game while the experience is still fresh in your mind.
  • Focus on Specific Goals: Rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire game, focus on specific aspects you want to improve. Maybe you’re working on maintaining a strong defensive stance or improving your pivot turns. Concentrate on these elements during your review.
  • Take Notes: As you watch, jot down observations. Highlight what went well and where there’s room for improvement. These notes will serve as a guide in your next practice session.
  • Discuss and Implement: After reviewing the footage, discuss your observations with your teammates and coaches. Use the insights gained to inform your training and strategy in upcoming games.

The Bigger Picture

While roller derby is the immediate focus, the practice of reviewing game footage is a powerful tool in any sport. Whether it’s football, basketball, or soccer, athletes across the board can elevate their performance by taking a closer look at their game. It’s about more than just critiquing mistakes; it’s about learning, growing, and coming back stronger.

So, next time you lace up your skates and hit the track, remember that the game isn’t truly over until you’ve reviewed the footage. In every frame, there’s a lesson to be learned—a lesson that could make all the difference in your next bout.

xoxo
-S

#DoItDerby – Learn, Grow, Dominate.

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Rediscovering Myself: A Journey Ahead

Life has a peculiar way of sweeping us along its currents, often pulling us away from the shores of our true selves. In the cacophony of daily obligations, expectations, and societal norms, we easily lose sight of who we truly are. I’ve come to a pivotal moment in my life where I realize I need to find myself again. This blog post is a heartfelt commitment to my future journey of self-rediscovery. Perhaps it might inspire you to embark on your own voyage of finding your true self.

The Gradual Erosion

Without noticing, we begin to drift away from our core. We become the roles we play—parent, partner, employee, business owner, friend—until those roles overshadow the essence of who we are. I’ve worn many of these identities like a second skin. Each layer adds a burden, each responsibility a distraction. Somewhere along the line, I stopped being ‘me’ and started being everything for everyone else. This realization did not come suddenly. It came slowly, over time, as I began to feel the weight of an inauthentic life pressing down on me.

The Wake-Up Call

My wake-up call came as a slow burn rather than a sudden jolt. It was the quiet realization on a Sunday morning, with a cup of coffee cooling in my hands, that I no longer recognized the person staring back at me in the mirror. My dreams, my passions, my unique quirks had buried under the weight of routine and the expectations of others. The familiarity of daily life had dulled my senses, numbing me to the loss of my true self. I need to reclaim my life, to strip away the layers that no longer serve me. It’s time to reawaken the dreams that once fueled my spirit and reconnect with the passions that once defined me.

Embracing Solitude

The first step in finding myself again involves embracing solitude. Not just physical solitude, but an emotional and spiritual one. I need to create a space where I can listen to the whispers of my soul, untainted by external noise. Long walks in nature, journaling, and quiet moments of reflection will become my sanctuary. In these moments, I hope to reconnect with the person I used to be. More importantly, the person I want to become. This solitude will not only serve as a retreat but as a workshop where I can rebuild and refine my sense of self.

Reigniting Passions

Rediscovery also means rekindling the flames of old passions and exploring new ones. I plan to dust off my paintbrushes, buy a new set of watercolors, and let my creativity flow. (Figuratively speaking. . . you don’t want anything to do with something I might be painting. . .) I will pick up books that have gathered dust on my shelf. Each page will take me back into the world of imagination and wonder. I want to start experimenting in the kitchen, turning cooking into a joyful, meditative practice rather than a chore. These activities, though small, will be profound in their ability to bring me back to life. Moreover, I intend to seek out new hobbies and interests, pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone to discover facets of myself that have yet to be revealed.

Setting Boundaries

An essential part of this journey involves learning to set boundaries. I have to learn to say ‘no’ without guilt and to prioritize my own well-being. It won’t be easy. People won’t always understand, but I know it’s necessary. I need to surround myself with people who uplift me. Those who understand my need for space and growth. Supportive friends who encourage my journey without judgment. I must communicate my needs clearly and assertively, making my personal growth a non-negotiable aspect of my life.

Fighting for Myself

A crucial element in this journey is learning to fight for myself so I don’t lose myself again. Life will always try to pull me in a million directions. I must stay grounded in my commitment to myself. I need to stand up for my own needs and desires, even when it’s uncomfortable. This fight means constantly reminding myself of my worth, advocating for my time, and resisting the pressures to conform to others’ expectations. It means being my own champion, my own best advocate, and fiercely protecting the boundaries I set.

Embracing Challenges

I also recognize that this journey will not be without its challenges. There will be moments when I doubt myself. Times when the path forward seems unclear. I need to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Each obstacle will serve as a lesson. Each setback a stepping stone. By facing these difficulties head-on, I will become stronger and more resilient. I intend to approach these challenges with a mindset of curiosity and learning, viewing them as integral parts of my journey rather than impediments to my progress.

The Ongoing Journey

Finding oneself is not a destination but an ongoing journey. There will be moments of clarity and moments of doubt. Times when I feel in sync with my inner self and times when I feel lost again. But I’ve come to understand that this is part of the process. I will continually peel back the layers, question, explore, and evolve. I will celebrate the small victories and learn from the missteps, always keeping my eyes on the goal of living authentically and fully.

The Beauty of Rediscovery

In this journey of self-rediscovery, I aim to find beauty in vulnerability and strength in authenticity. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers, that it’s okay to be a work in progress. Each day, I strive to be a little more me, to live a life that resonates with my true self. And in doing so, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. I envision a future where I am not only more attuned to my own needs and desires but also better equipped to support and inspire those around me.

Finding myself again will be a challenging but profoundly rewarding experience. I commit to this journey, with all its ups and downs. If you, too, feel disconnected, I encourage you to take that first step. Embrace the journey back to you. You are worth it.

This post serves not just as a reflection but a call to action. Let’s reclaim our identities, pursue our passions, and live authentically. Together, we can find our way back to ourselves and create lives that truly reflect who we are. The road ahead may be long, but it promises a return to the vibrant, true selves we were always meant to be.

xoxo
-S