Here's how to call off a jam in roller derby using the hands-on-hips signal.

Calling Off a Jam: The Hip Signal That Keeps Roller Derby Clear and Fast

Roller derby moves fast. Blocks crash, whistles spill through the gym, and the clock keeps ticking. In the middle of all that noise, there’s one signal skaters rely on to end a jam cleanly: the hands-on-hips gesture. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s understood by everyone on the track—from officials to teammates to the other side. Let me explain why this little move works so well and how you can make it second nature.

What the hip signal looks like and why it matters

When a skater wants to call off the jam, she slides her hands to her hips and keeps her stance calm and centered. There’s no flailing, no dramatic arms in the air, just a clear, steady cue that says, “Stop the clock, end the jam, we’re done here.” The beauty of this signal is in its visibility. From the far corners of the rink, referees with their striped shirts, scorekeepers with their clipboards, and even the opposing team’s skaters can read it instantly.

This is not about style points; it’s about reliable communication under pressure. The arena isn’t quiet—there’s the roar of the crowd, the thud of wheels, the squeal of brakes, all fighting for your attention. A loud shout might get lost in the din. Raising arms can be mistaken for a different gesture, and signaling with feet is easy to miss when you’re hustling in the pack. The hip signal stays grounded, literally. It anchors the moment in a single, unambiguous action.

Why this specific signal wins in real games

• Clarity from a distance: The hips are a fixed, obvious target. You don’t have to lean in to see it, and you won’t be misread as you move away from a dense pack.

• Consistency matters: When every skater on the track uses the same cue, officials and opposing players learn to expect it. That consistency speeds up decisions and reduces confusion.

• It respects the flow: Calling off a jam should feel like a natural pause, not a grand production. The hip signal signals “pause” with quiet confidence, letting the next phase—resetting, regrouping, or changing up the strategy—start smoothly.

What not to do: signals that can trip you up

• Loud noises: They’re tempting, especially when adrenaline is high. But in a noisy arena, a shout can be drowned out or misinterpreted. A scream might be misread as encouragement, not a jam end.

• Raising arms: It can look like a celebration or a defensive gesture, depending on the moment. It’s less precise and more likely to be overlooked than you’d think.

• Signaling with feet: Feet can slip under the radar, especially in a fast break or a crowded stance. It’s also not the standard cue, which means officials might keep waiting for a clearer signal.

How to get comfortable with the hip signal (in drills and in real sessions)

• Start slow, then pace up: Begin with a simple drill in a controlled setting. Have one skater act as lead jammer and another as blocker. Practice the moment when the jam should end, focusing on the hip signal being clearly shown and held until the whistle.

• Eye contact is underrated: Look toward the officials as you set the signal. A quick glance toward the referee’s direction reinforces that you’re initiating the end, not just reacting to the pack.

• Stationary timing, dynamic impact: You don’t have to sprint to call off. The signal can be delivered even from a comfortable position in the back of the pack. The key is visibility, not velocity.

• Add a countdown cue: In a practice-like setting, the coach can call a countdown before the jam ends. The skater then responds with the hip signal. This reinforces timing and reduces hesitation.

• Film your sessions: A quick clip shows you exactly where the signal reads well and where it gets lost in the hustle. Small tweaks—like keeping elbows tucked or avoiding a sudden twist of the hips—can make a big difference.

• Practice with the whistle: The jam ends when the whistle blows. A gentle, consistent whistle cue helps you synchronize with officials and teammates. Don’t rely on a silent “signal” alone.

Coaches’ tips: teaching new skaters to use the hip signal

• Break it down, one piece at a time: First, emphasize the position—hands on hips, palms down, fingers relaxed. Then focus on the line of sight to the officials. Finally, practice holding the signal steady until the whistle.

• Create a habit loop: After each fast sprint drill, immediately practice the signal. Repetition builds instinct.

• Use real-game scenarios: Put a skater in a jam-ending moment during scrimmage or a timed drill. The pressure of a live-like moment makes the cue feel natural when it matters most.

• Normalize the signal: If possible, incorporate the hip cue into your warmups and routine scrimmages so it becomes a default move, not a novelty.

Common situations and smart responses

• You’re the lead jammer and a quick jam end is strategic: The hip signal lets you finish the jam on your terms, especially if you’ve secured a favorable gap or want to reclaim momentum for your team.

• The jam is tight and you’re in traffic: A clear hip signal is more reliable than trying to push through a crowded pack. It communicates intent without escalating chaos.

• Reading the room: Sometimes a jam might end a little earlier or later than expected. The hip signal gives you a crisp cue, but stay alert for officials signaling the actual end to avoid misreads.

• The crowd gets loud: When the arena roars, the signal gives you a calm, unambiguous message on top of the noise. It’s the anchor you can trust.

A few practical tangents that still matter

• The role of the pivot and blockers: While the lead jammer wears the responsibility to call off, the rest of the team helps by keeping the track clear and maintaining timing. The hip signal is a team-wide cue, but the lead initiates it.

• Scoring and strategy: Ending the jam at the right moment can affect how many points get scored on that play. It’s not just about stopping; it’s about controlling the pace and potential scoring window.

• Etiquette and sportsmanship: A clean call-off signals respect for the other team and the officials. It shows you’re playing fair and aware of the flow of the game.

• Equipment checks: Sometimes gloves or tape catch a viewer’s eye. Keep your gear in good shape, but let the hip signal carry the message.

A quick recap you can memorize in one breath

• The hip signal is hands on hips, held steady.

• It’s fast, visible, and universal on the track.

• Loud noises and feet signals are less reliable in a crowded arena.

• Train it in drills, then layer in timing and eye contact with officials.

• Use it to control jam pace, protect momentum, and keep the flow clean.

Why this matters beyond the moment

Roller derby is as much about communication as it is about speed and power. A single, well-placed signal can prevent confusion, save time, and keep teams focused on their game plan. It’s the quiet tactic that leaves a big, lasting impression on the scoreboard and on the people watching from the stands. When you master the hip signal, you’re not just ending a jam—you’re guiding the rhythm of the whole game.

So, next time you line up for a jam, think of it this way: a calm, clear gesture does more work than a thousand shouted words. You’re not trying to shout over the crowd; you’re trying to speak a language everyone on the track understands without second thoughts. And that language is simple, visible, and powerful—hands on hips, end of jam, and a smooth reset to get back to the action.

If you’re curious, you can keep one rule in mind as you skate: clarity beats intensity every time. The hip signal is your best friend when the whistle blows. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s exactly what the game needs to stay smart and fast. So embrace it, practice it, and let it become second nature on the track. The moment you lift your hips into that signal, you’re sending a message that everyone on the floor can read—loud and clear.