Mastering Roller Derby Edges: Engaging Inside and Outside Edges for Better Balance, Turns, and Speed

Edges are the steering wheel of quad skating. If you want to glide, carve, and surge through a pack with confidence, you lean on what your skates can do at the side they’re on. In roller derby, that means engaging the inside or outside edges. Yes, you read that right: it’s not just about how hard you push, but how you tilt and bite with the edges of your boots.

Inside edge vs outside edge: what they are

Think of your skate as a tiny, two-edged sled. Each foot has two edges on the wheel-plate: the inside edge (the edge toward the center of your body) and the outside edge (the edge away from your midline). When you tilt toward the inside edge, you’re letting your weight press into the inner edge as you trace a clean arc. When you tilt to the outside edge, you’re loading that outer edge to drive speed or stabilize a wide turn. The key is not to stay flat; it’s to let the edges bite into the track and guide your direction.

Why edges matter on the track

Here’s the thing: most skaters don’t win by brute force alone. They win by balance, precision, and speed-managing turns. Engaging the edges gives you bigger control windows. On a sharp turn, using the inside edge helps you set a tighter, cleaner arc—less skidding, more controlled rotation. In faster moments, the outside edge offers stability and a powerful push-off that can accelerate you out of a bend. Edge work also helps you stay upright when the track gets crowded; you can lean with confidence without tipping over.

What happens if you don’t use edges

• If you stay flat, your margins shrink. You’ll slide, miss your line, and waste energy fighting gravity.

• If you only rely on the front of the skate, you’re missing the thick, responsive part of your boot’s contact with the floor. You lose the subtle control that the edges provide.

• If your feet are glued together, you’re robbing yourself of lateral movement. You’ll spin or stall when you need to change direction most.

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

• Flat-footed skating: You aren’t maximizing the board’s footprint. Fix by practicing gentle, deliberate tilts on a straight line, then on a gentle curve. Feel the edge bite, not just the wheel roll.

• Front-edge focus: Your shin and knee matter as much as your toe’s reach. Balance top-to-bottom: hips over your skates, knees bent, posture tall but relaxed.

• Feet stuck together: Create a little space between the feet when turning. It unlocks the hip rotation you need for clean edge engagement.

Drills to feel the edges (no mystique, just momentum)

Let me explain with a few practical things you can try on the rink. These aren’t magical; they’re about building a feel for edge engagement so it becomes second nature in a jam.

1. Inside-edge feel

• Stand flat, then roll into a gentle, controlled turn where the inside edge of both feet carries you.

• Keep your eyes on the horizon, not your wheels.

• Hold the bend for a count, then roll out and switch to the other direction.

• Cue: imagine you’re tracing a smooth half-circle with your skate’s inner edge.

2. Outside-edge stability

• Start at a comfortable speed and tilt outward just enough to load the outer edge.

• Let that edge push you into a broader arc, then recover to a straight line.

• Progress from slow to moderate pace as you feel the edge bite more decisively.

• Cue: think of you as a sail catching a steady breeze on a broad turn.

3. Circle carve

• Circle around a cone or marker, maintaining a consistent edge engagement.

• Alternate between inside and outside edges as you switch directions.

• Keep your hips square to the circle and your core tight.

• Cue: look toward the next cone, not at your feet.

4. Slalom edge drills

• Weave between cones in a zig-zag. Use inside edge on the turns, outside edge on the straights or wider curves.

• The aim isn’t speed alone; it’s a clean, controlled line through a dynamic path.

• Cue: use your arms for balance, not as a windmill.

5. Edge-to-edge transitions

• Start on an inside edge, then shift weight smoothly to the outside edge to alter course.

• Practice quick, deliberate transitions to sharpen your reaction time.

• Cue: think “edge to edge” like flipping a switch in a game of pool—clean and deliberate.

Putting edge work into the jam

Edge control isn’t something you save for drills; it’s what you lean on when the pace picks up. Here are a few ways it translates to real-world moments on the track:

• Tight turns: The inside edge gives you a sharper, more precise turn without losing much speed.

• Pack navigation: When prospects crowd you, an outer-edge stance can stabilize your stance so you don’t get knocked off balance, letting you rejoin the line smoothly.

• Bursts of acceleration: The outside edge isn’t just for slowing down; it’s a powerful spring when you push off into a sprint, especially after you’ve carved through a bend.

• Dodging obstacles and players: Quick edge changes help you pivot away from a blocker without over-rotating.

Gear, grip, and feel

Your edges live in your boots and wheels, but the feel comes from good setup and fit. A few notes that tend to matter:

• Quad skates with a supportive cuff and a responsive sole make edge work easier. If your ankles feel wobbly, it’s tougher to load the edges consistently.

• Wheel hardness and setup influence how easily you can edge. Softer wheels bite more; harder wheels skid a bit more and demand steadier body control.

• Lacing and stance: A snug lace pattern that keeps the tongue centered helps your ankle stay flexible without collapsing.

A few quick tips you can apply today

• Stay light on your feet. Too much weight on the blades makes it hard to shift edges quickly.

• Look where you want to go, not at your wheels. Your body follows your eyes and shoulders.

• Breathe and relax. A tense upper body spills into your hips, which makes edge engagement jittery.

• Mix drills with bursts of speed. You’ll notice edge bite more when you’re moving at a competitive pace rather than coasting slowly.

A quick mental checklist for edge readiness

• Am I using both inside and outside edges, depending on the turn?

• Is my weight over the center of the skate, or am I leaning out of balance?

• Are my hips and shoulders aligned with the path I want to take?

• Do I have a clear line of sight to where I’m headed next?

Why this matters beyond the rink

Edge control isn’t just a skill; it’s a way to read space, react, and keep your teammates safe and moving. In a jam, the rink becomes a chessboard and your edges are the pieces that let you switch directions with intention. This isn’t about brute force; it’s about flowing with momentum, using the track’s geometry to your advantage, and keeping your balance intact while you navigate the chaos.

Real-life examples you might recognize

• A left-hand turn with a tight radius is a moment to lean into the inside edge. You’ll notice the arc smooth out and your speed stay steadier.

• When you need to surge past a blocker, a deliberate outside-edge push-off can translate to a confident acceleration, with your body already oriented toward the new direction.

• Dodging an obstacle—like a stray puck or a defender—often comes down to a quick edge flip and a reset of your line. The edge is your ally here, not a decorative flourish.

A final thought

Edge work is a quiet superpower for skaters who want to move with clarity in the chaos. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about being precise. The inside and outside edges give you options: a tighter turn here, a stronger push there, a safer glide through a crowded moment. Start small, feel the bite, and let the edges become a natural part of your racing rhythm.

If you’re curious to go deeper, try a few of these ideas on your next roll. See how much more control you gain when you respect the edges rather than fight them. After all, skating well is as much about listening to what your skates tell you as it is about the speed you can summon. And when you finally tune in, you’ll notice the track reveal its own rhythm—and you’ll ride it with a confident, smooth stride.