Here's what to avoid when blocking out of bounds in roller derby, and how to keep hits inside the track.

Roller derby is as much about precision as it is about speed and grit. Think of the track as a living map: lanes, boards, and the invisible line that keeps the game flowing. When players stray past that line, the whole rhythm can stutter. So let’s break down one core idea that keeps the pace clean and the hits fair: what action should be avoided to prevent “blocking out-of-bounds”?

Let’s set the scene

You’re in the thick of a jam. The whistle’s cut through the gym like a sharp drumbeat. Skates hiss, hips twist, shoulders square up, and a blocker eyes a specific seam in the wall of skaters ahead. In this moment, there’s a tempting but dangerous impulse: push a rival toward the outer edge of the track. It might look like the simple, decisive move that resets a play, but it crosses a line. The move to avoid is hitting opponents toward the outer edge.

Why that specific action matters

Here’s the thing: when a blocker leans into an opponent and redirects them toward the track’s boundary, you’re not just nailing a hit. you’re nudging them toward the out-of-bounds zone. That boundary isn’t cosmetic; it’s a rule boundary. When a skater gets pushed out of bounds, the official can call a penalty, and momentum can swing in a blink. The reason is simple and practical—out-of-bounds creates unsafe contact, disrupts the flow, and can lead to unpredictable crashes near the edge of the track. Nobody wants a scramble where someone’s balance teeters on a curb of concrete and spectators watch with wide eyes.

Now, what’s allowed, what isn’t, and where the line sits

Staying within the designated track boundaries is essential for everyone on the floor. It’s not just about avoiding a penalty; it’s about keeping plays fair and predictable. When players keep their actions inside the bounds, the game stays readable for teammates and referees alike. Blocking from the inside, using clever angles, and closing gaps without steering someone into the wall—these are the moves that demonstrate skill and discipline.

There are other actions that teams rely on every shift—like shoulder checks against blockers or strategic positioning—that can be executed cleanly within the rules. Shoulder checks, when done with balance, control, and the right target area, are a legitimate tool. You’re not trying to throw someone into the wall; you’re using your body as a shield, guiding the path in a controlled way. It’s about intent, control, and timing, not brute strength alone.

What about contact with an opponent’s skates? That’s a different category. It can be risky because it can upset balance, cause trips, and invite penalties if it’s not done carefully. It’s not directly tied to the act of pushing someone out of bounds, but it’s a reminder that contact points matter. The best blockers know how to manage contact with arms, shoulders, hips, and legs in a way that keeps everyone safe and the play under control.

A few practical rules of thumb

• Keep the feet inside the lane: Your skates should stay within the track lines. It sounds simple, but it’s the backbone of safe, smooth blocking.

• Angles beat brute force: Rather than shoving someone toward the edge, angle your body to guide their momentum toward the center or toward a teammate’s front line. This uses geometry more than raw power.

• Use your hips and core: A solid stance and a tight core give you the balance to steer without drifting into the boundary.

• Eyes up, plan ahead: Look to the next move instead of reacting to the hit mid-air. Anticipation reduces the chance you’ll snap toward the boundary.

• Re-enter safely if you drift out: If you do step out for a moment, you must re-enter in a controlled way, avoiding contact with skates or other players until you’re back in a safe space.

A quick mental picture

Let me explain with a simple analogy. Imagine you’re driving along a lane with a painted boundary line. You don’t steer your car toward the curb to stop someone else from changing lanes; you time your own lane discipline, using turns and signals to keep everyone moving safely. Blockers should think the same way: steer the play with technique and awareness, not by nudging someone toward the edge.

Common myths and where they trip you up

• Myth: Any push to the edge is a smart reset. Reality: If the edge becomes the target, you risk penalties and injuries. Smart blocking uses space, timing, and controlled contact, not out-of-bounds pressure.

• Myth: It’s okay to skate along the boards to “pin” someone there. Reality: The boards exist to separate activity from danger. Pushing a rival toward the boundary near the wall creates a higher risk of a hard, uncontrolled collision—not worth the payoff.

• Myth: Contact with skates is the same as blocking. Reality: Contact with skates can be dangerous and is tightly regulated. The clean, legal plays come from using the body in a controlled way, not mixing with the skates themselves.

Keeping the flow intact

Roller derby thrives on momentum. When players consistently avoid pushing toward the outer edge, the game remains readable for referees and enjoyable for spectators. The track becomes a stage where technique and speed are on equal footing, and where a well-timed angle can seal a major advantage without sacrificing safety. Because let’s face it, there’s no glory in a spectacular move that ends in a pile on the boards.

Small drills you can carry into any training space

While we won’t call it practice, there are bite-sized exercises that reinforce staying inside the lines and using clean blocking:

• Boundary awareness drill: Skate along an imaginary boundary, maintaining a tight stance and head-up posture. Practice steering with hips, not arms, and re-entering smoothly after brief exits.

• Angle-first drill: Start from a wall, roll toward an opponent at a controlled angle, focusing on guiding their path without directing them into the boundary. Emphasize balance and contact points that stay away from the edge.

• Hip-and-core engagement: Work on core stability with planks, side planks, and gentle rotational movements. A strong core translates to steadiness when you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with a blocker.

• Contact point awareness: In slow, controlled sessions, practice making contact with the upper body in a safe area, avoiding the legs and skates. Review what feels solid versus what causes you to drift.

• Re-entry drill: Practice stepping back onto the track after a touch with the boundary. Do it calmly, with proper hand placement and head-up focus.

What this all adds up to

Here’s the essence: the action to avoid is hitting opponents toward the outer edge. When you keep that in check, you protect teammates, keep the action smooth, and uphold the spirit of fair play. It’s not about avoiding contact altogether; it’s about shaping contact so it’s legal, safe, and effective. A well-timed shove toward the center or along the line of play can be a game-changer. A shove toward the boundary? That’s a red flag—both for safety and for clarity on the scoreboard.

A few closing thoughts to keep in mind

• Respect the boundary as a rule of the road. It exists to guide tempo and protect players.

• Your best moves come from technique, not brute force. If you can bend the play to your will with angles and timing, you’re already ahead.

• Communication matters. A quick shout or a nod can help a teammate anticipate a move and respond without getting tangled near the edge.

• Safety is a shared duty. Coaches, refs, and players all value clean, controlled contact that keeps everyone in the game and out of harm’s way.

If you’ve ever watched a bout and found yourself impressed by a blocker who seems to “put the puck in the net” with a subtle, clean maneuver, you’ve seen the power of staying inside the lines. The track is a stage, and the skill is in making the right choice under pressure. The next time you step onto the track, let the boundary be less of a target and more of a guide. Use angles, stay centered, keep your balance, and let the flow carry you.

And for the curious minds who love the mechanics behind the moves: the boundary rule isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about cultivating a language on the track—one that speaks in hips, lines, and timing. When you master that language, you’ll find yourself reading plays faster, reacting smarter, and helping your team skate with confidence.

If you want to keep the momentum going, focus on the basics: stance, vision, and control. The rest—speed, power, agility—will ride along as you refine your touch with the track’s edge in mind. After all, in roller derby, precision often wins where raw force falls short. And the edge? It’s not a target; it’s a boundary that helps everyone play better, safer, and smarter.