Roller Derby tracks can be varied. There are some teams that prefer the flat tracks and there are others that prefer the banked tracks. The Roller Derby Diva’s don’t really have a preference, we will skate anyone anywhere. Just in case you are not sure of the differences let us tell you a bit about it.
Flat tracks can be any suitable skating surface. Roller rinks of wood or other materials, sports courts and even concrete. The track has to be flat, free of obstruction and of a size sufficient for a course. The flat tracks will have some sort of marking usually no higher then .25 to 2 inches so it is not a safety hazard. Sometimes small fiber optic light stings are used, sometimes it is just colored tape. The idea is to have it low enough so it is not a safety hazard to the skaters. The pivot start line, the jammer start line and usually 10ft intervals are marked. If this is a temporary track it is probably going to be marked in colored masking tape, permanent tracks have these lines painted. About the only difference in the banked track is that it slopes upward at a 35 or 45 degree angle. Most banked tracks are 77ft x 101 ft. There are some plans available online if you think you would like to try to build a banked track. If you know of great areas for practice or play drop me a tweet at Derby Diva‘s always happy to pass on great locations to others.
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I’m am used to mainly flat tracks, but the bank tracks seem like more fun. Where would I go about finding these in my area? I’d love to know about some too, as I don’t think I would have the room or resources to try and build my own.
It was in the 90’s that some manufacturers experimented a bit on track dimensions to make the model more aerodynamic, buy boy, was it an utter failure because they ignored the safety of the person using them. Head injuries, ugly falls.Today safety is the standard, at least.
The flat tracks are definitely safer and I would rather try it than to do the bank track but I don’t think that there would be any challenge if I would just remain on playing on the safe side. Perhaps I would someday try the bank tracks as well.
Growing up, I think the only kind of track that I saw was the banked track. It adds much more excitement to the game in my opinion. I just can’t even imagine playing on a flat surface like that, but I’ve never seen it, either.
This is like Greek and Latin to me though I am trying to grasp as much as possible. I think the one I train on is a flat one now. More question for my coach from me after reading this. That guys is going to have a hard time He he…..
I believe I use flat tracks. Well, after having a look at them they are flat and not the banked ones.
Safety is the key word for me. I am starting with these roller skates and I do not want to have unsecure skates.
This would make me lose the fun I have while skating.
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