Post-First
Bout Evaluation
OMG!
You finished your first bout! You can’t believe it! Wasn’t it half-time before
you knew it? Then all of a sudden it was over. Your very first bout EVER. How
do you feel?
If you’re
like me, you play on a rookie or “B” team. I almost feel lucky in this regard.
I get more play time, and I don’t feel like I have to compete with vets that
have played for years for a spot on the roster.
However,
some of you are awesome enough to have amazing skills and take that A team slot
that’s open! Rock Star! I hope you got a lot of awesome game time in!
Now
that it’s over though, you definitely will be thinking about it. A lot.
Directly
after the bout advice:
Don’t
think too hard about what happened. Your mind is completely overloaded right
now. You’re running off of pure adrenaline and instinct. Your emotions will be
high, even if they don’t show on your face. Beating yourself up about mistakes
you made, calls the refs made, your coach not putting you in, etc. will not
help you get the most out of your bout day.
Don’t ruin this for yourself!
Take
that derby high that you had during the game and reflect upon that. How
spectacular was it to play in an actual jam? Score those points? Make that
blocking wall?
How
many people have DREAMED to be in your skates at that point, but are too afraid
to do it? You rock! You’re really an official
derby skater now! ATHLETE!
You had
your derby kin rooting for you, skating with you, skating against you. You’re on their level! You are! Let it sink in a
moment. *breathe* You did this!
ANNNNNDD…You’re going to do it again!
So,
take a moment. Be happy, enjoy what just happened, even if your team lost. Even
if they lost by a sh*t ton (totally a measurable quantity). Even if you got
penalties, made mistakes, sat on the bench forever waiting to be put in. Don’t
dwell on that crap now. ‘Cause right now, it doesn’t matter. What matters most
right now is your accomplishment. Achievement unlocked. First bout under your
belt.
GO CELEBRATE! My
first bout ended with semi-blizzard conditions and poop-tastic roads. I wanted
to go home. Someone reminded me—this is
your first bout. There are many like it, but this one is yours (anyone see what
I did there?). Anyways, it really is something to be proud of. Go to the after
party and keep that derby high going for a little while longer, reflect on all
the ifs, ands, or buts tomorrow. In bed. With pizza. Because you’re body isn’t going
to want to do anything else unless it involved a bubble bath. So, party your
little heart out tonight. You definitely deserve it after ALL your hard work!
Congratulations
and Happy Skating!!!
Bitter
Sweets <3
Bout Day Warm-Up! Part of my rookie team Gang Green.
Have fun, wear tutus, and hit some b*tches!
(Photo by Kate Wood Raclin)
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