'MAD Mel Arena' is one of the best roller derby players in Australia, and the Gladstone PCYC roller derby squad now feels much improved having spent a weekend in her company.
The Victorian roller derby star has been competing for about three years, after coming from an artistic skating background and taking to the sport immediately.
An intensive two-day workshop with the Victorian, who plays in the jammer position, taught 25 of the Gladstone rollers taught skills and strategy that will drastically improve individual and team performance.
"We learnt some jamming techniques, blocking techniques and strategy," said coach Charlie Keenan.
The local girls spent a skate-free Saturday learning to improve their games.
"She taught them things that they can do without skates that will help in bouts," Keenan said.
Sunday it was skates on, to put theory into practice and refine blocking and jamming technique.
Mad Mel also helped out Keenan himself, watching some Gladstone performances on tape and offering some ideas.
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