What aspect of roller derby does cross-training improve specifically?

Cross-training is a key aspect of developing a well-rounded athleticism that benefits roller derby players. Specifically, it enhances overall athleticism by incorporating various physical activities that target different muscle groups, improve cardiovascular fitness, and increase flexibility. This diversification helps skaters to condition their bodies in ways that are not necessarily addressed during regular roller derby practice.

Furthermore, cross-training plays a crucial role in injury prevention. By engaging in different types of exercise, skaters can build strength and resilience in muscles that support their skating, leading to a reduction in the risk of injuries that often occur from overuse. This approach ensures that all aspects of a skater's physical fitness are addressed, creating a more robust athlete capable of handling the demands of roller derby competition.

The other options tend to focus on narrower aspects of training or skills that do not encompass the wide-ranging benefits that cross-training provides. Endurance is just one component of overall athleticism, while team communication and speed in skating, while important, do not directly correlate to the broad benefits achieved through cross-training.