What does "checking" an opponent refer to in roller derby?

"Checking" an opponent in roller derby refers to using body positioning to impede an opponent's advance. This skill is essential in the game as it allows skaters to use their bodies strategically to block or disrupt an opponent's speed and direction. This form of defense is crucial for maintaining control of the game and can occur in various situations, where a skater positions themselves effectively to hinder the progress of an opposing player.

The effectiveness of checking lies in the skater's ability to balance aggression and control without committing fouls, as rules govern how and where players can make contact. Proper checking can create opportunities for the jammer to navigate through the pack more easily while also protecting one’s own team's scoring potential.

The other options describe actions or strategies that do not accurately define checking. For example, knocking a player out of the track is a more aggressive action that goes beyond the intent of a check, while intentionally confusing an opponent is more about strategic maneuvering rather than the physical blocking that checking entails. Lastly, checking is not limited to any specific situation like power jams; it can be used throughout the game regardless of the circumstances.