What is a common agility drill used by derby skaters?

Lateral shuffles are indeed a common agility drill used by derby skaters because they specifically enhance side-to-side movement, which is crucial in roller derby gameplay. This drill helps skaters develop balance, coordination, and rapid changes in direction, all essential skills for maneuvering around opponents and navigating within the pack. It requires engaging the core, maintaining a low center of gravity, and keeping knees bent, which are all critical for stability and speed while skating.

In contrast, straight-line sprints primarily work on forward speed, not the lateral movement needed in derby. Jumping in place helps with vertical explosiveness but does not focus on maintaining the agility necessary for quick lateral movements. Skating backward is valuable for backward skating skills, but it does not target the same lateral agility needed in many derby situations compared to lateral shuffles.