What is the recommended technique for making a sharp turn in roller derby?

Bending your knees and leaning into the turn is the recommended technique for making a sharp turn in roller derby because it provides better stability and control. When you bend your knees, your center of gravity lowers, which helps maintain balance. Leaning into the turn allows you to counteract the forces trying to push you outward, helping to prevent falls and maintain speed. This technique also enables you to carve a tighter angle, which is essential for maneuvering around opponents and obstacles on the track.

In contrast, keeping your legs straight and leaning back can throw you off balance and make it difficult to control your skating. Turning your head while remaining upright does not effectively change your body's center of gravity or leverage the skates' edges to carve a turn. Lastly, skating faster can indeed help with turns but is not a substitute for proper technique. Speed without control can lead to losing balance, making it harder to navigate turns effectively.