Beginners Guide to Curling
The origins
Curling is often seen as a peculiar and little understood sport that occasionally springs to prominence on TV during world championships and the Winter Olympics. It is a game that it is very popular in Scotland and also something at which our small country is particularly successful, The origin of the game is the subject of much debate and there is evidence of rocks being thrown over ice in the 16th century in both Scotland and Europe. There were strong ties between Scotland and the Flemish countries at that time and it is hardly surprising that nutty outdoor pastimes formed part of the cultural exchange! What is certain however is that the game developed in Scotland and that the establishment of standards for rinks and stones, together with rules took place alongside the appearance of the first clubs. It is likely that emigrating Scots took with them the game to cold countries such as Switzerland, Sweden and Canada. The club game eventually became a national and finally an international event at the 1924 Winter Olympics. The game is characterised by frequent international involvement and the top teams are regular travellers to participate in events overseas.
The ice
The building may be referred to as the Rink but the playing surface for a game is known as the Sheet. Curling is played nowadays in an indoor facility but it was originally an outdoor game played on a loch or a purpose built pond that froze over in winter. The dimensions can vary but a Sheet is roughly 150 feet in length by 15 feet wide. Modern facilities mean that curlers are assured of a clean smooth surface which is ideal for curling. The condition and characteristics of the ice forms an aspect of play and it is part of the skill of the game to master the behaviour of the ice. At each end of the sheet there are circular rings known as the house which forms the scoring target for the game. These rings are known as the 4 foot, 8 foot and 12 foot due to their diameter. The centre of the house is referred to as the button although there are historical alternatives when it would have been possible to see a bottle, skittle or pot lid marking the spot! There is also a rubber block known as a hack from which the players push off to deliver their stones. The ice is also marked with boundary lines and a line known as a hog which has special significance in the course of play. Unlike a skating rink, curling ice is special and it takes a good team and particular talent to manufacture properly. The ice surface is not flat but prepared by spraying small droplets of water on to the surface to form 'pebbles'. Trial and error surely discovered that stones travel much further and more predictably over this type of ice. Experience players know that as the pebble wears down over the course of a game it changes the way the stones run. The refrigeration plant and air conditioning in the curling hall has to be carefully regulated and controlled to make conditions ideal for curling and any variations in this do affect the playing surface.
The stones
Curling is all about the big rocks that are thrown over the ice. The game was originally known as the 'roaring game' because of the sound the stones made as they slid over the ice. They are now of a standard size and weigh around 40 pounds. They are made of granite - often two types as the different parts of the stone require different properties. Stones are traditionally made of granite hewn from Ailsa Craig although there are other sources, notably welsh 'Trefor' granite.
The stone also comprises a handle bolted to the top of the stone and this is used to deliver the stone into play.
All stones on an ice rink are as near as possible identical and the colour of the handles serves only to distinguish the shots of each team.
Experienced players may notice slightly different characteristics of each stone and at the highest level of the game teams have the opportunity to select stones for games.
Apart from the delivery stones should at no time be touched in play as this results in a penalty.
Care should also be taken with stones to ensure they are not damaged by debris on the ice or placed over anything but the ice.
It is also important to remember that a stone in play is a projectile that can trip up an unsuspecting player on an adjacent sheet.
Stones are an integral part of the ice rink and there is no need for players to purchase their own.
The brush
Observers of the game immediately notice the use of the broom.
This is a necessary part of the game and historically the broom would have been essential to clean the path of the stone of ice and snow!
In the modern game however the brush is used more effectively as it changes the direction of the stone by momentarily melting the surface of the ice and causing the stone to curl less and travel further.
A vital aspect of the game is knowing when to apply the brush to a shot and this is where the noisy shouting comes into play as the skip 'encourages' his team with instructions from the house!
The brush has changed the most in recent years from a corn broom to a hair brush and now to a synthetic pad which is very effective in warming up the ice. Curlers may purchase their own brush and many choose to do so but it is perfectly acceptable to use the brushes that are provided for use at each curling rink.
The game
A game of Curling is played by two teams of 4 players who take turns to throw their stones towards the house. The object of the game is to get more stones closer to the centre of the house than the opposing team.
Games usually comprise 8 'ends' but there is also a set time to play determined by the rink. A bell indicates the start of a 2 hour session and another bell to indicate the imminent end of a session. It is common to read of games lasting '8 ends or the bell'. On occasion skips may decide to end a game early if the scores are such that there is little chance of one team winning the game. It is often a sporting gesture to congratulate a team who are clearly winning the game although in club curling the accumulation of shots and ends makes it well worthwhile continuing to the end!
Team leads toss a coin to decide who should start and the first team to play selects their preferred set of stones.
Play starts from the hack where stones are delivered towards the house at the opposite end of the rink where the skip stands 'giving the ice' to indicate where the stone should be thrown.
Players have positions within a team, and the players of each team take two turns to play, alternating with their opposite number and starting with the lead followed by the second and the third. The Skip throws the last two stones.
The Skip directs the game by calling the shots for the other team members and until they play their own shots they can be seen standing in the house indicating where the shots ought to be played.
The lead player is perhaps the least experienced member of a team however the quality of their shots makes a big difference to how the rest of the end is played. In competitive curling the lead stones are very important indeed.
The second player builds on the first and is likely to be required to play behind other stones or 'take out' other stones. They must be able to play a variety of shots accurately. The lead and second form a 'front end' that has a crucial role in getting the upper hand in any end.
The third player has two roles, first they throw stones at an important stage of the end when there are more stones in play and when precise play is necessary to protect or regain a winning position. Secondly they take charge of the house to call the skip stones.
The skip has overall responsibility for the team and directs which shots should be played. They have the ultimate task of playing the final stones and securing a win in each end.
Game Play
Players 'deliver' the stone by holding it by its handle and pushing from the hack using one foot towards the skip at the opposite end of the rink.
There is a lot to remember and there is as much discussion about the delivery as there is about a golf swing!
It is important to note that great strength is not necessary and a good delivery depends upon timing and coordination. It takes a lot of practice to refine the technique and to remain steady throughout the delivery. An efficient action is more likely to result in a straight shot with the correct weight and which achieves it's target.
Stones are usually delivered with a twist, referred to as the 'handle' and it is this that causes the stone to curl or draw either to the left or right as it travels. This is the effect that gives the game it's name and it transforms an otherwise simple idea into a real challenge where no two games are alike. The ability to curl a stone means it is possible to come around other stones and offers a greater variety of ways to approach the house.
Once the stone has been delivered the skip has the option to call the remaining players to sweep in front of the stone. The sweepers slide along the ice with the stone ready to sweep if called to do so. They should do this without touching the stone. Sweeping is useful as it can keep a curling stone straight or cause it to run further. Doing this at the right time can result in a far better shot than an unswept stone.
It is well worth taking a course of lessons to get the best from the game as a good coach can demonstrate an effective way to deliver stones and provide instruction on other aspects of the game.
Scoring
The thirds in a team decide the outcome of each end. The score is recorded on either one of two types of scoreboard, the baseball style or the traditional club style. At Braehead the baseball style is used and it shows the result of each end as it's played. The alternative scoreboard shows total shots on the backboard and teams place end numbers to show when they achieved this score.
Stones have to be in the house to count for scoring and the teams earn a point for every stone that is nearer the centre than the opposition.
Occasionally it is difficult to tell which stone is closest to the centre and there are measuring instruments alongside the rink that are available to settle any potential arguments. In the past the broom would have been used to accomplish this however we now have sophisticated devices to do the job. In competitive play an umpire would carry out this task.
A winning score is recorded on the scoreboard and the winning team plays first in the next end.
Having the 'last stone' is an advantage and is referred to has 'having the hammer'. In competitive matches having last stone advantage is an important strategic element of the game and it can result in play that is often confusing to the newcomer.
A rare occurrence is the blank end in which no stones score. This can be the result of careful tactical play which has allowed teams to remove opposition stones. In competition play this is often seen when teams are reluctant to take a single winning shot but prefer to keep a last stone advantage until they have an opportunity to score more than one shot in an end.
An even more rare occurrence is the end in which a team has all their stones in a scoring position. This is referred to as an '8 ender' - a perfect score. This can be the start of great celebration and it is likely to have a significant bearing not the outcome of a game.
Etiquette
Take Care!
Curling does not look strenuous but you may be surprised. As with any physical pursuit you need to properly warm up so that you reduce the risks of stretch or strain injury.
Beginners and even seasoned players should be careful while moving over the ice surface and it is also important to remember that you do not obstruct or disturb other players when on the ice. Falling on hard ice can lead to severe injury.
Take your time when moving about and especially when starting out. Always step on to ice one foot at a time with a gripper foot first.
Do not step over stones nor attempt to lift or carry stones.
The exception to this is prior to delivering a stone, it is customary to flip over the stone to clean the running band of any particles before play. You may require assistance to do the at the start until you become used to doing this,
Stones out of play should be parked safely at the end of a sheet and take care when moving stones that you do not push them into someone else's way. Be prepared to shout a warning to other curlers should a stone go off target towards an unwary adjacent rink.
Curling is often seen as a peculiar and little understood sport that occasionally springs to prominence on TV during world championships and the Winter Olympics. It is a game that it is very popular in Scotland and also something at which our small country is particularly successful, The origin of the game is the subject of much debate and there is evidence of rocks being thrown over ice in the 16th century in both Scotland and Europe. There were strong ties between Scotland and the Flemish countries at that time and it is hardly surprising that nutty outdoor pastimes formed part of the cultural exchange! What is certain however is that the game developed in Scotland and that the establishment of standards for rinks and stones, together with rules took place alongside the appearance of the first clubs. It is likely that emigrating Scots took with them the game to cold countries such as Switzerland, Sweden and Canada. The club game eventually became a national and finally an international event at the 1924 Winter Olympics. The game is characterised by frequent international involvement and the top teams are regular travellers to participate in events overseas.
The ice
The building may be referred to as the Rink but the playing surface for a game is known as the Sheet. Curling is played nowadays in an indoor facility but it was originally an outdoor game played on a loch or a purpose built pond that froze over in winter. The dimensions can vary but a Sheet is roughly 150 feet in length by 15 feet wide. Modern facilities mean that curlers are assured of a clean smooth surface which is ideal for curling. The condition and characteristics of the ice forms an aspect of play and it is part of the skill of the game to master the behaviour of the ice. At each end of the sheet there are circular rings known as the house which forms the scoring target for the game. These rings are known as the 4 foot, 8 foot and 12 foot due to their diameter. The centre of the house is referred to as the button although there are historical alternatives when it would have been possible to see a bottle, skittle or pot lid marking the spot! There is also a rubber block known as a hack from which the players push off to deliver their stones. The ice is also marked with boundary lines and a line known as a hog which has special significance in the course of play. Unlike a skating rink, curling ice is special and it takes a good team and particular talent to manufacture properly. The ice surface is not flat but prepared by spraying small droplets of water on to the surface to form 'pebbles'. Trial and error surely discovered that stones travel much further and more predictably over this type of ice. Experience players know that as the pebble wears down over the course of a game it changes the way the stones run. The refrigeration plant and air conditioning in the curling hall has to be carefully regulated and controlled to make conditions ideal for curling and any variations in this do affect the playing surface.
The stones
Curling is all about the big rocks that are thrown over the ice. The game was originally known as the 'roaring game' because of the sound the stones made as they slid over the ice. They are now of a standard size and weigh around 40 pounds. They are made of granite - often two types as the different parts of the stone require different properties. Stones are traditionally made of granite hewn from Ailsa Craig although there are other sources, notably welsh 'Trefor' granite.
The stone also comprises a handle bolted to the top of the stone and this is used to deliver the stone into play.
All stones on an ice rink are as near as possible identical and the colour of the handles serves only to distinguish the shots of each team.
Experienced players may notice slightly different characteristics of each stone and at the highest level of the game teams have the opportunity to select stones for games.
Apart from the delivery stones should at no time be touched in play as this results in a penalty.
Care should also be taken with stones to ensure they are not damaged by debris on the ice or placed over anything but the ice.
It is also important to remember that a stone in play is a projectile that can trip up an unsuspecting player on an adjacent sheet.
Stones are an integral part of the ice rink and there is no need for players to purchase their own.
The brush
Observers of the game immediately notice the use of the broom.
This is a necessary part of the game and historically the broom would have been essential to clean the path of the stone of ice and snow!
In the modern game however the brush is used more effectively as it changes the direction of the stone by momentarily melting the surface of the ice and causing the stone to curl less and travel further.
A vital aspect of the game is knowing when to apply the brush to a shot and this is where the noisy shouting comes into play as the skip 'encourages' his team with instructions from the house!
The brush has changed the most in recent years from a corn broom to a hair brush and now to a synthetic pad which is very effective in warming up the ice. Curlers may purchase their own brush and many choose to do so but it is perfectly acceptable to use the brushes that are provided for use at each curling rink.
The game
A game of Curling is played by two teams of 4 players who take turns to throw their stones towards the house. The object of the game is to get more stones closer to the centre of the house than the opposing team.
Games usually comprise 8 'ends' but there is also a set time to play determined by the rink. A bell indicates the start of a 2 hour session and another bell to indicate the imminent end of a session. It is common to read of games lasting '8 ends or the bell'. On occasion skips may decide to end a game early if the scores are such that there is little chance of one team winning the game. It is often a sporting gesture to congratulate a team who are clearly winning the game although in club curling the accumulation of shots and ends makes it well worthwhile continuing to the end!
Team leads toss a coin to decide who should start and the first team to play selects their preferred set of stones.
Play starts from the hack where stones are delivered towards the house at the opposite end of the rink where the skip stands 'giving the ice' to indicate where the stone should be thrown.
Players have positions within a team, and the players of each team take two turns to play, alternating with their opposite number and starting with the lead followed by the second and the third. The Skip throws the last two stones.
The Skip directs the game by calling the shots for the other team members and until they play their own shots they can be seen standing in the house indicating where the shots ought to be played.
The lead player is perhaps the least experienced member of a team however the quality of their shots makes a big difference to how the rest of the end is played. In competitive curling the lead stones are very important indeed.
The second player builds on the first and is likely to be required to play behind other stones or 'take out' other stones. They must be able to play a variety of shots accurately. The lead and second form a 'front end' that has a crucial role in getting the upper hand in any end.
The third player has two roles, first they throw stones at an important stage of the end when there are more stones in play and when precise play is necessary to protect or regain a winning position. Secondly they take charge of the house to call the skip stones.
The skip has overall responsibility for the team and directs which shots should be played. They have the ultimate task of playing the final stones and securing a win in each end.
Game Play
Players 'deliver' the stone by holding it by its handle and pushing from the hack using one foot towards the skip at the opposite end of the rink.
There is a lot to remember and there is as much discussion about the delivery as there is about a golf swing!
It is important to note that great strength is not necessary and a good delivery depends upon timing and coordination. It takes a lot of practice to refine the technique and to remain steady throughout the delivery. An efficient action is more likely to result in a straight shot with the correct weight and which achieves it's target.
Stones are usually delivered with a twist, referred to as the 'handle' and it is this that causes the stone to curl or draw either to the left or right as it travels. This is the effect that gives the game it's name and it transforms an otherwise simple idea into a real challenge where no two games are alike. The ability to curl a stone means it is possible to come around other stones and offers a greater variety of ways to approach the house.
Once the stone has been delivered the skip has the option to call the remaining players to sweep in front of the stone. The sweepers slide along the ice with the stone ready to sweep if called to do so. They should do this without touching the stone. Sweeping is useful as it can keep a curling stone straight or cause it to run further. Doing this at the right time can result in a far better shot than an unswept stone.
It is well worth taking a course of lessons to get the best from the game as a good coach can demonstrate an effective way to deliver stones and provide instruction on other aspects of the game.
Scoring
The thirds in a team decide the outcome of each end. The score is recorded on either one of two types of scoreboard, the baseball style or the traditional club style. At Braehead the baseball style is used and it shows the result of each end as it's played. The alternative scoreboard shows total shots on the backboard and teams place end numbers to show when they achieved this score.
Stones have to be in the house to count for scoring and the teams earn a point for every stone that is nearer the centre than the opposition.
Occasionally it is difficult to tell which stone is closest to the centre and there are measuring instruments alongside the rink that are available to settle any potential arguments. In the past the broom would have been used to accomplish this however we now have sophisticated devices to do the job. In competitive play an umpire would carry out this task.
A winning score is recorded on the scoreboard and the winning team plays first in the next end.
Having the 'last stone' is an advantage and is referred to has 'having the hammer'. In competitive matches having last stone advantage is an important strategic element of the game and it can result in play that is often confusing to the newcomer.
A rare occurrence is the blank end in which no stones score. This can be the result of careful tactical play which has allowed teams to remove opposition stones. In competition play this is often seen when teams are reluctant to take a single winning shot but prefer to keep a last stone advantage until they have an opportunity to score more than one shot in an end.
An even more rare occurrence is the end in which a team has all their stones in a scoring position. This is referred to as an '8 ender' - a perfect score. This can be the start of great celebration and it is likely to have a significant bearing not the outcome of a game.
Etiquette
- Always arrive at the ice on time and be prepared to start curling when the ice is ready.
- Make sure your shoes are clean before stepping on to the ice.
- Be ready to deliver your stone when your turn comes.
- Never cross in front of another player when they are in the hack and about to play, or in front of a running stone.
- Always stand still, at the side of the sheet, when an opponent is in the hack.
- Do not move into the centre of the ice before or after the opposition stone has been played.
- Allow the player and his team to see the shot. Do not stand behind the house or inside the house unless you are the skip or acting skip.
- Skips should stand behind the house when the opposition is delivering. Never do anything, such as moving behind the opposition skip or talking across the hack, which might distract the opposition (or your own) player on the hack.
- Do not damage the ice surface by banging your brush or resting your hand on the ice after your delivery.
- Be careful that you do not leave anything on the ice - this can mean anything from your pockets to hairs from your brush, debris from your feet or threads from clothing which and interfere with a travelling stone or worse cause someone to trip.
- If you are a sweeper and one of your team is in the hack then you should position yourself back in line with the player and to the side. When your player begins his downswing you should start to move up the ice and be ready to sweep when necessary.
- On the ice your skip is in charge – do not argue (at least until after the game!).
- Curling games are traditionally started and finished by shaking hands.
- Do not rest your hands or knees on the ice as this results in damage to the ice surface that is not appreciated by your fellow curlers.
- Be aware of play around you and be prepared to catch stones from other rinks and to stop stones from your own rink running into adjacent rinks.
- Be courteous and accommodating of other players on the ice and be careful as the ice is dangerous.
- Curling is a subtle and strategic game that takes time to appreciate. It is above all a sociable game in which the participants abide by the rules and play in a good spirit, retiring to the bar after the game to keep up the conversation.
Take Care!
Curling does not look strenuous but you may be surprised. As with any physical pursuit you need to properly warm up so that you reduce the risks of stretch or strain injury.
Beginners and even seasoned players should be careful while moving over the ice surface and it is also important to remember that you do not obstruct or disturb other players when on the ice. Falling on hard ice can lead to severe injury.
Take your time when moving about and especially when starting out. Always step on to ice one foot at a time with a gripper foot first.
Do not step over stones nor attempt to lift or carry stones.
The exception to this is prior to delivering a stone, it is customary to flip over the stone to clean the running band of any particles before play. You may require assistance to do the at the start until you become used to doing this,
Stones out of play should be parked safely at the end of a sheet and take care when moving stones that you do not push them into someone else's way. Be prepared to shout a warning to other curlers should a stone go off target towards an unwary adjacent rink.
