Curling Glossary: Your Essential Guide To Curling Terms

Alright, curling enthusiasts, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, getting a handle on the curling jargon can sometimes feel like trying to slide a stone on a freshly pebbled sheet. Fear not! This curling glossary is your ultimate guide to understanding all the essential terms, from the hack to the hammer. We'll break down the lingo, so you can confidently discuss strategies, cheer on your favorite team, and maybe even impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. So, grab your brush, and let's dive into the fascinating world of curling!

Understanding Curling: Key Terms and Definitions

Delivery

The delivery is the moment when a curler releases the stone. It’s a crucial aspect of the game, influencing the stone's speed, direction, and curl. A smooth and consistent delivery is key to making accurate shots. The delivery involves a coordinated motion, including the stance, slide, and release. The curler pushes off the hack (the starting block) and slides down the sheet of ice, delivering the stone with a specific weight and line.

Sweeping

Sweeping is an essential part of the game that significantly impacts the stone's path. Sweepers use brushes to alter the ice surface in front of the moving stone. This action reduces friction, allowing the stone to travel farther and curl less. Sweeping can also be used to influence the stone's line and adjust its final position. The effectiveness of sweeping depends on the weight of the stone, the ice conditions, and the sweepers' skill in applying the right amount of pressure and rhythm.

Shot

In curling, a shot refers to the act of delivering a stone down the sheet. Shots can be offensive or defensive, with the goal of either scoring points or preventing the opponent from scoring. There are various types of shots, each with its own specific strategy and execution. The success of a shot depends on factors such as the delivery, the weight, the line, and the curl. Some common shots include draws, takeouts, and guards.

Hog Line

The hog line is a critical boundary on the sheet. The stone must be released before reaching the hog line at the delivery end, and it must completely cross the hog line at the target end to be in play. If a stone is released before the hog line, it's removed from play. If a stone fails to completely cross the far hog line, it is also removed.

House

The house is the circular target area at each end of the sheet. Points are scored based on the position of the stones within the house at the end of each end (or inning). The house is defined by concentric circles, with the button (the center) being the highest-scoring area.

Sheet

The sheet is the rectangular area of ice where the game is played. It's carefully prepared to create a smooth surface with a slight pebble (tiny bumps of ice) to influence the stone's curl. The sheet is marked with various lines, including the hog lines, tee line, and center line, which are essential for determining shots and scoring.

Hack

The hack is the foot-hold at each end of the sheet from which the delivery is made. It provides the curler with a stable starting point and helps generate the necessary force to propel the stone down the ice. The hack design and placement are crucial for a consistent and effective delivery.

Button

The button is the bullseye, the center of the house. A stone closest to the button at the end of an end scores the most points. The button is also a critical target for draws and other shots aimed at accumulating points.

Tee Line

The tee line is a line that crosses the center of the house. It helps in determining the proximity of stones to the button and thus the points scored. The position of stones relative to the tee line is essential in scoring and strategy.

Guard

A guard is a stone strategically placed in front of another stone to protect it from being knocked out by an opponent’s shot. Guards can be played to control the house, block the path, or set up future shots.

Curling Strategies and Techniques

Draw

A draw is a shot where the stone is delivered with enough weight to reach the house. The goal is to place the stone within the house to score points, often near or on the button. Draws require precise weight and line control.

Takeout

A takeout is a shot where the delivered stone is intended to knock another stone out of play. Takeouts are used to remove opponent's stones from the house or to clear the ice for future shots. Precise weight and line are essential for takeouts.

Raise

A raise is a shot where a stone is used to push another stone forward into a better position, often closer to the button. It's a strategic move to optimize the positioning of stones within the house and to score points.

Double Takeout

A double takeout involves a shot that removes two opponent stones from play. This is a higher-risk, higher-reward move designed to drastically change the scoring situation or clear the house of opponent stones. It requires exceptional weight and line accuracy.

Blank End

A blank end occurs when no points are scored in an end. This happens when no stones are within the house or when all stones are removed. A team may choose to blank an end to retain the hammer (the last stone advantage) for the next end.

Hammer

The hammer is the last stone advantage in an end. It's a crucial strategic advantage, allowing the team to attempt a game-winning shot or maximize their scoring opportunity. The team that scores in an end typically does not have the hammer in the next end.

Weight

Weight refers to the amount of force applied to the stone during the delivery. It determines how far the stone travels down the sheet. Precise weight control is crucial for various shots, including draws, takeouts, and setting up guards.

Line

The line refers to the intended path of the stone down the sheet. Curl (the curving path of the stone) and sweeping affect the line. Accurate line control, combined with the correct weight, is essential for making successful shots and achieving the desired outcome.

Curl

The curl is the curved trajectory of the stone as it travels down the ice. The curl is influenced by the pebble on the ice surface and the stone's rotation during delivery. Understanding and predicting curl is critical for accurate shots.

Curling Terminology: Describing Stone Movement and Ice Conditions

Keen

When referring to ice conditions, keen indicates that the stone curls significantly. This makes it challenging to predict the stone's final position and requires precise line and weight adjustments.

Heavy

A stone is considered heavy if it is delivered with too much weight, causing it to travel farther than intended. This can result in the stone overshooting the target or going through the house.

Light

A stone is light when it doesn’t have enough weight and doesn't reach the intended target. This results in the stone falling short, potentially leaving it vulnerable to the opposing team's shots.

Peel

A peel is a shot where the stone is delivered with the intention of knocking an opponent’s stone off the ice while also staying in play. It is a strategic move, combining a takeout with a defensive element.

Back-Weight

Back-weight refers to delivering a stone with the correct weight to reach a specific point, often the house, or a particular spot on the ice. This is important when setting up guards or executing draws.

Front-Weight

Front-weight indicates delivering the stone with the weight to reach a specific point in front of the house. It is often used for setting up guards or placing stones in a strategic position to influence the flow of the game.

Curling Roles and Positions

Skip

The skip is the team’s strategist and shot-caller. They stand at the house and direct the shots, providing guidance on weight, line, and strategy. The skip is also responsible for sweeping and making critical decisions during the end.

Vice-Skip

The vice-skip assists the skip by providing insights and advice on strategies. They typically sweep and play stones, ensuring the skip's strategic vision is realized. They also take over calling shots when the skip is delivering.

Second

The second is a player who delivers stones and sweeps under the direction of the skip. They play a crucial role in delivering shots, sweeping stones, and implementing the team’s strategy. They must be skilled in both delivery and sweeping.

Lead

The lead is the first player to deliver stones in each end. They set up the end and contribute to the overall strategy, often playing guards and setting up the house. They must be skilled in precise delivery and tactical shot selection.

Coach

The coach provides strategic advice, analyzes opponents, and offers guidance to the team. They observe the game and offer support to the skip and other team members, offering perspectives and alternative options.

Brush

A brush is used for sweeping. Brushes come in different types, with varying handle materials and head compositions, each designed to optimize the sweeping process and curl of the stone.

Stone

The stone is the granite object used in curling. Each stone weighs between 38 and 44 pounds. The design and quality of the stone are critical for the game, influencing curl, line, and weight.

Handle

The handle is attached to the top of the stone, allowing the curler to grip and rotate the stone during delivery. The handle's design and grip affect the curler’s control and the stone's trajectory.

Running Surface

The running surface is the part of the stone that comes in contact with the ice. The quality and condition of the running surface are essential for the stone's performance.

Ice

The ice is the specially prepared surface upon which curling is played. The ice is carefully pebbled and maintained to provide a consistent playing surface and control the stone's curl.

Pebble

The pebble refers to the small droplets of water frozen onto the ice surface. The pebble creates friction and affects the stone's curl. The size and consistency of the pebble are crucial for ice conditions.

And there you have it, folks! With this curling glossary in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to understand the game, follow the action, and maybe even impress your friends with your newfound curling knowledge. Now go out there and enjoy the game! If you like this article, be sure to share it with your friends and stay tuned for more curling tips and tricks!