Mastering the Curling Delivery

Curling is a sport that demands precision, technique, and an understanding of the various factors influencing a stone's path. Mastering the curling delivery is essential for success on the ice. This guide will break down the fundamental techniques, key concepts, and advanced skills necessary for achieving an effective delivery.

The Basics: A Balanced Delivery with Tempo

A successful curling delivery is built on two key components: balance and tempo.

Balance

Maintaining balance is crucial. Throughout your delivery, your body should remain centered over your sliding foot, preventing lateral movement. This alignment ensures that all your energy is directed forward, promoting a straight line of delivery and consistent weight control.

Tempo

Tempo refers to the rhythm of your delivery. A recommended approach is the 1-2-3 cadence:

1. Forward Press: Initiate the delivery by moving the stone slightly forward.
2. Drawback and Step: Pull the stone back while stepping onto your sliding foot.
3. Slide: Finally, slide forward as your foot moves beneath you.

This cadence helps create a smooth and controlled delivery, setting the stage for accuracy.

The Five Steps of the Curling Delivery

The curling delivery can be broken down into five distinct steps:

1. Setup

• Position the ball of your hack foot against the back of the hack.
• Squat down with your weight primarily on your hack foot.
• Place your sliding foot ahead of your hack foot and position your broom in front of it.
• Cock the handle of the stone at a 45-degree angle and visualize your shot.

2. Forward Press

Gently press the stone forward while counting "one" in your cadence.

3. Drawback and Step

• Draw the stone back first, then your foot, while slightly raising your hips.
• Delay the sliding foot’s movement to allow your body to settle into position before stepping back onto it (counting "two").

4. Slide

• Move both your body and the stone forward, delaying your sliding foot for a second time as your body drops into the sliding position (counting "three").
• Quickly position your sliding foot under your chest, ensuring your heel is aligned with the line of delivery.

5. Release

As you approach the release point near the hog line:

• Rotate the stone while straightening your arm.
• Aim for 3-4 rotations as the stone travels down the sheet.
• Release the stone with a smooth motion, avoiding lateral movement.

Key Concepts for a Successful Delivery

The Sliding Foot Delay

Delaying the sliding foot during the delivery is critical for generating power from gravity. This technique should be subtle to maintain fluidity and avoid pushing the stone.

Positive Release

The release should be controlled and smooth. Ensure that the stone moves away from your body while maintaining a clockwise rotation (for right-handed curlers). Avoid a snap release, as this can lead to inconsistent curl.

Line of Delivery

Keep the stone on the line of delivery throughout the process. Any deviation will make hitting your target more challenging.

Weight Control

Mastering weight control is vital for accuracy. Adjust your weight by modifying your power during delivery, focusing on the weight shift, body drop, and leg drive. Beginners should practice drawing shots at varying weights, such as short of the house, top of the house, and back of the house.

Troubleshooting

Utilize troubleshooting resources to identify and correct common delivery issues, such as unbalanced delivery or drifting stones. This will help refine your technique over time.

Advanced Delivery Skills

Once you've mastered the fundamentals, you can explore advanced skills to enhance your delivery further:

Manipulating the Curl Profile

Adjust your release and sweeping techniques to manipulate the curl profile of your stone. Techniques like diagonal sweeping can either keep the stone straight or increase its curl.

Axis Analysis

This technique involves examining your body’s position in relation to three primary axes (vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal) to identify balance issues or unwanted rotations.

Practice and Feedback

The path to mastering the curling delivery is paved with consistent practice and feedback. Apply the principles outlined here, seek input from teammates and coaches, and consider using video analysis to assess your technique and make necessary adjustments.

Summary

Mastering the curling delivery is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt. By understanding and consistently applying the key concepts discussed, you can develop a delivery that will help you reach your full potential on the ice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced curler, refining your technique will enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game.