Turn and Release of the Stone – Traps to Avoid

Sections:

Ethics, Equipment and Conduct

Introduction to Sliding

Balance – Part 1

Balance – Part 2

Delivery – Three Step Technique

Delivery – Five Step Technique

Grip, Rotation and Release of a Rock

Position of the Rock for a Three or Five Step Delivery

Delivery with a Stick

Sweeping

Sweepers’ Roles and Responsibilities

Rules

Roles and Communication Between Players

Sliding – Traps to Avoid

Turn and Release of the Stone – Traps to Avoid

Different Shots and Signals

Timing

Strategies

Strategies – Continued

Trap 1: The Grip

Players often do not have the right grip. A grip that is too firm is to be avoided. The palm of the hand should not touch the handle and players should pay attention to the position of the fingers. Also, the wrist should be in and kept high.

Trap 2: Position of the Handle (clockwise or counter-clockwise)

Beginners are often confused with the rotation requested by the skip. If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask for details. The player should place the handle in a 10 o-clock or 2 o-clock position according to the skip’s request. We sometimes see a handle at 9 o-clock and 3 o-clock, which adversely affects a good release.

Trap 3: Position of the Elbow

When sliding, it is important to keep the arm extended forward. The player’s elbow often tends to be out, which will cause the stone to deviate.

Trap 4: The Moment of Release

The release of the stone should be initiated during the slide before the player starts to lose momentum. Less than a meter away from release, the player rotates the stone back to a 12 o-clock position. The player should feel he or she has control of the stone without having to push it for lack of speed. If you press down on the stone, it will be very difficult to release it at the right moment.

Trap 5: Release While Pushing or Giving a Spinning Effect

Delivery problems are often related to a lack of balance when sliding. Players press down on the stone, which slows it down, and then push with the arm in the hope this will do the trick. Players should then work on their balance.

A spinning effect may be avoided if you remember to keep the fingers in the same position until the moment of release and to never use the wrist. Upon release, the hand is open in a fluid and non-jerky fashion.