Balance – Part 1

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

Balance Exercise Opposite the sidewalk

Players are on the ice without a rock or broom, opposite the sidewalk. Have players take the final sliding position with both arms on the edge of the sidewalk. The back leg should be extended as far as possible. Once the player is comfortable and balanced, have him or her lift arms 8 to 10 cm away from the edge of the sidewalk and find the balance point in this sliding position.

Balance exercise

Repeat the sliding technique while concentrating on balance.

1. Approach the hack from behind.
2. Place non-sliding foot in hack, toe at approximately 2-6 cm of the end of the hack.
3. Step forward, sliding foot beside the non-sliding foot in heel-toe position (about 30 cm apart) so as feet are parallel and offset to allow a stable and comfortable position.
4. Squat down.
5. Place the broom or stabilizer making sure the head, shoulders and knees are aligned towards the target.
6. Hips should be raised so that the back is parallel to the ice.
7. Place the sliding foot between the non-sliding foot and the hand holding the rock, giving it a 45-degree open and outward angle while remaining comfortable.
8. Slide by sing with the foot in the hack.

Tips

Make sure your shoulders are straight and parallel. If shoulders lean to one side or another, you will press down on the rock or stabilizer and will lose your balance.
The weight of your body should mostly be on the sliding foot. If the body is too far backward, there will be imbalance.