Sweeping

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

Purpose: Reduce Friction Between the Rock and the Sheet of Ice

• Polish the pebbles.
• Eliminate the frost and debris from the sheet’s surface.
• Generate a quick melting of the pebbles to create a thin layer of moisture acting as a lubricant between the ice and the rock.

How Do You hold a broom?

Players shall hold approximately 2/3 of the broom with the non-dominant hand and place the dominant hand a bit lower (1/3) on the broom handle (much like a hockey stick).

Position of Hands on the Broom

What Position Does One Take?

• Place hips to form a 45 degree angle with the line of the rock. Position yourself in front of the rock’s center.
• The player bends forward at waist level so that most of his or her weight is over the sliding foot. In this way, the broom’s head touches the ice. In this position, known as open, the player’s shoulders are in the travelling direction and no obstacle prevents him or her from seeing the other end of the sheet. The player is facing the house.
• Sometimes a player is more comfortable sweeping on one side rather than another. It is important to agree with your partner on the preferred side and to decide who will be sweeping closest to the rock. Ideally, a player should be able to sweep on both sides of the rock

How Does One Proceed?

• Rhythmic and quick motions on the line of delivery in front and in the middle of the rock, not on the sides. Remember that only 6 to 8 inches of the rock’s surface touch the ice.
• Press down on the broom.
• Keep the broom’s angle high, the applied pressure will be more effective.
• If you apply pressure on a scale with your broom, you will see the difference depending on the angle of the broom.
• Stay as close as possible to the rock to get maximum efficiency. But, be careful not to touch the rock! And breathe!
• By combining speed, consistency and pressure in front of the rock, you will gain maximum efficiency.

Repetitive Exercise

When a member of your team delivers rocks, practice sweeping very close, alternating with your partner.