Table of Contents
Curling is a fascinating sport with its own unique terminology. For new fans, understanding these terms can enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of the game. This glossary provides key curling terms to help you get started.
Basic Curling Terms
- Stone: The heavy granite object that players slide down the ice towards the target area.
- Skip: The team captain who directs play and throws the last stones.
- End: A segment of the game where each team throws eight stones.
- House: The circular target area at each end of the ice.
- Button: The center of the house, the closest point to the center.
Playing Techniques and Strategies
- Guard: A stone placed in front of the house to block the opponent’s shot.
- Takeout: A shot that removes an opponent’s stone from the house.
- Draw: A shot aimed to slide the stone into the house.
- Freeze: A shot where the stone is placed directly against another stone, making it difficult to remove.
- Hammer: The last shot in an end, usually considered an advantage.
Common Terms for Game Play
- Burned Stone: A stone that is removed from play because it was touched or moved illegally.
- Skips: The team members who strategize and direct play.
- Sweeping: The action of brushing the ice in front of a moving stone to influence its speed and direction.
- Free Guard Zone: The area in front of the house where guards can be placed without being removed on the first two stones of each team.
- Counting: The process of determining which stones are in the house and scoring points.
Understanding these terms will help new fans follow the game more closely and appreciate the skill and strategy involved in curling. With practice and experience, the language of curling will become second nature.