All Winter Sports From Curling

Curling is a very simple but still challenging winter sport. Continue reading to learn more about curling, including the history and practices of the sport!

In addition to skiing, ice skating and snowboarding, curling is also a winter sport. You can also practice this sport on the artificial tracks designed for it.

Curling requires strength, skill, and a lot of team spirit, accuracy, and strategy planning ability. This is why it is also called “playing chess on ice”.

The history of curling

The origin of the name Curling is not certain. The name of the species may be related to the English verb “curl”. It was also called the “screaming game”. Most sources agree that the species originated in Scotland.

Although no exact date has been found for the species to be born, experts believe it was born in the 16th century. Experts have found many historical artifacts related to the sport. For example, experts found a curling stone engraved with the year 1511.

This sport was first mentioned in a document dating from 1540. John McQuhin wrote some notations of the sport in Latin. The paintings of Flemish painter Pieter Brueghel Sr. depict scenes from the sport.

People practiced this sport on the ice of a frozen pond or lake. In 1716, the first track was built for the Kilsyth Curling Club in Scotland. The size and weight of the stones ranged from four kilograms to 22 kilograms.

Curling arrived in America in 1807 with Scottish immigrants. They founded the Royal Montreal Curling Club in a Canadian city. In the 20th century, it became an Olympic sport.

The curling stones that players use in this sport also have their own history. Experts have found ancient artifacts that fulfilled the function of a curling stone.

Gameplay

Curling is a team sport that can be practiced on a narrow rectangular ice rink. Two four-player teams compete against each other. Each player rolls two stones per round (i.e., eight stones per round). Players can use the brush to modify the trajectory of the stones.

The principle in the sport is similar to bowling, the goal is to slide the rocks as close as possible to the “goal” that is at the other end of the field.

The players on each team throw in turn alternately with the players on the other side. To achieve their goal, players can make a variety of throws:

Bring the stone as close to the goal as possible.
Push the stone out. An overweight shot to remove stones from the game. Pickup triggers other stones in the house.
Place the stones so that they protect your team’s stones. That way, the opposing team can’t hit them.

The number of rocks closest to the center is counted. But if the next team after the center is from another team, only one point is awarded.

The game is played a certain number of rounds. There can be 8-10 rounds in a match. The team that wins the most points wins. But if the match ends in a draw, an extra round must be played to decide the winner.

There is a time limit for throwing. Each team has 60 minutes to throw stones.

Teams

Curling has four players on each team. Each player has their own special role:

The first member of the team

This is the player who throws in the first round. In other words, he throws the first and second stones. For this reason, we can say that his throw is the easiest, because there is no need to worry about other stones. But his role is very important because the place where the rocks land determines the final game.

Once the first player on the team has used his throw, he must help his teammates. His job is to keep the track slippery in front of the rock.

Another team member

As the name suggests, the player throws another pair of stones. So he throws the third and fourth stones. After using his throws, he also helps his next teammates.

Third or deputy captain

In addition to throwing the fifth and sixth stones, he also assists his teammates, makes notes on the progress of the game, and assists in strategy planning.

This player is the Deputy Captain of the team. In fact, when the captain has time to throw, the Deputy Captain performs the captain’s duties by directing other sweepers.

Captain

The captain is the most important player on the team. Usually he is the most experienced player. He defines strategy by following the game and sweeps.

Because he has to throw the last two stones, his task is the most difficult. This is because the track is full and he has to be very careful.

Equipment

The tools used are:

Stones. They weigh about ten pounds. Each has eight stones, different colors. They are made of solid granite. They have an angled handle at the top.
Broom. Used to sweep the surface of ice onto a rock path by helping it move and increasing its speed and direction.
Sliding sole. It is an insole that players place on the soles of their shoes.

There are no official guidelines or rules for the use of slides. Only championships require a certain consistency within the team.

A goal is an object that players try to aim at with stones.

Curling: contraindications

Curling is above all a strategy game. In fact, according to some studies, decision-making is considered an important part of this sport.

There is no age limit or conditions. Curling is a sport that anyone can enjoy because it offers both physical and psychological challenges.

As with all sports, players must take precautions to avoid injury. Falls can occur because the ice surface is slippery. Players must also be careful with heavy stones.

Curling can be detrimental to your health in some cases. For example, if you suffer from acute lower back pain, leaning down to slide the stones can make back pain worse.

Several studies suggest that people with asthma and allergies should exercise caution when engaging in winter sports in general, as cold air can cause respiratory problems.