Whether you're looking to get into a new sport or you've just been introduced to the game of curling, you'll want to make sure you're well-equipped with the knowledge you need to succeed. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the sport, including how to dress for the game, what you can expect in the field, and the basics of scoring.sportzstars.com
World's oldest curling stone dates from 1511
Probably the world's oldest curling stone dates from 1511. In fact, there are a few curling stones that date back before that. However, this is by far the earliest known one.
It was found while the foundation of an old house was being dug. It had been shaped neatly with a hammer. It was also inscribed. The inscription reads "J. M.' and dates the stone from 1611. It is 102 inches long and 91 inches across at the broad end.
It is very similar to the Stirling Rock. It is made of blue whinstone, and may be considered a fine specimen of curling-stones of the period. The stone is a gift to the city of Stirling.
It is very rare to find a stone that has an inscription. The only other curling-stone with an inscription is Tam Samson's stone, which has a circumference of 35 3/4 inches and a weight of 54 1/2 pounds. The inscription is on a silver plate.
Another famous curling-stone is the "Jubilee Stone," which was carved by Covenanter Guthrie. It is now a part of the Craufurdland Castle collection. It is said to have been a stone used by curlers at annual feasts, where James Macfarlane, Woodside Cottage, held them.
There are many other ancient curling stones that have been discovered. Two loofie-stones are in the Kirkcudbright Museum, and a third, called the "Tam o' Shanter bonnet," is in the possession of a member of Tweedsmuir Curling Club. Other examples are in the collections of the Breadalbane, Strathfillan, and Glenfalloch Club.
In fact, the first recorded curling games were played on frozen ponds in Scotland. In the last century, the Clans' HaIl was a favourite curling resort.
Scoring for curling
Having the right scoring for curling is essential. It involves a few different factors. First, the ice sheet must be flat and level. Second, players must take turns. Third, the scoreboard must be large enough to display a number of numbers. Finally, the shortest possible distance for a stone to travel is required.
Having the right scoring for curling requires a good understanding of how the game is played. This includes knowing when to sweep, when to throw a draw shot, and when to hit the house.
The most basic scoring for curling is accumulating points. Each team has eight stones and alternates throwing them. A point is awarded to a stone that comes closest to the house centre. A stone can also be knocked in or out of the house. A scoreboard is used to display the scores of the round.
Depending on the skill of the teams, aggressive or defensive playing can be the order of the day. The rules of the game vary from region to region. Traditionally, matches began with the players shaking hands with the opposing team and saying something like "good curling." The game is often played on a rink with a rectangular ice surface.
The most important scoring for curling involves the shortest possible distance for a stone. This is based on the speed of the rock. Having the correct weight for a stone is also important.
The best possible score for an end is when all the stones on the other team are removed. This is done by the skip or vice-skip. The skipper determines the required line, and the vice-skip handles the delivery.
Teamwork
Developing an effective sport team requires a lot of work. Aside from the physical abilities, teamwork also includes the mental and social skills.
While developing a curling program, it is important to instill values in athletes. This includes respect for one another, as well as a spirited way of living.
One of the best ways to demonstrate this is with a mosaic of core values of team sportsmanship. Curling players work as a team to get the best out of each other. This interdependence helps define championship rinks.
The first round of the game consists of eight stones being slid by each team. The team that gets the closest to center wins a point. After 16 rocks are delivered, the points are totaled.
A good rule of thumb is that a stone's path will be slightly different on each ice surface. This is because ice isn't perfectly smooth. To compensate, sweeping is used to make the ice a little less smooth.
The ability to plan is a major key to building a winning team. Teams develop sub-plans which are revised minute by minute.
The Optimal Team Functioning (OTF) model identifies eight key components of a good team. The OTF model includes individual regulation processes as well as concrete actions to manage a team.
The best part about the OTF model is that it can be applied to any sport, not just curling.
The Optimal Team Functioning model was created by examining the behaviors of top-performing teams. This model is based on a variety of research methods, including focus groups with 78 athletes and 10 coaches from 19 high-performance curling teams.
While the OTF model isn't an exhaustive list of possible strategies, it's a useful starting point.
Dressing for curling
Having a good pair of curling shoes can help make your experience more enjoyable. Many curling facilities offer a shoe care program where you can have your shoes cleaned and polished before your session.
When dressing for curling, it's important to remember that you'll be sweeping and throwing 42 pound stones. The best way to keep warm is to wear layers. A light weight fleece jacket is a nice touch if the temperature is cold. Also, a sweater with thumbholes can be a big plus.
The best thing to do is to go early and be on the ice a half hour or so before the draw. This will allow you to get to know the players before the horn sounds. You'll also have time to test your skills on the ice.
In general, dressing for curling should be a fun and casual affair. The most important tip is to wear a smile. Having a good time can be just as important as getting a good score. There are many websites dedicated to explaining all things curling, so look around. Most will even let you sign up for a free class.
Having a solid game plan and proper footwear are the keys to success. There's nothing worse than catching a cold during a match. There are a number of curling clubs in and around Toronto that you can join. Usually, bonspiels are weekend events that offer a three-game guarantee. They're a great way to hone your skills and meet other like-minded enthusiasts.
The best way to dress for curling is to dress for the season. This means wearing more layers and keeping a hat on hand.
Wheelchair curling
Typically played on ice, Wheelchair curling is a sport for people with lower limb disabilities, including congenital malformations, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury. Athletes compete in teams of five, and the goal is to propel a 19-kilogram stone to concentric rings.
The game is played on a sheet of ice with a width of about 15 feet. The ice is marked with six parallel lines, one tee line, one backline, one hackline, and a courtesy line.
The players slide granite stones on the ice. Then, they throw them to a target. The goal is to have the stones closest to the centre of the "house" for a higher score.
In the beginning, only men and women with lower limb disabilities could play. However, in 2006, the International Paralympic Committee granted official medal status to Wheelchair curling for mixed gender teams. This led to a number of countries competing in the sport, including Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, and South Korea.
Wheelchair curling is played in 24 countries, and has a relatively young history. It was introduced in North America and Europe in the late 1990s. Since then, the sport has grown rapidly. It is now a Paralympic sport in 25 countries.
The game is played over eight ends. An extra end may be played if two teams tie. The team that has the closest stones to the centre wins the end. A team's record is calculated and the team with the better record is declared the winner.
Each player on a team slides or throws two stones. A second wheelchair athlete rolls up behind the delivering athlete and holds on to their chair. This helps them get their wheels locked in the correct position.
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