The Stone Delivery

On a technical level, the delivery is the key element in the game of curling. Comparable to a billiard shot or a golf swing, a little deviation can result in a big difference to the desire result.

In the game of Curling millimeters are very often decisive in terms of the distance and the direction the stone travels.

How does a delivery work?

The Stance

• The hack foot is pointing at the target (the skip's broom) with the ball of the foot firmly against the back of the hack
• The sliding foot is flat on the ice, slightly ahead and parallel to the hack foot
• The hips and shoulders are level and square to the intended line of delivery
• The upper body is in an erect position with eyes looking at the target
• The stone is placed so it bisects the intended line of delivery

Hip Elevation

• The stone and body move slightly forward, then both legs elevate the hips into a semi-crouch position
• The brush head remains on the ice, adjacent to the stone, to keep the shoulders square
• The eyes remain focused directly at the target

Pull Back Motion

• The stone is pulled back directly on the line of delivery (an imaginary line from the target to the hack foot)
• The sliding foot remains flat on the ice and pointing at the target, as it moves back (beyond the heel of the hack foot)
• A percentage of the body weight is then transferred to the sliding foot
• A definite pause or stop in the motion occurs

Forward Motion

• Stone moves forward along the line of delivery
• Upper body moves forward
• Sliding foot moves in behind the stone under the body for balance
• Thrust is provided by the hack foot/leg

Forward Slide

• The sliding foot is flat on the ice under the body's center axis and slightly toed out to provide a wider base for balance
• The trailing leg is extended behind (preferably toed in or straight)
• Shoulders remain higher than the hips, eyes on target, shoulders and hops square to the line of delivery
• The brush head rests lightly on the ice, slightly ahead of the sliding foot, providing additional stability
• Throwing arm is slightly bent
• Slid and release your stone for the perfect shot

Cleaning the stone

• To ensure that the stone travels consistently, the rim of the stone must be cleaned prior to each delivery.
• Turn the stone over and clean the rim with the brush head or hand
• A small speck of foreign mater on the rim may adversely affect the stone's momentum and direction.

Line of Delivery

• The line of delivery is an imaginary line extending from the hack foot to the skip's brush or target at the playing end.
• You should visualize this line running from the target to the middle of your hack foot. To correctly deliver the stone at the target, you must also position the stone along this line.

The Grip

• You should grip the handle of the stone firmly.
• The index finger and the thumb provide the major guiding force.
• Place the index finger close to the front part of the handle followed closely by the other fingers.
• The thumb presses firmly against the other side of the handle and combines the index finger to provide grip control.
• The "V" formed between the thumb and the index finger should point to the opposite shoulder.
• The handle should rest on the second joint of the fingers.
• The wrist must be kept in a "high" position above the handle
• The palm of the hand should not be in contact with the handle.

Clockwise Turn

• Consider 12 o'clock to be the front of the stone and in the stance position adjust the handle so that the handle's neck is positioned pointing approximately 10 o'clock.
• The handle remains at 10 o'clock during the pullback and forward slide.
• One meter prior to release, the handle is rotated in a positive manner to the 12 o'clock position and the thumb and forefinger release the stone at the same time.
• The stone should rotate 2 to 3 times as it travels the length of the sheet of ice on a draw shot.
• If there are too many rotations (a spinner) the stone will not curl.
• If the stone does not have a positive rotation it may lose it turn or act in a unpredictable manner.

Counterclockwise Turn

• The handle is positioned in the stance at 2 o'clock
• One meter prior to release, the handle is rotated in a positive manner to the 12 o'clock position and the thumb and forefingers release the stone at the same time.

Position of the Throwing Arm

• As the body moves forward from the hack, the throwing arm should develop a small bend at the elbow.
• During the forward slide, the arm must remain in this position until just prior to release when the arm is extended slightly towards the skip's brush.
• This slight extension of the throwing arm assists in developing the correct release motion.
• Keep in mind that the controlled extension of the throwing arm during release is not a push.

Release Point

• The release point is that location on the ice when the stone leaves your hand.
• In actual fact, the release occurs over a distance of one meter.
• A consistent release is necessary in order for the stone to react in a predictable manner.
• It is important that the point of release be relatively consistent.

Follow Through

• The eyes continue concentrating on the skip's broom.
• The throwing arm reaches forward.
• The sliding motion continues behind the stone.