Turriff - Curling: steps to success

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Turriff, Sean, 1969- author.

Title: Curling : steps to success / Sean Turriff.

Description: Champaign : Human Kinetics, [2016]

Identifiers: LCCN 2016012046 (print) | LCCN 2016031642 (ebook) | ISBN

9781492515777 (print) | ISBN 9781492542650 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Curling.

Classification: LCC GV845 .T87 2016 (print) | LCC GV845 (ebook) | DDC

796.964--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016012046

ISBN: 978-1-4925-1577-7 (print)

Copyright 2017 by Human Kinetics, Inc.

All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

The web addresses cited in this text were current as of May 2016, unless otherwise noted.

Acquisitions Editor: Diana Vincer

Senior Developmental Editor: Cynthia McEntire

Managing Editor: Nicole Moore

Copyeditor: Patricia MacDonald

Senior Graphic Designer: Keri Evans

Cover Designer: Keith Blomberg

Photograph (cover): Photodisc/Getty Images

Photographs (interior): Anil Mungal

Visual Production Assistant: Joyce Brumfield

Photo Production Manager: Jason Allen

Art Manager: Kelly Hendren

Illustrations: Human Kinetics

Printer: Premier Print Group

We thank the Richmond Hill Curling Club in Richmond Hill, Ontario, for assistance in providing the location for the photo shoot for this book.

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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I dedicate this book to my wife Tracey Turriff. She is a ray of sunshine that lights up all those who know her with a glow from inside that seems to only ever grow brighter. She is a wonderful mother and wife, and I love her very much.

To say that the sport of curling is unique is an understatement. Many aspects of the game are different from other sports, but even the perception of the game by people who dont play is unique. The majority of people, particularly in countries with colder winters, are at least familiar with the sport, and it is interesting that there is a significant fan base of people who will watch curling on television but who dont actually understand how the game is played let alone play themselves. Many fans who can be enticed to try the game fall in love with it for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the broad range of skills and broad level of competition that the game offers. Curling: Steps to Success goes beyond an initial introduction of the sport of curling and gives players, coaches, and teachers of the game direction on all the fundamental aspects of the sport that must be mastered in order to be successful.

Many people are surprised to discover how accessible curling is. There is a misconception that the sport has some exclusivity associated with it, and a number of factors contribute to this. The reality is that the sport of curling is easy to pick up and easy to stay with for a lifetime. Once people get involved in the sport, they often find many reasons to keep themselves involved for the long term. The game can be played at a variety of levels across a broad age range. Men can play with women both competitively and socially. Its relatively inexpensive and requires a minimum of specialized equipment to get started. For the most part, the biggest hurdle people have to overcome when getting started is general inexperience with the sport, which creates some mystery around it. After all, there are no pickup curling games being played outside organized facilities.

The goal of Curling: Steps to Success is to introduce the sport to people unfamiliar with it and also to lay out a path for skill development for those who want to improve in the game. Understanding the basics of the game is relatively easy; however, players naturally want to develop their skills so that they see progression in their efforts. Curling: Steps to Success leads you through the fundamental skills the sport demands and helps you improve those skills. Regardless of your current level, Curling: Steps to Success will help you enjoy the game as you increase both your ability and confidence.

Curling: Steps to Success will also guide teachers and coaches who are interested in helping their athletes achieve more in the sport. The book identifies fundamental skills that athletes need to master and gives detailed instruction on technique and how to develop these skills. Drills and exercises as well as detailed descriptions of form will help instructors properly direct players toward success.

Curling: Steps to Success progresses through skills in a systematic way, continually building on previous fundamentals in order to provide a complete understanding of what is required to be a successful curler. For each step, follow this sequence:

1. Read the explanation of the skill covered in the step, why the step is important, and how to execute the step.
2. Study the photos and illustrations for a visual explanation of the step.
3. Read the instructions for the drills. Practice the drills and record your results.
4. Have a qualified observer evaluate your skill technique once you have completed each set of drills.
5. At the end of each step, review your performance and scores from the drills. Once you are satisfied with your performance level for that skill, move on to the next step.

Repetition is extremely important; however, following the steps precisely is the key to improving. Practice does not in fact make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect permanently, so it is important that you repeat the skills with precision in order to master them. Approach each skill with patience, diligence, and an open mind. As you progress through the book, you will find areas that pose significant difficulties, but if you follow the steps as described, your skills will improve. Many of the drills have variations in difficulty. As you monitor your progress, push your skills further by using the drill variations.

Curling is a rich sport in that there are many rewards at many levels. It is a sport that people can participate in for life, and many do. Improving your skills will make the game more enjoyable, regardless of the level at which you play. Curling: Steps to Success will help you become the player you really want to be.