Russ Howard - Curl To Win: Expert Advice to Improve Your Game

To Team Howard

Barb, Bill, Glenn, Wendy, Steven, and Ashley

BY

2006 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST, MENS CURLING

THE FIRST CURLING GAME I ever watched on television was the final of the 1987 Labatt Brier between Russ Howard and Bernie Sparkes. I dont remember much about the game, but I do remember becoming hooked on curling. Ever since that game, I have been a fan of Russ Howard. His skill, intensity, and knowledge of curling are unmatched. The way he curls and the innovations he has brought to the sport of curling have improved the game for curlers of every generation.

I enjoyed much success early in my career, and through a combination of hard work and a burning desire to win I was able to envision competing in the 2006 Olympics. When Russ Howard agreed to join our squad in May 2005, I knew for sure we were capable of winning gold. With Russ on our team, we had a tremendous opportunity to tap into one of the top minds in curling.

From the moment Russ came on board, it became obvious to me why he is so widely regarded as one of the best curlers ever to play the game. His attention to detail, his determination, and his unwavering quest to get better each and every game were contagious. We used to have a lot of fun at Russs expense about his age, but we were always amazed that he never slowed down. He was always tinkering with his delivery to make it more consistent and reliable under pressure. It didnt stop when we got to Turin, either. Even at the Olympics, he was trying to find ways to improve his shot making and get more curl with his delivery.

Of course, you need not aspire to a national or Olympic championship in order to benefit from Russs book. Whether you are a weekend warrior, local league member, or indeed a provincial-, national-, or international-level athlete, you will become a better curlera winning curlerafter reading Curl to Win.

I REMEMBER SPENDING MANY a Saturday night as a boy in Midland, Ontario, sitting by the television and watching my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Even in those early days, I knew that I would somehow make my mark on the ice; what I didnt know was that it would ultimately be in the sport of curling.

From the very first time I stepped in the hack, I felt my best. No matter what else was happening in my life, the moment I stepped on a sheet of ice I felt at home. I loved the competition, the camaraderie, and the way the game challenged me to get better each and every time out.

I have had the privilege to experience the game from various positions: adviser, advocate, athlete, and nervous father. All have led me to a greater appreciation of the amazing sport of curling.

When I was younger, my dad spent hours with my brother Glenn and me, teaching us the basics and helping us take our game to the next level. Now that my children, Ashley and Steven, have taken up curling at a competitive level too.

Curling is an intricate game that, when played well, is beautiful in its simplicity. In Curl to Win, we will look at how you can improve in everything from throwing and sweeping to shot selection, strategy, and finding your place on a team. Of course, my book would not be complete without a look at the four-rock free guard zone rule that Glenn and I pioneered in 1989. The free guard zone is where games are won and lost, and I will take you through it step by step.

In curling, as in any other sport, consistency should be your goal, but always allow yourself to have fun while you improve. Trust me, if you are having fun, youll play better.

Not once, in everything Ive done, have I ever felt the same wonder and humanity as when Im playing the game of curling.
from the movie Men with Brooms

CURLING ISNT HARD TO DO; its just hard to do well and consistently. The same can be said about the equally addictive pastime of hitting a golf ball. Curling, however, has a number of advantages over golf: your equipment costs are minimal, and membership fees or pay-as-you-play costs are low. Like golf, it can be a sport for life, from Little Rock for kids to stick curling for those in their golden years who need a delivery device to play.

Curlers of every age can go to their nearest curling club and find not only a warm welcome from a very friendly group but also a social hub. You can curl at any level, from recreational curling through club curling to competitive curling.

It is no surprise that many curlers, as I am, are also passionate golfers. There are fundamental similarities between the two great Scottish games. Each requires that players be honourable and honest, that they police themselves. And each game begins and ends with a handshake. Both golf and curling require that you adapt to changing conditions, be prepared for adversity, maximize your advantages, and employ a well-thought-out strategy while capitalizing on opportunities.

One of the wonderful things about the sport of curling is that you dont have to spend a great deal of money to get started.

When choosing curling shoes, remember that the thickness of the Teflon affects your balance and sliding distance. For maximum speed, thicker Teflon is recommended. If youre starting out, a thinner slider will still give you some speed, but will help your balance. The circular recess in the sole of the shoe can improve your balance and stability.

Lets start from the ground up and take a look at footwear. For the novice, a simple running shoe with a clean surface and good removable gripper will do just fine. You can slip a slider over one shoe (your slider foot)these can often be provided by the curling club. Or you can purchase curling shoes with the slider built right in.

For those of you playing at the competitive level, the type of footwear you use is very important. Be conscious of the thickness of the Teflon slider that you are using, because the thicker the slider, the farther you will go. Youll slide more slowly with a slider $$ inch thick than the quarter-inch-thick slider I use, but a thinner, slower slider will help your balance and safety.

In terms of clothing, flexibility is key. It is very hard to be able to get the kind of flexibility you need if youre wearing jeans. I suggest that you look at buying a proper pair of pants specifically designed for curling. In addition to flexibility, warmth and comfort are essential. Ideally, youll want to wear layers and a warm jacket in a colder settingthat way, if youre overdressed you can always remove a layer.