Curling is a winter Olympic sport in which the most important thing is precision and the right tactics. To play curling you only need three items: proper shoes, a brush and granite stones. And the skating rink, of course! The players, however, have to face unusual rules of the game. Perhaps it is thanks to them that such an inconspicuous sport evokes so much emotions? Find out what curling is, learn about its rules and the fascinating code of honor.

Curlingis a winter sport originating in Scotland. The history of curling dates back to the Middle Ages, and the sport already aroused considerable controversy and interest. Today it is cultivated almost all over the world.

Curling - what is curling?

Curling is one of the disciplines of the Winter Olympics. The rules of curling are very simple, but at the same time bring a lot of emotions. This is because curling is an extremely precise, dynamic sport that is always played in accordance with the honorary curling code. The equipment for this spectacular sport does not require a lot of preparation from the players, all you need is appropriate shoes with two different soles, an ice scrubbing brush and stones - the main element of the game, on which the victory of one of the two teams depends.

Curling - game rules

The rules of curling are not complicated. Curling is played on a rectangular ice sheet on which two sets of special circles, called houses, are drawn. Two teams of four players can take part in the game. Each team is awarded 8 stones of different colors (commonly known as teapots), and the game is based on their alternating glides - once for one team, then for another. The object of the game is to place the stones as close to the center of the circle (house) as possible. The team with the most stones in the house wins and points are awarded for their distance from the center of the circle.

To control the stone's path, you need to give it the right angle and rotation. In order to improve the stone's trajectory, it is acceptable to brush the ice sheet, which improves its path and increases the distance. One curling match usually has eight rounds and a maximum of eight points can be scored in one round of play. To win, you need to choose the right tactics. Among the most effective and used tactics can behighlight:

  • breaking the opponent's stones and putting your own in his place, the so-called bump
  • remove the opponent's stone from the game, i.e. take-out
  • remove two stones: target and opponent, called peel
  • setting up a guard
  • precise hit on target (draw).

Curling - equipment

The curling equipment mainly consists of properly made shoes, a brush and special stones for the game:

  • Shoes - curling shoes must be made in a special way so that they are both anti-skid and allow them to slide. This is determined by the characteristics of the game, in which one foot pushes against the ice, and the other one slides on the surface. This way, two different shoe soles were created: one shoe has a Teflon sole to allow it to move freely on ice, and the other shoe's sole is covered with anti-skid rubber for good stabilization.
  • Stones - The curling stones are made of high-quality Ailsite granite quarried from the Scottish Isle of Ayrshire. The stone weighs a maximum of 19.96 kg, the top is flat and polished, and the bottom is concave. Thanks to the handle attached to the upper part of the stone, it can be rotated accordingly.
  • Brush - allows you to change the path of movement by brushing the ice, which increases its temperature and affects the speed and friction force of the stone on its way to the destination. Brushing is also performed when it is necessary to remove irregularities from the ice surface.

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Curling - code of honor

Curling is probably one of the most honorable sports in the world! Why? Curling has its own code that every self-respecting player should follow. Moreover, this is not a mandatory code for every player, but in order to become a real curler and gain the respect of other players, you cannot remain indifferent to him.

The rules of the code for curling include the following guidelines:

  1. Players should be ready for the match at least 15 minutes in advance, arriving at the rink.
  2. Each competitor should report any mistakes they make themselves.
  3. Each player is required to report fouls himself.
  4. Players should not show the joy of being committed by the teamopposite of errors.
  5. Before the game starts, players must say hello to each other and wish each other good luck.
  6. Distracting a player who is releasing a stone is not allowed in any way.
  7. Players should not delay the game, but must always be prepared to start the next game turn.
  8. After the game is over, each player should shake hands with the rivals and thank the players of his and the other team.
  9. The real curler prefers to lose than win by cheating.

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Curling - what skills does curling develop?

Curling is a sport in which the most important thing is precision, quickness, focus and good physical endurance. The time of the game is quite long, and during its duration, you should maintain certain body positions and maintain a stable figure to guide the stone's movement path well.

Curling certainly develops the muscles of the whole body, especially deep muscles, stabilizing the figure and helping to maintain the proper posture. The legs work the most here - thanks to frequent kneeling, lunges and stoops, as well as well-developed arm muscles, they will certainly affect the power of the throw and its accuracy.

In addition to physical skills, curling also develops logical and strategic thinking, which is extremely important in this game. And most importantly - thanks to the curling code, this discipline teaches the rules of fair-play, which are extremely important both in sport and in life.

Everyone can play curling. People with full and disabilities, old and young, people of all ages - from 6- to 100-year-olds.

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Do you know that

Lola Holmes from Vancouver, Canada, turned 100 in September 2022 and became the world's oldest curler. She got interested in curling at the age of 25, but after a year of training, she gave up the sport. She returned to him in retirement at the age of 80. Since then, in winter, he trains twice a week in the senior league. In summer, he practices tai chi and walks 45 minutes a day. Until recently, she also swam regularly. He plays bridge 4 times a week to stay mentally fit.

- I think curling keeps me he althy for so long - says Lola Holmes. - My love for curling comes from the fact that I can still exercise on the ice rink, that I am still moving. And I have great friends here. This is a great way to keep your body and mind alive. I am very lucky in life, but I think most of itpeople are able to achieve much more than they think - he adds.

See how the world's oldest curler trains

Curling - story

The history of curling began in the Middle Ages! This probably happened in Scotland, where in 1511 the first written evidence of a competition in throwing stones on ice was found. The first appearance of the term "curling" in Scottish notes dates back to 1620 by Henry Adamson.

Further evidence for such an early existence of curling as a sport are two paintings depicting the discipline: "Hunters in the snow" and "Winter landscape with skaters and a bird trap" by Pieter Bruegel.

The name curling comes from the Scottish verb "curr", which means the low, rough sound of a rock sliding across the ice. Initially, large, flat stones in a raw state were used for the game, but over time they began to be carefully processed so that the thrower had more control over the equipment.

The first-ever official curling club, the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, is located in Perth, Scotland, and the first curling association was established in the United States in 1832.

Today, curling is gaining popularity almost all over the world, thanks to numerous federations promoting this interesting sport discipline. This is ensured by, among others World Curling Federation. Her task is to ensure that the interest in this sport does not diminish, and that curling is played in accordance with the rules and constantly develops, e.g. curling in wheelchairs.

Thanks to this, the sport has been loved by, among others, Canadians, Swedes, Swiss and many nationalities of North America and South America. It is worth knowing that curling has been the official discipline of the Winter Olympics since 1998, but the first curling championship in history took place in 1959 in Falkirk and Edinburgh.

Curling officially came to Poland in 2002, when the Polish Curling Association was founded. Later, it was constantly developing with other associations, and on January 5, 2008, the first curling track was opened in Pawłowice. Poles take an active part in the European Curling Championship, and the debut of our compatriots in this prestigious competition took place in 2004 in Sofia.

Category:

Winter sports