What is curling? Game rules and brief history. What is curling and what is the essence of the game?

Curling is team game on an ice platform. Scotland is considered the birthplace of curling, and the game has existed since the 16th century. The name of the game is believed to be derived from the verb curr, which means a low growl or roar. The sound that occurs when a granite stone slides on ice is exactly like a roar. In some areas of Scotland, curling is still called the "game of roaring stones."
It is believed that Scottish weavers were the first to play curling, and after working day they removed weights from the looms and sent them across the ice, trying to get into the outlined field.
Inventory and rules of the game.
To play curling you need:
1. The playing field is a rectangular skating rink measuring 44.5 * 4.32 meters. The field features two targets with a diameter of 3.66 meters, which are called “house”.
2. A set of cylindrical stones weighing 19.96 kg each. A handle is attached to the top of the stone. The diameter of the stone itself is 29 cm and its height is 11.49 cm. The game uses 16 stones (8 for each team).
3. Curling brush - very similar to a mop, which players use to “sweep” the ice in front of a moving stone.
4. Two teams of 4 people.
Team Member Titles:
The first player starts the game, and he can either try to send his stone to the center of the house, or place a stone near the house, to protect against the free entry of enemy stones into the house.
The second player throws his stones second. Must be proficient in all throwing techniques.
The vice skip is the leader's assistant in developing strategy. The vice-skip throws his stones third.
Skip is the team leader who strategizes the game and throws his stones last, often playing a decisive role in the period.
Rules of the game.
The game consists of 10 periods (ends). Teams are allocated 73 minutes for all 10 ends. During one end, team members alternately release their stones, trying to hit the house with them or knock out the opponent's stones from it. Those. The first throw is made by the first players of each team, the second by the second, etc. The team that throws the stones last is usually in a better position. While the stone is moving, team players help it take the direction they want by sweeping the ice in front of it with brushes, but this is only allowed to be done in the central 5-meter section of the field, up to special line.
At the end of the end (when all the stones have been played), the points are counted. Points are awarded only for those stones that are in the house. In the end, the team whose stone is located closest to the center of the house wins. No points are awarded to the other team. The winner is determined after all 10 ends are completed.
And yet, the players’ shoes are not skates, but special boots, the sole of one is sliding, and the sole of the other clings to the ice.

Curling is a team sport played on ice. Its popularity, in to a greater extent, we found curling thanks to a large number jokes in which he is mentioned. But few people know that this is very interesting game. Curling is a full-fledged sport; it even hosts various championships, including the World Championship and the European Championship. In this article we would like to talk in more detail about curling, in view of its growing popularity in our country.

Contents of the article:

Curling history

Who invented curling? It is known that the birthplace of curling is Scotland. The first evidence of the origin of curling was the discovery of a stone for this game at the bottom of a dry lake. The date of its manufacture, 1511, was carved on the found stone. Curling was first mentioned in chronicles in 1541. By 1716, the first curling club opened.

Since the 17th century, curling stones began to be standardized, that is, to receive a single standard. At the same time, immigrants who fled to America took this game with them to New World. IN early XIX century, the rules of the game of curling were officially approved. It is worth noting that to this day no significant changes have been made to these rules of the game.

Curling later became a sport, and in 1959 the world's first Curling Championship was held, since then it has been held every year. Since 1975, the European Curling Championship has been held every year. Since 1998, curling has been recognized as an Olympic sport, and began to be held during the Winter Olympics, like.

How to play curling

Curling rules

Now let's look at the rules of the game of curling. The game of curling involves two teams, which must consist of four people. Each team is assigned its own color. The essence of the game is that teams take turns launching special projectiles that are made of granite (in the game they are called stones) across the ice; these projectiles must be sent to a specially marked area (which in the game is called “house”). If the opponent’s stone is in the “house”, then it must be knocked out. Teams are given 8 stones to send to the house. Stones that do not reach the boundaries of the house, or, on the contrary, pass them, are eliminated from the game - this is called out.

Each team throws stones in turn. The team that throws the stone last has a very large advantage, so the order of throws in curling has great value. The order of the throw is initially determined by drawing lots; subsequent throws are made first by the team that won the previous round. After all the stones have been thrown, the team points are calculated. When counting points, only those stones that are in the house and were not knocked out of the game are counted. The team whose stone is closest to the center wins the round and gets a point.

Curling Basics

Each team must choose its own captain, who will oversee the entire process of the game. It is important to note that the team’s performance largely depends on the captain, so it is necessary to choose as captain a person who can organize, support and supervise the team’s actions. The main job of a team captain in curling is to tell his team in which direction to move the stone.

The game goes as follows. The player serving the stone puts on a slider - a special sliding attachment on the shoe (if special curling shoes are not used), which allows you to slide along the ice. Then he takes a curling brush, places it edge-on on the ice, and places the handle of the brush on his left shoulder and clasps its lower part with his left hand (you can clearly see how this is done in our video posted below). Then right foot the player leans on the block, places a stone in front of him and takes it by the handle right hand. Having straightened up slightly, the player takes his back leg a little back, and then rolls forward with the same leg, crouching on it, and pushes off the block with his right leg, after which he places it with his toe down and pulls it behind him. Having reached the line, the stone is released, while the main task is to try to push the stone harder so that it gets as far as possible.

When the stone is launched, two team players use special brushes to rub the surface of the ice, due to which the stone continues its movement and does not stop. It is important to know that with brushes you can not only continue the movement of the stone, but also control its trajectory. If you touch a stone with a brush, it is eliminated from the game.

These are, in principle, all the basic principles of the game of curling; you can learn more about the game either from an instructor or by reading special resources and literature dedicated to this sport.

Curling equipment

How much does a curling stone weigh? This question interests a lot of people, so let's talk about the standards of curling stones. So, the curling stone weighs 19.96 kg, its diameter is 29.2 cm and its height is 11.4 cm.

Curling facilities and equipment are usually provided at the venues where curling is played. For curling you will need: boots, a brush and a stone. If you play curling often, then it is best to purchase your own shoes.

Curling boots are made using special technology; first of all, they retain heat thanks to the inner felt, because the game takes place on ice. In addition, curling shoes have a special sole - it is different. As you already know, left leg should slide, and the right one should push off; based on these principles, the sole of curling boots is made. The left shoe is made of a special sole that provides excellent gliding, while the right shoe, on the contrary, is made of a non-slip sole. Curling shoes can be purchased in the online store, as well as in sporting goods stores.

This video will help you learn about the main features of the game of curling. The curling instructor will also demonstrate some features of the game.

To see what curling is all about, we also recommend watching this report from the World Championships this species sports

Curling - relatively new look sports, so in Udmurtia, and in Russia in general, it has not yet become incredibly popular. But it was this game that aroused the greatest interest among fans before the first All-Russian winter games which will take place in Izhevsk. Journalists from the Izhevsk media also decided to try themselves in this sport in order to understand what the essence of curling is.

You'll start playing in just 10 minutes

And it turned out that we were right, because unlike all other sports, here you can start playing immediately after a 10-minute instruction.

Chairman of the regional public organization“Udmurt Curling Federation” Igor Maksimov, who was our coach, told simple rules games. It's simple: the team whose stones are closest to the center of the house wins. This is such a target at the end of the field.

For each such stone, the team receives one point. There are 10 ends (entries) per game. In each end, 8 stones from each team are played. Once all the throws have been completed, the end ends and the points are counted.

From the first time, of course, it is difficult to grasp the whole essence of the game, so we decided to quickly divide into teams and start playing. Each team had 4 people: skip (captain), vice-skip, first and second.

The skip, or captain, is in the house throughout the game (except when he is making throws) and controls the progress of the game. With the help of a brush, he helps the stone thrower to aim better and also determines the strategy of the entire game.

The coach didn’t lie: we started playing right away without any problems. Not as fast as the athletes at the Olympics, but definitely with no less passion. I had the privilege of being a vice-skip in the first team. This is interesting, but responsible, because difficult situation it is the skip and vice-skip who decide where and how to throw in order to beat the opponent.

"The stones are very heavy"

– When you get on the ice and feel like a full-fledged player, your emotions go through the roof. It turns out that pushing 20-kilogram shells, or stones, across ice is not so easy; you need a certain throwing technique. To do this, you need to have accuracy, dexterity, calmness, strength and a smart head,” Valentina Emelyanova, correspondent for the newspaper “Udmurt Dunne,” shared her impressions. – According to the rules of curling, stones are rolled from a 45-meter distance, but we, beginners, were allowed to play from a 10-meter distance. It is difficult to imagine how everything would actually be in the conditions of a real Olympics.

I had never played curling before and was generally afraid to go out on the ice, I thought that I would fall right there along with this stone... But, lo and behold, everything worked out for me! Even though I weigh as much as these two stones.

By the way, strength is needed not only to throw a stone, but also to rub the ice in front of it. The brush helps keep the stone on the desired path. When athletes rub the ice, a thin film of ice is created, which allows the stone to follow a clear line and accelerate a little.

Adviсe

At first glance, this may seem unnoticeable, but the game will require good physical training. During one game, participants polish a track up to 5 km long on ice. The main load falls on the abs, as well as on the muscles of the arms and legs, so you need to warm up well before the game.

In addition, since curling is played on ice, you need to dress warmly for the match: a warm sports/ski suit, a hat, gloves. That is, approximately the same as if, for example, you went to the skating rink.

Assemble your dream team!

If you've always dreamed of trying curling, now is your chance. From March 2 to 4, the first All-Russian Winter Amateur Games will be held in Izhevsk. As part of these games, you will be able to assemble your own team to play curling and enter the competition! By the way, a total of 30 teams will be able to take part in the competition, 20 of which have already been recruited! Hurry up to register too!

What you will need: equipment is provided by the organizers

What do you need to take part?

There is a discount of 300 rubles for KP readers.

PROMO CODE: KP

Step 2. Pass the credentials committee and receive admission to the competition. The opening hours of the Credentials Committee are March 1 at the Ice Palace of the Central Asian Cultural Center “Udmurtia”.

To do this you will need: a passport (or other identification document), a policy, a valid medical certificate with permission to compete (this can be obtained from a therapist at your place of residence).

All participants receive a starting package: a jersey with a number, a hat, a game program, insurance paid for by the organizers and a finisher’s medal at the finish line.

How to get there?

The ice palace of the Central Sports Club "Udmurtia" is located on the territory of the sports complex "Chekeril".

Nonresidents for hotel accommodation.

Tested for yourself: how to play curling. Journalist Masha Khafizova was personally convinced that sport is easy and fun. Now she is ready for the All-Russian Amateur Games in Izhevsk http://izhlife.ru/ http://vk.com/izh_life https://www.facebook.com/izhlife.ru https://twitter.com/izhlife

It is difficult to call curling a popular sport, and many people think that it is some kind of frivolous and strange activity. At the same time, experts call it ice billiards; the main thing is to grasp and understand the meaning of the game, and then it will be perceived in a completely different way.

What is curling in sport?

This concept means sports game on ice, during which two teams of four people compete in the accuracy of pushing special sports equipment. They are called “stones”, and granite is used to make them. Curling is the most popular sport in Canada. It is included in Olympic Games. The essence of the competition is that teams throw stones across the ice, trying to push the opponent’s stones beyond the target or “house”.

Curling - history of origin

Many will be surprised by the fact that it is believed that this sport originated in 1511. This date was indicated on a game shell found in Scotland at the bottom of a dry lake. In the 16th and 17th centuries, curling was played using stones that had fallen from the mountains, selecting approximately identical specimens. When figuring out who invented curling, it should be noted that the first rules of this game were formulated in 1804. For the first time, men competed in this sport at the World Championships in 1959, and women - in 1979. Curling made its Olympic debut in 1998.

International Curling Federation

The organization responsible for curling was formed in 1966 by representatives of seven countries. Until 1991, it was called the International Federation, and after it was renamed the World Curling Federation (WCF). Its headquarters are located in Perth (UK). The Curling Federation unites 57 national associations and its main tasks are as follows:

1. Represent sport on international level and do everything possible for its growth.
2. To promote the development of cooperation and mutual understanding among all members of the federation.
3. Advocate and promote the interests of world curling.
4. Formulate rules for all competitions.

Curling rules

It may seem to many that this game is very simple, but in fact it has many nuances:

1. Two teams compete, each assigned their own color. They receive eight stones, which must be sent to a specially marked area. Projectiles that do not reach the specified limit are eliminated. The goal is to push the opponent's stone outside the house.
2. The rules of the game of curling require that the order of throws be determined first by drawing lots, since the last team to throw is in a more advantageous position. Subsequent rolls are determined by who won the previous round.
3. To calculate the result, only the stones that hit the house are taken into account. The team whose projectile is closest to the center gets a point.

Curling stone

The main attribute - the stone was changed more than once, and in the end it was achieved perfect shape. It has a round base, which undergoes special processing, and a handle attached to it. For fastening, a screw passes through a hole in the center of the fanite base. The stone itself is made from rare species granite, which is found only on the Scottish island of Ailsa Craig. The material practically does not absorb water, which prevents its destruction during play, and it is also the strongest. Curling is not a cheap pleasure, and the price of one shell is €600.

Many people are interested in how much a curling stone weighs, but there are restrictions on this value and the weight should not be more than 19.96 kg. It is important to know not only the weight of the curling stone, but also its other parameters: the circumference is a maximum of 91.44 cm, and the height of the granite base is a minimum of 11.43 cm. A few interesting points:

1. If a stone breaks during a push, it is replaced and a new projectile is placed in the place of the largest fragment.
2. If a stone suddenly changes its trajectory or slows down, for example, due to defects in the sliding surface, then it can be taken out of play and replaced.
3. If the handle falls off during a throw, then, at the request of the team that performed it, another attempt at the throw is given.

Curling brush

After launching the stone, two team players, using a special brush, rub the surface of the ice, thanks to which the stone continues its movement towards the goal and does not stop. Using these actions, you can not only continue movement, but also supervise its trajectory. When describing why ice is rubbed in curling, it is important to note the fact that if during the process you accidentally touch a stone with a brush, it is eliminated from the game.

For the game, different brushes can be used and their handles can be made of any materials, but for the bristles the hair of pigs and horses is used. The second option is more rigid and is used when there is frost on the ice and it needs to be cleared. The most popular are synthetic brushes with handles made of different types plastic, wood or carbon. They differ in weight, and the third option is the lightest. The pad in modern brushes is in most cases made of nylon fabric, but there are other options.

Curling clothing

Considering that the temperature of the ice surface is minus 5°C, clothing must certainly be warm. Tips for choosing equipment:

1. The trousers have a soft inner side that can protect against the cold for several hours. It is better to give preference to models with a high waist, since curling involves bending.
2. Clothes must have good stretch so that they do not restrict movement during the game. For this purpose, spandex is added to the fabric composition. In addition, the models should fit close to the body so that nothing gets in the way.
3. Curling is an Olympic sport that requires the use of gloves and mittens secured with straps. They not only protect from the cold, but also provide good grip on the brush. Many models have holes on the palms, which is important for ventilation.
4. Socks used in curling can keep your feet warm throughout the game because they contain special fibers to wick away moisture.

Curling shoes

The boots used for the game are produced using special technology. They must retain heat well, for which felt is placed inside. Curling boots have a special sole, which can be different. On the left leg it should be sliding, and on the right leg, vice versa. Many boots have a non-solid sole, and when the curler comes out on the toe, the sliding part separates and remains on the ice, rather than bending with the foot. Modern models shoes are constantly changing, and their designs are becoming more and more similar to everyday sneakers.

At the very beginning of their development, curling stones looked, by today's standards, if not funny, then quite funny. The thing is that the game shells were not similar to each other. They differed in all respects, including shape.

Game projectiles have not undergone any processing. The craftsmen made several holes in the stone for fingers so that it could be held. The weight of the stone could vary from 10 to 80 kg! You need to be strong to play curling. Not surprisingly, the throwing technique at that time was very primitive - stones were simply pushed in the direction of the house.

Officially it is considered that the most old stone for curling dates back to 1511. Its dimensions are 10 inches wide, 11 long and 5 thick. In one of the museums in Scotland, according to historians, there are two stones 100 years older than their officially recognized “brother”. There are no dates on them, and it is not possible to determine the age with accuracy.

These stones are oblong in shape, with the top and bottom sides slightly rounded. Length - 9 inches, width - 7 ½ inches, height 4 ⅝, weight 26 kg.

From approximately the middle of the 17th to the end of the 18th century, events occurred in the history of the development of the stone that significantly influenced its shape. If the first playing equipment was not subjected to any physical treatment, then later curlers realized that playing with such stones was not very convenient. That's why we decided to change its shape.

So, some stones have rounded corners, and instead of regular holes for fingers - iron handles (their weight reached 10 kg!). All this entailed a change in throwing technique. Now, in order to complete it, the stone could be lifted. This is the record of that time that has survived to this day.

“Curler Ender won again by dishonest means. He took the stone by the handle, bent down, waved the stone in the air and threw it with gigantic force.”

This technique is somewhat reminiscent of modern technology, isn’t it?

Despite the fact that the stones wanted to bring uniformity, it was quite difficult to do this. That is why, along with rounded stones, the game used triangular-shaped shells, which received the nickname “goose stones” for their appearance.

Gradually, the curling stone was subjected to more and more processing. He was approaching his modern form with incredible speed. What influenced its development? The answer will be unexpected - human intelligence.

Despite all the difficulties, and these are differences in the rules, and different shape stones, and simply enormous weight, curling was gaining popularity in many countries around the world. But he could not become widespread. In many ways, this required innovations that would significantly simplify both the game itself and the requirements for those who want to play it.

In 1750, polished stone was used for the first time in the game. But these were isolated cases. Since, according to the records of 1770, in many parts of Scotland, stones were played in their "natural state" and various forms: triangular, rounded, oblong...

Around this period, cone-shaped stones appear - wide at the bottom and tapering at the top. Interestingly, they were all very tall. And all so that the bri thrower player does not slouch.

Of course, the processed stones weighed less than their predecessors. This allowed not only men, but also girls to play.

After round-shaped projectiles proved their superiority over triangular ones, they began to be used everywhere and were brought to perfection. They looked the same as they do now.

When the issue with the shape of the stone was practically resolved, another difficulty arose - the fragility of the material. They tried to make stones from all sorts of things, but they still settled on granite. It was granite that allowed the stones not to crumble during game collisions. Moreover, its strength also solved another problem - production. Curling stones have never been produced on an industrial scale!

Since the mid-19th century, playing equipment began to be made from rare types of Ailsa and Blue Hone granite, which is found only on the Scottish island of Ailsa Craig. This granite has low water absorption, which prevents it from breaking when playing on ice. Plus, these two breeds are considered the strongest.

Why is this type of granite only available on sharp Ailsa Craig?

Geologist John Faithfull from the University of Glasgow answers.

-- Ailsa Craig was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. The magma instantly cooled in water and solidified, which allowed granite to quickly form and, most importantly, be solid, without cracks.

As Ailsa and Blue Hone stocks decrease, international federation curling, they decided to make stones not from a single piece of granite, but from several types. By the way, the last mining of Ailsa and Blue Hone took place in 2013 after an 11-year break. According to experts, the collected 2 thousand tons should be enough to produce stones until 2020.

Bonus video. How are curling stones made?

Extract from the rules

Section II: Equipment for the game of curling - curling stone

2.1. The game of curling is played using a special sports equipment called a “stone”. A curling stone consists of a round granite base (processed in a special way) and a handle attached to it. The handle is attached to the granite base using a screw passing through a hole drilled in the center of the fanite base of the stone.

2.2. The weight of the stone should not exceed 19.96 kg. The circumference of the granite base of the stone must not exceed 91.44 cm, the height of the granite base of the stone must be at least 11.43 cm.

2.3. If during game actions a stone breaks into fragments, a new stone replacing it is installed on the site in place of the largest fragment of the broken stone. The end and match are completed using a new stone.

2.4. If a stone, while sliding across the court, begins to sharply change its trajectory or stop (as a result of any defects that have arisen on its sliding surface), it can be removed from the game and replaced with another stone.

2.5. If the handle is completely separated from the fanite base of the stone during the throw, at the request of the team performing the stone, the throw attempt is repeated.

NOTE: If it is impossible to replace a failed stone, by agreement of the team skips and the chief referee, the match can be played if one of the teams has 7 stones (in this case, one of the stones is thrown twice in one end).

Maxim Stoyan, Belarusian Curling Association (curlingbelarus.by)