Sweeping has evolved significantly in ice curling over the years, making it challenging to keep up with all the changes. While theories about what sweeping actually does may vary, one thing remains constant: proper footwork is essential for applying effective pressure on the broom.
After years of teaching and observing curlers, I’ve noticed that even experienced players make fundamental mistakes with their sweeping technique. These errors not only reduce your effectiveness but can also lead to dangerous falls on the ice.
The Two Most Common Sweeping Footwork Mistakes
When I watch curlers practice, I consistently see two critical errors that limit their sweeping power and create safety hazards:
- Crossing your legs – This is how you trip yourself! When you cross your legs while sweeping, your weight transfers to that single foot instead of onto the broom head where it belongs.
- Walking backwards – This might seem obvious, but I see it frequently. Walking backwards makes you prone to tripping over rocks or your own feet. It also makes it difficult to assess the weight of the rock and catch signals from your skip.
If you find yourself walking backwards, stop immediately and rotate to the other side of the rock so you can face forward. When someone is already sweeping on the opposite side, simply switch your broom to the other side, allowing you to open your shoulders and face the right direction.
Proper Broom Positioning
Before diving into footwork, let’s quickly cover broom positioning. Your bottom hand should be close to the broom head, with your top hand positioned about a third of the way down from the end. Keep the broom close to your body for better control over your sweeping motion.
This positioning creates leverage that allows you to apply maximum pressure with minimal effort – a crucial factor during those intense moments when every sweep counts.
The Perfect Footwork Drill
I’ve developed a simple drill to help you practice proper sweeping footwork. This exercise will help you get comfortable with keeping your back flat, your weight over the rock, and your feet out from under you:
- Grab two rocks, one in each hand, and place them on the centerline
- Travel down the sheet with the rocks touching each other and the centerline
- Get your feet out from under you and stay on your toes
- Use a push motion with your back leg to move forward
- Your front leg should make a C motion
- Remember: push, switch, C motion – repeat
While I demonstrate this drill using a slider, I actually recommend using two grippers for most people. It’s safer, and most curlers can apply more pressure on the broom with two grippers. For smooth movement, try using the side of your shoe with your gripper foot.
Alternative Sweeping Style
Not everyone has the physical ability to use the ideal sweeping position, especially beginners. The “cross-country ski style” offers a good alternative that’s safe and effective. While you won’t generate maximum pressure (as evidenced by heels touching the ice), it’s far better than crossing your legs.
This style works well for newer curlers or those with mobility limitations, providing stability while still allowing reasonable sweeping effectiveness.
Practice Makes Perfect
Despite the various theories about sweeping techniques, the fundamentals of footwork remain consistent across all styles. The key is to practice regularly until proper form becomes second nature.
Take time during your next practice session to work on this drill. Go up and down the sheet a few times focusing solely on footwork. You’ll be surprised how quickly your sweeping effectiveness improves once you master these basics.
Remember that even small improvements in your sweeping technique can make a significant difference in game outcomes. When every inch matters in placing that final stone, having confident and effective sweepers can be the difference between winning and losing.
