Curling success begins with the fundamentals. After years of teaching and practicing, I’ve found that nothing impacts your game more than how you grip and release the rock. It’s the foundation of every shot you’ll ever make on the ice.
When I first started curling, my inconsistent grip led to unpredictable shots. Now I know better – and I want to share these game-changing techniques with you.
Getting the Perfect Grip
The grip starts before you even touch the rock. Always approach with the handle at the 12:00 position. This ensures consistency whether you’re throwing an in-turn or out-turn.
Place the second pad of your fingers underneath the handle, then wrap your hand around so your thumb tucks nicely into the neck. This position gives you both control and flexibility.
For optimal performance, remember these key grip elements:
- Position your hand directly over the center of the rock to prevent it from going offline during rotation
- Keep all fingers touching to act as a single unit (avoid what I call the “chicken grip”)
- Keep the palm of your hand elevated off the handle for both turns
If you find yourself leaning on the handle with your palm, your balance might need work. The grip should feel natural but firm – about a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
The Release: Where Champions Are Made
A proper release transforms a good curler into a great one. During your take-back and slide, maintain that counter-rotation at about 60 degrees until you’re ready to release.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is curlers starting their release too early. This results in slow rotation and an unpredictable path. Patience is crucial here.
When releasing, rotate the rock toward the 12:00 position. Once the handle reaches 12, your hand should come off in a handshake position with a smooth follow-through.
The entire release motion – from starting rotation to when your hand leaves the rock – should only span about 3-4 feet. This generates the ideal rotation as the rock travels down the sheet.
Fine-Tuning Your Technique
Apply positive rotation so the rock doesn’t start curling too soon. I find using a slight arm extension helps rotate the wrist and steers the rock toward the broom.
For the out-turn (counterclockwise rotation), counter-rotate to the 2:00 position. For the in-turn (clockwise rotation), counter-rotate to 10:00. This pre-positioning sets up the perfect release.
When I coach new curlers, I emphasize that grip and release aren’t just technical elements – they’re the language you use to communicate with the ice. Each subtle adjustment tells the rock exactly where to go.
The beauty of curling lies in these details. A rock thrown with proper technique will respond consistently, giving you confidence to make those crucial shots when the game is on the line.
Practice Makes Perfect
I won’t sugarcoat it – developing a solid and consistent release takes time. But the improvement in your game will be dramatic.
Start by practicing without throwing. Just grip the rock properly, counter-rotate, and go through the release motion. Once that feels natural, incorporate it into your delivery.
Record yourself if possible. Watching your own technique can reveal issues you might not feel during the motion itself.
Remember: consistency is the goal. The best curlers in the world can repeat the same delivery with minimal variation. That’s what we’re all working toward.
So get out there and practice. Your improved grip and release will transform your curling game – and that’s something worth celebrating.
