Proper broom position is one of those fundamentals in curling that doesn’t get enough attention. After years of teaching and competing, I’ve noticed that many curlers struggle with balance during delivery, and often it’s because they haven’t optimized their broom position. This small adjustment can make a tremendous difference in your stability and accuracy.
When you’re sliding out on the ice with just your slider foot and your trailing leg behind you, most balance problems occur side-to-side. Your broom acts as that critical third point of contact with the ice, providing the stability you need for a consistent delivery.
The Ideal Broom Position
If you’ve been watching world championships, you’ve probably noticed that not all players position their brooms identically. While there are variations based on personal preference, I teach (and use) what I consider the most effective approach:
- Position your broom out to the side of your body
- Keep the plastic side of the brush head down on the ice
- Hold your broom approximately one-third of the way up from the brush head
- Tuck your elbow close to your back, just above belt level
This position ensures your broom is ready to provide support if you need it, without interfering with your delivery motion. The plastic side down is critical – it eliminates resistance that could cause your body to turn during the slide.
Alignment Matters
One detail many curlers miss is keeping the brush head level with the rock both in the hack and during the slide. This alignment isn’t just about the broom – it helps keep your shoulders square and properly aimed at your target.
When your brush head and rock are aligned, your body naturally follows suit. This creates a straight-line delivery that improves accuracy and consistency. I can’t stress enough how this small adjustment can fix many delivery problems.
Remember to keep the plastic side down, your hand a third of the way up from the brush head, to have the other end tucked in nicely into the small of your back and keep the brush head level with the rock.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Through my coaching experience, I’ve noticed several common errors with broom positioning:
- Holding the broom too far from your body, creating instability
- Positioning the brush head too far forward or backward relative to the rock
- Having the bristle side down instead of the plastic side
- Gripping the broom too high up the handle
Any of these mistakes can throw off your balance and alignment. If you find yourself struggling with consistency in your delivery, check your broom position first before making other changes.
Practice Makes Perfect
I recommend taking time during practice to have someone check your broom position or even record yourself so you can see what adjustments might be needed. Sometimes what feels right isn’t actually correct, and having visual feedback can be eye-opening.
While the broom position is important, remember that it’s just one element of a good delivery. If you’re still having balance issues even with proper broom positioning, go back to fundamentals and work on your core stability.
My approach to teaching curling has always been to break down each component and perfect it before moving on. The broom position might seem like a small detail, but in a sport where millimeters matter, these fundamentals make all the difference between good and great.
Next time you’re on the ice, take a moment to check your broom position. Make the adjustments I’ve suggested, and I’m confident you’ll notice improved balance and consistency in your delivery. The confidence that comes from knowing you’re stable throughout your slide will translate directly to better shot-making.
