One of the most common mistakes I see new curlers make is dropping their hand immediately after releasing the stone. It’s a natural instinct—you’ve let go of the stone, so why keep your arm extended? But this small detail can make a significant difference in your curling performance.
The follow-through in curling is just as important as it is in golf, basketball, or tennis. When you properly follow through after releasing your stone, you’re essentially completing the delivery motion in a way that promotes accuracy and consistency.
Why Your Follow-Through Matters
When I first started teaching curling, I noticed that players who maintained their follow-through position had much more consistent results. Here’s why it matters:
- A proper follow-through helps maintain the line of delivery you intended
- It promotes balance throughout your entire delivery
- It reduces the chance of “dumping” the stone or releasing it with unwanted rotation
- It creates muscle memory for repeatable deliveries
Think about what happens when you drop your hand immediately to the ice after release. This sudden movement can cause your body to shift, your shoulders to rotate, or your balance to falter—all affecting the stone’s path.
Resisting the Ice-Touch Temptation
There’s something about the ice that makes curlers want to touch it right away. Maybe it’s for balance, maybe it’s habit, but many players have this urge to immediately drop their hand down after releasing the stone.
Fight this instinct. Keep your delivery arm extended and following the line of your stone for at least a moment after release.
A good follow-through should feel like you’re reaching toward your target, with your hand continuing in the direction you want the stone to travel. Your palm should face the direction of the curl you’ve imparted (if any).
Practicing Your Follow-Through
Improving your follow-through doesn’t require complex drills. Here are some simple ways to work on it:
- Practice your delivery motion without a stone, focusing on a smooth extension and follow-through
- Have a teammate watch and give feedback on your follow-through position
- Film yourself to see if you’re dropping your hand too quickly
When practicing, try to hold your follow-through position for a count of “one-one-thousand” after you release. This slight pause helps reinforce the proper motion and prevents the rushed feeling that often leads to dropping the hand.
The Mental Component
Beyond the physical benefits, a good follow-through also has mental advantages. It forces you to complete each delivery with intention rather than rushing through it. This mindfulness translates to better focus and more deliberate shot-making.
I’ve found that when I focus on my follow-through, I’m also more likely to stay in the moment and fully commit to each shot. It’s a small thing that creates a ripple effect of improvements throughout your game.
Next time you’re on the ice, pay attention to what your hand does after release. If you find yourself immediately touching the ice, make a conscious effort to extend through the shot. Your consistency will improve, and you’ll look like a more polished curler in the process.
Remember, in curling as in life, it’s not just how you start—it’s how you finish that counts.
