CurlTech Junior Program

We have dedicated a sizeable portion of the web site to Junior Curling, mainly young people 18 and under (through seniors in high school).  Properly developing young curlers is important for many reasons.  Important enough to have a dedicated mission.

Junior Curling Mission

The CurlTech Junior Curling Program strives to create lifelong curlers, some of whom will be future champions.  Through standardized age groups and training, young curlers will receive the proper fundamental mechanics in order to enjoy the game at all levels.  With this program in place at the local level, clubs, regions and national organizations will greatly benefit.

 As you implement this comprehensive program, always keep the following principles in mind.

Junior Program Quick Reference - Key Program Principles

• Group your kids by grade into the following:

Little Rockers - Grades K - 3.

Youth - Grades 4 - 6. 

Juniors - Grades 13-16.

• Teach only a balanced, flat-footed delivery which includes:

Weigh shift.

Foot delay.

A soft, forward release.

• Teach open, Power-Stroke sweeping (without a slider).

• At each session, conduct drills (25%), then play a game (75%).

• Focus on mixed, social teams.

• Require Broomstacking after the game.

• Host a mixed, social bonspiel.

• Keep the college kids separate.

• Have a dedicated program/session (ODP) for the more competitive players, including U21.

• Let the kids have fun.

The remaining material in the program will provide detail and support for the key principles above.

The CurlTech staff members are experts in the area of junior curling with over thirty years of program experience at several clubs.  “Juniors” is a broad term that includes all young curlers, mostly high school age and younger.  The World Curling Federation Junior Championships is an under 21 event.  This program will focus on the younger group as there are plenty of options for the college age kids.

Depending on the programs you offer, this could be high school, middle school and elementary school players.  A vibrant program is often the sign of a strong club.  People who begin curling as juniors can become future leaders of the club, life-long league members and in some cases, the championship players of the next generation.  Whether you’re a program coordinator, instructor or just a Sunday afternoon helper, this section will help you understand how young people learn and develop as curlers.

This program will naturally extend into the Olympic Development Program and later to the Team Development and Performance program.

Green Text identifies terms that are used nationally and/or regionally.  As your programs evolves, use these terms to be consistent. 

Introduction

Thank you for volunteering to act as the Junior Coordinator at your club.  Implementing a junior program at your club will be rewarding for you, your club and your young curlers.  You are also doing your part in growing our sport.

Junior curling is a great addition to the sports offering for young people.  It is safe, inexpensive, physically and mentally challenging and can be a life-long sport for many.  In addition, curling has a strong social component unlike other team sports.  For those interested, a more competitive environment is available starting with the local, club level Olympic Development Program.  A more competitive environment is also available from state and local championships through the Winter Olympic Games.  Parents will enjoy watching the kids in a warm, friendly environment from “behind the glass”.

For curling to be a positive experience for the kids, they must HAVE FUN FIRST.  The time-honored “Spirit of Curling” drives behavior on and off the ice.  As they grow and transition through the different age categories, playing real games and learning the sport will be fun enough.  Also, having fun will always ensure a good learning environment.  In addition, properly trained instructors will help the young curlers reach their potential as early as possible. Some clubs have smaller rocks used by the youngest curlers.  This is not necessary since this program concentrates on the on the age group that can throw regular rocks.

Why a Junior Curling Program?

 Junior curling programs at the club yield three things:

1.      Lots of fun playing the sport we love.

2.      Potential life-long curlers and future club members, volunteers and leaders.

3.      Potential future champions.

Junior Curling Oversimplified

This comprehensive program contains lots of material.  You will benefit from reading all of the content.  However, if you do nothing else in your program, do these three things at every Junior session:

1. Start with drills that improve mechanics (delivery, sweeping).

2. Play a game - mixed social teams set by the coordinator for fairness.

3. Broomstack.

And Always keep the following principles in mind.

• Stay true to the grade-based categories.

• Let all the kids have fun.

• Teach the CurlTech delivery (1-2-3) and sweeping principles right from the start.

• Don’t push the kids into competition.  Let it happen naturally.

• Allow the more committed curlers to excel by offering an Olympic Development Program.

• Make “Broomstacking” a program requirement.

• Encourage the more competitive players to curl socially as well.

Program Structure

The program covers:

• Mapping out a program.

• Recruiting instructors.

• How to recruit young curlers.

• How to categorize your young curlers for best results.

• How to prepare your club for young curlers.

• Keeping your program safe

• How to prepare your instructors.

• The skill and knowledge standards for each category.

• Training techniques, sample sessions, drills and games.

Mapping Out Your Junior Program

 The term Junior can apply to several different age groups ranging from five years old to twenty one.  Experience tells us that the most productive use of your club resources is to focus on the main age group from ages ten through eighteen.  To be consistent with regional and national language, categorize your young curlers in the following categories:

Little Rockers            Grades K-3              (5-8)

Youth                        Grades 4-6       (9-12)

Juniors                      Grades 7-12     (13-18)

As highlighted, focus on the Youth and Juniors.  Think of the Little Rockers as pre-program curlers and more of a fun time at the club.  Think of the college aged as post-program with many other options.

The Best Age to Start?

 Our thirty years of experience with young curlers has led us to some conclusions regarding starting ages.  Some young curlers start at age six or seven.  Others at seven, eight or nine.  Even though we include the youngest ages in the Little Rock category, they rarely have the ability and size to throw regulation rocks or play a regular game. They will most likely resort to a strong “push” at release.  This is difficult to un-train.  We find that age ten is the best ages to start since they have the physical size to learn a proper delivery. 

Note:  Many hockey programs start "checking" at age 12.  This is a great time to pull kids from hockey.

The CurlTech Junior Program focuses on the older ages of the Youth category (grades 5 and 6) and Juniors (grades 7-12) as they are at the age where curling skill development can happen effectively.  Accept the younger curlers, Little Rockers, K-3 in the program because this younger group may enjoy the curling environment, but the focus must be on fun curling-like games and skill training is difficult.  In many cases it is more difficult to un-train this category and retrain to the standard mechanics.  Think of the youngest curlers as having fun at the curling club and learning the curling culture.  “Making shots” in this group is very difficult and requires the small bodies to “push” the rock at the end of the delivery.  This is a very bad habit to train and will need to be untrained later.  However, these kids can still enjoy the concept of curling by sliding the big rocks into the close house.

Recruit Your Instructors

The key to a successful junior program is a strong (not necessarily large) volunteer group.  Recruit competent parents and club members to instruct at the junior sessions.  At most clubs, parents of existing young curlers are your best option.  High school age curlers in your Junior category are great options for building a strong instructor and resource base.  If possible, find parents and other volunteers that are already certified instructors.  CurlTech offers Instructor certifications.  All junior instructors should have some type of instructor certification, preferably a CurlTech certification. This will help ensure consistent instruction across the program.  Once you have identified volunteers to be instructors, follow these steps.

1. Require instructors to be SafeSport certified.

2. Have them review this program.

3. Read and re-read the Delivery and Sweeping pages of this website.

4. Encourage them to get CurlTech Instructor certified.

*Child safety in all categories should be a main concern of your program.  Like other youth sport coaching, require your instructors to submit a CORI report or something similar.  This will help protect the children and your club.  Contact your regional or national association for recommendations regarding this process, particularly SafeSport.

If you have high school age kids helping with the Little Rockers and Youth, they will serve as mentors for the younger kids.  Let your young mentors wear their national uniforms if they have them.  They love it and it helps the kids look up to them and may aspire to a different level of curling.  These junior age kids must also be SafeSport certified.

Find Mentors

All junior programs benefit from older players that came through the program.  Ask your high school players to help with the younger group.  Ask your college aged players to help with Juniors.  The younger kids respond better to these instructors.  If you have any national type players at your club (you will at some point if you follow this program), invite them to help.  These players will have benefited from the program so far so it is ok to ask them to give back a little.

Recruiting Young Curlers

Today, as in the past, the majority of young curlers are the children of existing club members.  To attempt to build a strong junior program, the Junior Coordinator could look outside the club for young members as well.  The winter Olympics, curling websites, social media, internet web-casts, movies and cable tv draw young people to curling just like their parents.

Curling at the Olympic Games, televised and streamed world-wide by NBC, has dramatically elevated the level of curling awareness.  Instead of the old “word of mouth” recruiting style, clubs can take advantage of the awareness created by the coverage.  This will help clubs recruit juniors outside the member base.  Always work with your club leadership regarding membership and member entry procedures.

There are two approaches for recruiting young people.  Run an Open House that includes the following groups.

1. Recruit by targeting club member’s children.

2. Recruit children outside the membership.

Approach #1 is better suited for clubs that need overall member support.  Approach #2 is better suited for clubs at or near capacity during the evening but are looking for other day-part curling.  In either case, there are plenty of young people out there looking for an after-school activity.  Fortunately, curling is a sport that be enjoyed by people with varying degrees of skill and athleticism.

Recruiting Progression

Start by recruiting the children of existing members.  Once you have a few juniors have them bring a friend.  If you have the capacity and instructor base, start recruiting kids from outside the club.

The Junior Open House

Early in the season, conduct a Junior Open House or Learn to Curl.  This should only be an introduction to curling.  Schedule another time to start formerly training them.

Some selling points to be used with non-curling parents are:

1. Children of most ages and all skill levels can enjoy curling.

2. Athletic and social skills are part of curling.

3. During a game, every child is involved with every play.  No sitting on the bench.

4. In most cases, children have a much greater chance of becoming an Olympian in curling than in any other sport.  There are only 25,000 total curlers in the US, very small compared to skiing, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, basketball, hockey, etc.

Most young curlers (and adults) agree that once they attend a bonspiel, it became an overwhelming factor when deciding to stay with curling.   Try to get the young recruits to a local bonspiel as early as possible.  Of course, the out-of-town bonspiel is usually more appealing particularly with the high school age curlers.

Communicating with Young Players

As the Junior Coordinator, you will need to communicate with your participants.  Once your initial recruiting campaign is complete, start to develop the contact list.  Your contact list should include PARENTS ONLY.  Never contact the participants directly unless they are eighteen years old.  Email distribution lists work great.  Make sure you give the parents at least twenty-four hours to receive your communications.

Kids with Special Requirements

 Many of your young curlers will have special requirements that you need to know about.  Whether it’s dietary restrictions, physical limitations or clinical issues, the Junior Coordinator can adjust certain program components for the best fun, learning and opportunity.

Parents are generally not required to disclose these things so you may want to ask them, in a private setting, if there is anything you can do to help their individual child.

Preparing Your Club

 The most important club related preparation is the club leadership.  Engage the board in discussions about why Junior curling is a good thing.  Get the buy-in from your Board and begin your program.

Your club, ice and equipment will need some special attention to accommodate young curlers.  The capital investment is minimal and the eventual payoff for your club regarding young curlers is huge.

Dues for Young Curlers

 Clubs should offer a dramatically reduced rate to attract and retain young curlers.  Choose a dues rate that allows the parents to easily get the kids involved but don’t give away your program (and ice time) by under-selling it.  A good program has value and should not be undersold.  Don’t try to make money on the kids.  They will be life-long, dues paying members later in life.  In fact, ask your Board to subsidize the junior program through scholarships and reimbursement for travel expenses, etc.

Equipment

 There are several equipment items your club will need for the Junior Program (see Figure 1).  The most important are:

• Little rocks are not necessary but may be available at the club.

• Sliding devices.

• Step-on sliders.

• Grippers.

• Stopwatches (all curlers are encouraged to buy their own).

Rocks

All kids in your program can use the regulation, 42 lb. rocks.  The Little Rockers will throw them on a half-sheet house if available, or to the closest house.  Any temporary house or aiming point is best for this group.  If available, smaller rocks will allow the youngest kids to enjoy curling with less effort.  The junior rocks with granite inserts work best.  On the internet, search “curling rock manufacturers” for rock dealers.

A Note on Little Rocks.

Little rocks are not a critical part of your program.  They should be used only with the youngest curlers (ages 5-8).  They help the youngest players have fun on the ice.

Sliding Devices

The sliding device is used by all of the young curlers in your program until they can transition to a broom for delivering.  These devices come in many sizes and shapes.  You will need several sliding devices since all of the Little Rockers and half of the Youth curlers use them.  You can purchase them or make them yourself.  Make sure you position several of them at each end of the ice.

Step-On Sliders

Some enthusiastic kids (parents) buy curling shoes.  Most will use either a step-on slider, supplied by the club.  Purchase one slider for every young curler on your list.  The slider is made of Teflon and are very slippery.  If necessary, you can slow them down (make them less slippery) by covering the Teflon with duct tape.

Brooms

No special brooms are needed for your program.  Club brooms can be used as long as an adjustment is made with the sweeping grip.  If possible, and only if you have extra brooms and a healthy Youth program, you can cut the broom handle to fit the smaller group.  Follow these steps:

1. Remove the end cap.

2. Cut the broom with a hack saw.

3. Cut brooms to various lengths (chest height is preferred).

4. Re-glue the end cap.

Kitchen

Snacks are recommended for the Broomstacking portion of the sessions. Make sure there are plenty of kid-type snacks ready for junior day.  For each break period, have plenty of water, juices and healthy snacks for the young curlers to eat.  Avoid soft drinks and low-nutrition snacks.  Try sliced oranges and apples.  As always, be aware of food allergies and ask parents to disclose any allergy issues on the registration form.  Be careful not to focus on snacks since it could a distraction from your teaching goals.

Uniforms

Your program will not be complete without uniforms for your curlers.  Have the first names of the kids on the front.  This will help your instructors remember names and also help to introduce themselves at local events.  The club can provide these or each curler can pay for their own.  Encourage them to wear the uniforms at practice and at bonspiels.  The names on the jackets also help the instructors remember kids during instruction.  At a minimum, supply name tags.

Other Equipment

Your youngest curlers will be throwing the rocks using a half sheet, if available.  There are two ways to accomplish this.  Build a hack device that can be inserted halfway down the ice or paint a full-size house half-way down.  The houses built-in halfway are not aesthetically pleasing so beware of club member pushback.  They are not necessary if you have a half-sheet hack option.

Ice for Juniors

The younger curlers have a difficult time throwing the rocks the full length of the ice.  Make sure your ice is prepared before each session.  Deep-scrape the ice and apply a very light pebble, particularly for the Youth group.  Nip the ice.  Try to prepare 14.0 second HTH, 3.80 (minimum) ice for the start of the day.  The faster the ice, the better.  The older Juniors may need a heavier pebble and nip if they are playing games.

Scheduling Ice Time

Allocating ice time for different groups is always difficult.  Work with your club leadership to schedule a dedicated time for the junior program.  Depending on how many kids in the program you should ask for at least two sessions per week, one on the weekend and one during the week after school.  The minimum amount of time must be two to three hours on each day.  Since your volunteers will be available on weekends, a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is perfect.  Possibly use a weekday time for another junior session and the Olympic Development Program (ODP).

Consider noon to 1pm for the Youth group.  If you switch activities enough, they will be focused for the entire hour.  This eliminates the snack time which gives your volunteers some relief.

A note about snacks – Giving the kids a break with snacks can be a difficult thing.  The kids love it but it is very difficult to get them refocused and back onto the ice.  Consider the one-hour session for Youth.  To encourage Broomstacking, consider offering snacks AFTER the on-ice session.

For program consistency in your area and even nation-wide, CurlTech recommends categorizing young curlers into three main groups:

1. Little Rockers - Grades K-3.

2. Youth – Grades 4- 6

3. Juniors – Grades 7-12

We recommend you do not include the college-age kids.  Ask them to volunteer as instructors but not as participants.  Socially, the gap may be too great between the youngest curlers and the college kids, who are legal adults.  There are many other options for the college kids.  More on college curling later in the section.

The older, more committed group of middle and high schoolers may seek another advanced development program, the Olympic Development Program (ODP).  The ODP is available through CurlTech and is part of this junior program.  Talk to your board of directors about adding this program.

We will focus on the school “grade” to categorize young curlers since many young players bring friends.  Social interaction is also very grade dependent.

Each group has its own skill standards and a set of expectations from the instructors.

For the purpose of instruction, training and social interaction, we separate kids into groups first by grade.  As appropriate, the separation criteria can also include age and then, as they are transitioning from small rocks to big rocks, by ability.  Try to keep peers together if they’re in the same grade.  Difficulties arise when trying to keep grade-different friends together.  Siblings also represent a challenge when transitioning through the categories, particularly if the category sessions are at different times.

If you have Little Rockers (grades K - 3), they begin to properly develop curling skills and like all sports, develop at different rates.  If your club has access to junior rocks, the youngest curlers can use them.  All Little Rockers should deliver with a step-on slider and sliding device. Never with a broom.

Little Rockers

For your youngest curlers, grades K -3, your sessions are not really about teaching curling but simply introducing the youngest curlers to the sport and allowing them to be a part of the club activity.  You will find that the youngest ones will absorb curling data at different rates.  CurlTech delivery and sweeping principles can easily be applied to this group as long the expectations are reasonable.  This group focuses on being around a curling club, interacting with other curlers, being introduced to appropriate sporting boundaries and having fun.  They are being introduced to curling with broad concepts and skills.  They have lots of fun with special games and activities designed to work with their short attention spans.  They should be using the small rocks if possible and throwing to a shorter temporary tee or half-sheet.

Youth Curlers

The Youth category (grades 4 - 6) continues to properly develop curling skills and still develop at different rates.  This group, as they get bigger and stronger, may transition from a sliding device to a broom for delivery.

Junior Curlers

Middle and high school age curlers are called Juniors in grades 7-12.

Transitioning Through the Categories

The transition between the groups is important.  The grade levels can be slightly overlapped to provide a “flex” area.  This gives the coordinator some flexibility when transitioning through the categories.  It is perfectly acceptable for a fourth-grader to stay in the Little Rocker group if he or she is having trouble with the mechanics or is not ready socially.  If they have friends in the program that are the same grade, try to keep them together.

Some subjectivity is necessary when moving the kids through the different categories.  School grade should be the first determining factor when moving through the categories.  This allows socially similar groups similar groups to stay together.  Curling is only a winter sport and the categories follow grades easier than they follow age.  Three other factors will also help determine when a young curler should move up:

1. Grade

2. Age

3. Skill

4. Maturity

Siblings may stay together if the age difference is minimal.

Grade and Age

Mainly for social reasons, the program categories are based mainly on school grade.  Keep in mind that in any given grade, the ages could differ by as much as two years.

Skill and Maturity

Skill training in each category is based on the skill standards.  All young curlers should be trained to meet the standard in their last year of their category.  Some may reach the goals early but social reasons should keep them with their peers.  You will also need skips and vice skips for your games.  Skilled curlers can move into a higher category but only if socially mature.

The Exceptions

Most of your young curlers will advance through categories by grade.  There will be some curlers that can advance (or not advance) at different times.  A Pre-K that can listen and focus may enter the Little Rocker program by exception.  Little Rockers transitioning to the Youth category is a softer transition, meaning the distinction is less clear between the skill sets.  Little Rockers transitioning to Youth is also a soft transition where grade advancement is not as critical.  Once again try to keep peers together by grade.

The transition between Youth and Junior (teenage) should be absolute because the seventh grader is usually turning thirteen during this school year.  This represents one of the key life-transition periods.  Seventh graders MUST play in the Junior category.

Some of your kids will naturally want a more competitive atmosphere.  Consider the Olympic Development Program.  The sixth-to-seventh grade transition timing is a perfect time to enter the ODP.

Volunteers for your Junior sessions are normally the parents of the program participants.  In many cases, the older Juniors (and college age) will volunteer to help with the younger kids.  In all cases, the instructors must be SafeSport certified.  The SafeSport program is available through your region or NGB.  The certification takes about two hours online and is well worth the peace of mind that it provides you and your club.

Your staffing and scheduling needs will depend on how many curlers you have.  If your program is very small (up to 6 curlers) you can handle it yourself.  When the program grows, in addition to the Junior Program coordinator, you will need at least one instructor per age group.  Add an instructor if you have a lot of Little Rockers (grades K -3).  If you plan on adding new kids to the program during the year, you will need another instructor to work one-on-one with new kids.  Also, a volunteer in the kitchen each session is needed to gather and serve snacks during Broomstacking.

Student/Instructor ratios should be about 5:1 in addition to the Junior Coordinator.  If you have brand new curlers, a dedicated instructor will be necessary.

Suggested Staffing

Use the following as a guideline for staffing your program using a split shift Little Rockers and Youth first, then the Juniors.  Assume 8 kids per sheet.

• All Programs will require a Junior Coordinator to be present at each session.

For the first session of Little Rockers and Youth:

• One instructor per sheet for Little Rockers.  Each Little Rocker should have a parent present (not necessarily on the ice).

• One instructor per sheet for the Youth.

Use as many Junior age kids as possible as your instructors.

One instructor per sheet for the Junior group.

As your program grows, you may need to break the groups into different times.  For example, the Juniors can come from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. The Youth program and younger curlers may start at 2:00 and continue to 4:00.  Splitting the groups will automatically increase the capacity of your program.  The coordinator has flexibility here.

Be Prompt with your Start Times

Value the time the club gives you for young curlers.  Get the most of the valuable ice time by setting a program standard of prompt start times.  Like any scheduled session, people will be late.  In the case of young curlers, they may be late because of their parents.  Start your session exactly at the scheduled time.  Expecting the curlers to be dressed and ready at start time is not unreasonable.  This will send a clear message to the parents that the child will miss the early segment if they are late.

Tell the parents to get the kids to the club ten minutes early to dress and socialize and get settled.

Preparing the Parents

Orientation

As early as possible in the season, have a parent orientation meeting.  In a thirty-minute meeting cover the following:

• Introduce your instructors.

• Very brief review of the program structure.

• Review of the basic skills being taught.

• Parent attendance requirements with the youngest kids.

• How you deal with disruptive behavior.

• How and when you will communicate with them.

• Scheduling.

• Solicit volunteers (parents can help with snacks).

• The importance of being on time (or early).

Cover other topics as needed but be brief.

Coordinator Succession Planning

If you have ever coached youth athletics, you will know that your volunteer parents age out with their kids, including you, the Junior Coordinator.  As coordinator you can help pick and groom your successor.  It may be the responsibility of the board to keep your position filled, but they will welcome your help.

During your weekly sessions, you will start to notice the parents of the youngest curlers and which ones show an interest in continuing your work.  The lifespan of a Junior Coordinator is only a few years.  Of course, following this program will allow the coordinator to focus on the overall program and not the content.  A parent of a Youth curler is a good fit for your successor.  Their child may not age out for several years  Allow at yeast one year to transition.

It’s critical to your program that your instructors are trained well enough to help your program.  Try to get them certified at an official program.  At a minimum, have them all read the CurlTech material particularly on delivery ad sweeping on mechanics.  Have them watch the delivery and sweeping videos as well.  These have links from the web site. In addition, the 1-2-3 training demonstration video (YouTube) will help them understand the basics of teaching the delivery.

If possible, your instructors should be CurlTech Instructor certified.  A live certification session is best but with the web-based content, instructors can be certified via Zoom or other media.

Train-the-Trainer Basics

The CurlTech uses an industry-standard training method called “Two Phase” skills training:

1.      Instructor Phase

2.      Learner Phase

In curling, both are very important.  During the instructor phase, the learners are presented with material to help prepare them for training.  The Learners then watch a demonstration of the skill performed properly.  During the learner phase, the learners try the skill as demonstrated by the instructor.  During all learner trials, an instructor must provide feedback.

Phase 1, Instructor

Step 1          Review material

Step 2          Demonstrate the skill properly

Phase 2, Learner

Step 3          Let the student try the skill

Step 4          Provide feedback to the student

Step 5          Practice

Repeat steps 3-4 as needed.  Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.

It is ok for you as an instructor to not be able to demonstrate the skills properly.  Find a demonstrator that can demonstrate proper delivery and sweeping mechanics.

Teach the 1-2-3 delivery to all curlers in the junior program.  This is the simplified version of the delivery designed to help all curlers get started.  As the young curlers gain experience, you will introduce more complex components of the delivery such as balance, tempo and a proper release.

View the CurlTech 1-2-3 Teaching Video.  Search CurlTech Curling in YouTube.

It is very important that the trainer use this process for all skills training.

Your CurlTech Instructor course gave you information about how people learn to curl.  Young curlers learn the same way.

One of the most important steps is to demonstrate the skill properly, as described in this manual.  Demonstrating a skill using “your” method will reduce results and not allow the kids to meet the proficiency standards.  Review the Delivery and Sweeping sections before you demonstrate any skills.

What a Typical Junior Day Looks Like

Goal - Teach proper mechanics, let the kids have fun.

You will most likely conduct your junior session on Saturday or Sunday.  Whatever time you have available, it is important that you split the session between instruction and games.  Instruction must be done at each session, so the students don’t develop bad habits.

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is best run on a separate day from the participants league days or nights.  If any day is not available, schedule the ODP session just before your normal Junior session.

Little Rockers and Youth need at least an hour and can share the building in most cases.  Capacity is eight kids per sheet.

Juniors should have a dedicated session.  Two hours is best.

Coordinator Preparation - You will need the following in place before your session starts.

• Step-on sliders and grippers.

• Brooms and sliding devices.

• Drills for the day by category.

• Pad and pen for making teams.

• Snacks for Broomstacking.

Example of a Junior Saturday or Sunday.  The times are flexible per the Junior Coordinator.  Each Junior day should have the following:

Typical Little Rockers and Youth Session (Junior age instructors):

• Warm room stretching prior to start time.

• On-ice practice session.  Have them demonstrate the 1-2-3 delivery with a rock and sliding device - NO release.

• Repeat with release.  Repeat as necessary with instructor feedback.

• Sweeping drill using only an open stance. 

• Two-end game - Little Rockers play the short game or use a "Temporary Tee".

• Broomstacking and snacks with no cell phones while the Junior group is on the ice.

Typical Junior Session

• Warm room stretching prior to start time.

• On-ice practice session.  Delivery and Sweeping Drills.

• Sweeping drill - Up and back.

• Six-end game.  Coordinator makes mixed, social teams.

• Broomstacking and snacks with no cell phones.

Depending on your numbers, you will do different exercises with each group.  The Little Rockers may be working on the 1-2-3 delivery, the Youth may be working on weight shift while the Juniors may be working on the entire delivery, Press, Step, Slide.

A note about games - All games, when possible should consist of mixed players with alternating genders.  The purpose of the games is to have fun and learn the game.  NEVER except a high level of performance.

Broomstacking.

Broomstacking is the social gathering that happens after the game. It is a time-honored tradition in curling.  Expect the kids to gather after their game and chat for a minimum of five minutes.  Ten minutes or more is best.  Have them put their cell phones on silent and put them in the center of the table.  This will be awkward at first but the kids will learn to enjoy it later.  Because of the age differences, the Junior group should Broomstack separately.

Snacks are an important part of Junior Broomstacking, even at the adult level.  At the junior level, the snacks help get the kids together at the table. Check with the parents regarding the type of snacks you make available.  Snack favorites include:

• Soft drinks with no sugar or caffeine

• Apple juice

• Cheetos

• Cheese and crackers

• Fruit

• Veggies with dip

• Cheese

Avoid candy.

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Example of a real, four sheet club with Juniors scheduled from 12:00 - 3:00 on Sunday.

11:00 - 12:00 ODP with Director

Your ODP participants should know the routine.  Expect them to follow the daily plan without adult leadership.

• Stretches prior to start time.

• Practice Session #1 to warm up.

• Brief discussion per ODP Director.

• CurlTech Performance Drill - Broom off ice - Director provides feedback, players make adjustments.

• Sweeping and Team Systems Drill.

• Performance repetition measured by splits.

12:00 - 3:00 Little Rocker, Youth and Juniors.

Expect your ODP players to participate in the mixed, social, 12-3 session and help instruct the Little Rockers and Youth.

12:00 Stretches - All  Led by Senior Junior curlers.

12:05 On-ice - CurlTech Performance Drill, all.

12:15 Sweeping Drill, all.

12:30 Games, LR fun games, Youth full games, two ends.  Juniors, six end games.

1:00 Little Rockers Broomstack.  Youth and Juniors continue games. 

1:15 Youth Broomstack.

2:30 Juniors Broomstack.

3:00 End of session.

No program is complete without trained, enthusiastic instructors.  Instructor certifications are available through CurlTech but are not required for a program.

As experienced curlers, we have an obligation to teach our young curlers properly.  Use www.curltech.com as your content source for all delivery are sweeping mechanics.  The proper skills can easily be introduced at any age.  Starting all curlers with the 1-2-3 delivery and the Open, Power Stroke sweeping methods will provide the proper foundation for future skill development and overall enjoyment.

On Ice Safety

Before you start teaching on the ice, on-ice safety procedures should be discussed first with your instructors and then with your students.  Overall, curling is a safer sport since the introduction of the step-on slider.  The slider is only used for the delivery and is easily removed before moving about.

However, slips and falls do make up the majority of on-ice safety issues.  Most of these occur when the students are standing or moving upright WITH the sliders on.  Occasionally, students will fall during the delivery but these do not represent the majority of injuries.  Tipping-over while delivering is less hazardous than a slip and fall from an upright position.   Be aware of the following safety issues and potential injuries:

• Start new curlers with a step-on slider used only in the delivery.

• Swinging brooms outside a three-foot radius from the body.

• Sweeping a heavy weight shot even with grippers.

The biggest risk to young curlers is a slip and fall hitting the head on the ice.  The next biggest risk is a slip and fall against the side boards where possible injuries of the wrists, elbows, face and head.

Review (and stress often) the following safety procedures with all students.

1. Never step onto the ice with an attached slider.

2. Avoid quick movements after delivery as you make your way back to the hack area.

3. Never move around the ice on the slider until you are very comfortable.

4. Back away from heavy weight shots.

5. Consider sliding discs instead of slip-on sliders (easy to step off the disc after delivery).

Helmets

Helmets for all ages are increasing in popularity.  This is always an option for your program.  There are several clubs that make helmets mandatory for juniors.  You many also consider protection head bands that come in different styles.

What to Expect

With adults, skill training challenges exist due to different levels of athletic ability.  Juniors have the same challenges compounded by their smaller bodies that may be changing every year.  The following will be very similar to your “Learn to Curl” session.

All content regarding delivery and sweeping mechanics can be found at www.curltech.com.

Delivery and Sweeping Teaching Steps

Always teach new curlers with a Sliding Device and a Step-On slider.  When reasonable balance is achieved, they can transition to throwing with a broom.  This normally happens after two or three years.  In some case, they may never transition, which is ok.

Teaching the 1-2-3 Delivery (see the 1-2-3 video)

1. Gather the students around the hack area.

2. Demonstrate the setup position and how the step-on slider works.

3. With a sliding device and a rock in hand, demonstrate the 1-2-3 delivery in slow motion by counting each step and holding the rock.  Do not release.

4. Demonstrate the delivery in full speed (or almost full).

5. Ask for the first student to try.

6. Directly next to them, the instructor moves through the setup and 1-2-3 with the student.

7. Repeat with other learners.

8. Repeat with all students until comfortable.

Note: If you see that a student is having trouble lifting their hips to the step position, consider a more upright stance during setup.

Teaching the Open, Power Stroke Sweeping

• Make sure all students have shoes that can grip.  If not, gripper both feet.

• Gather the students around the house area with brooms.

• Split the students and have them stand on the side lines facing each other, half on one side, half on the other.

• Demonstrate the Open, Power Stroke (see video) stance and proper grip for the right-side students.

• Turn and demonstrate for the left side.

• Demonstrate the sweeping stroke and foot motion.

• Without rocks, have the students try the mechanics while moving down the sheet to the away end.

• Without changing sides, have the students switch hands and repeat back to the home end.

Always teach the open stance.  Most students will prefer one side over the other but now is the time to teach sweeping open on both sides.  The students are now ready for some drills that support your learning session.  Start thinking about teaching to the standards.  Don’t push, they will all learn at different rates. All young curler scan use a stopwatch to measure conditions and shots.  Teach them all how to use the stopwatch and what the two purposes are.

1. Measure conditions using hog-to-hog times.

2. Measuring shots with split times.

See the Timing Rocks page for more information.

Weekly Teaching Structure

 Young curlers not only need to be properly trained, they need repetition to engrain the skill.  The weekly teaching structure should provide both proper instruction AND repetition.  Each week, the young curlers should practice the basic skills.  CurlTech has created a baseline session for each category that includes certain compulsory items that should be practiced each session.  Other topics and skills can be added to the compulsory items to create a more appealing program that the kids will enjoy.

The 1-2-3 delivery cadence will be introduced with the youngest group and continue through the older group.  The Juniors will start to focus on Press, Step and Slide.

Each CurlTech session will include the following age-appropriate compulsory items:

In the warm room, exactly at the start time:

• Stretching and review.

On the ice.

• Setup and delivery (1-2-3).

• Sweeping effectiveness and efficiency with an open stance.

Other topics will be added each week at the discretion of the category coordinator.  A sample session for each age category is included in this section.  It includes the compulsory items which are done each session.  Also included is a list of drills and activities.  For example, each week the Youth group will stretch then practice the setup and 1-2-3 delivery.  The Junior Coordinator will add an optional drill or activity from the list.  In week one, the coordinator may add “curling etiquette” to the compulsory items.  In week two, a release drill may be added.

This structure is designed to give repetition on the basics while teaching new skills each week.

Tip of the Week

Each week, the instructors should provide a key piece of information that the kids can think about.  It may be strategy related or skill based.  

Curling Mechanics for Young People

Just like adults, we teach the no-lift, balanced, flat-footed delivery.  The mechanics are the same for adults and kids.  The sweeping standard for juniors is also the same.  We teach upright sweeping with the inside arm down and two grippers.  The biggest difference in teaching kids verses adults is the level of proficiency and expectations.  Early on with your youngest curlers, we will focus on the 1-2-3 delivery cadence.  This is the easiest way to start delivery skill training – adults too.

Review the CurlTech Delivery or the Delivery Quick Reference in the Delivery Section.

Balance is the Foundation and the End Goal

We teach adults to throw the rock with a balanced, flat-footed delivery.  It is the foundation of a good delivery.

“Balance” refers to the body positioned over the sliding foot with no appreciable pressure on the broom, rock or trailing knee.  This results in a straight slide.  Although it is preferred, it is not necessary to slide perfectly balanced over the slider.

Because of individual skill differences, young curlers begin to balance on the slider foot at different ages.  Generally speaking, Little Rockers, grades K-2 have a very difficult time balancing on the slider.  As their bodies grow and they develop leg strength, they can begin to slide balanced.  We use a sliding device for all young curlers (and new adults) until they can slide balanced.   When they begin to slide balanced (roughly fourth grade), take away the sliding device and replace it with a broom.  If they cannot balance reasonably without a sliding device, allow them to continue using it for another year.

Skill standards come in two categories for all curlers;

• Proficiency standards – ability to demonstrate a skill properly.

• Performance Standards – ability to use the skill to execute (perform).

CurlTech has defined the achievable proficiency standards for each category.  Each category section will describe the standards for each group.  It is very important that the instructors teach to the standard and not to some arbitrary skill level.  This manual provides the structure for properly developing and measuring skills for young curlers.

Curling is a team sport and performance is difficult to measure.  CurlTech does not set performance standards for young curlers. 

Proficiency vs. Performance Standards

Proficiency is a player’s ability to demonstrate a skill properly, while performance is based on results (and many other variables).  Demonstrating a balanced delivery does not mean the player can make shots.  Shot-making ability is a performance standard.  Performance comes from proper skills, knowledge, practice and experience.

Examples of proficiency standards.

Proficiency Standards

• Ability to set up properly for the delivery.

• Ability to sweep with an open stance.

Performance Standards

• Ability to throw on the line of delivery (hit the broom).

• Ability to throw proper weight.

• Ability to judge weight as a sweeper.

General Skill and Proficiency Expectations

Before we talk about specific skill standards, let's take a moment to see how young curlers progress through each category.

What to Expect as they Age

Junior programs have huge benefits to the players and the clubs.  It can also be very rewarding as an instructor or program coordinator watching the young curlers progress through the ages.  Below is an outline of the skill progress you might expect as kids grow and develop as curlers.  In all sports, kids progress at different rates.  Many things effect this progress.  One key factor is the level of natural skill or athleticism a child possesses.

Think of the developing curler in three categories:

The Performer

This person has natural ability.  He or she probably excels in other sports.

The Enthusiast

This person has limited natural ability and may not be very athletic.  They enjoy the sport and work on getting better.

The Student

This person has very little natural ability.  Skill training is very difficult.

Good news.  The Student, the Enthusiast and the Performer will all enjoy curling.

Little Rockers – K Grade 3

Performer 

The Performer will use his or her skills to make shots on a short sheet.  Expect them to slide straight and have some limited weight control.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast is still trying to control the delivery.  Shot making is difficult due to the lack of comfort on the slider.

The Student

The Student is struggling with the 1-2-3 delivery.

Youth Curlers - Fourth Graders

Performer 

At the beginning of the year, the Performer will slide straight with a sliding device but may have some difficulty throwing the little rocks the full length.  Moving the foot higher on the hack will help them.  Later in the year they will enjoy real games and make few full-sheet shots.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast will struggle with the full length shots.  As the year progress, they will slowly begin to put rocks in play on the full sheet.  Shot making is limited to keeping rocks in play.

The Student

The Student will still struggle with the delivery, even with a sliding device.  Be patient with this player.

Youth - Fifth Graders

Performer 

The Performer will enjoy game situations and can make hits and draws.  He or she may start to slide without weight on the sliding device.  They may transition to a broom for delivery.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast will start to make full length shots.  They will enjoy the game more as a result.

The Student

Still struggling with the delivery, the Student begins to put more rocks in play.

Youth - Sixth Graders

Performer 

The Performer will probably need a more competitive environment to keep them challenged.  Delivery skills are good but the rock/body weight ratio may prevent them from honing the skills.  A slight “push” at release is still needed.  Keep them in the Youth group for social reasons (unless there is social pressure to move them up) even though they have the skills to play with the Juniors.  The Performer will slide with a broom and be fairly balanced.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast may transition from the sliding device to a broom but will still struggle with heavier weight shots.

The Student

The Student is still struggling with the delivery.  Shots can be made.  Keep them on the sliding device.  Since they may be frustrated, they need to be encouragement to stick with the sport.  Things may change for them when they grow into their adult body.

Junior - Seventh Graders

Performer 

The Performer, now in the Junior group, will notice more control over the rock since this is a rapid growth period.  They are now playing with high school kids so relative performance will suffer a bit.  This represents a good challenge for the Performer.  Draw weight adjustments are needed due to the extra power generated.  Take-outs are more controlled and sweeping is more effective.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast will also transition to the Junior category.  They may transition from the sliding device to a broom but will still struggle with heavier weight shots.

The Student

The Student will also transition to the Junior category, struggling with the delivery.  Some shots can be made due to repetition.  Keep them on the sliding device and resist the urge to "hold them back" in the Youth category.

Junior - Eighth Graders

Performer 

The Performer will start to demonstrate adult control over the rock.  They can slide balanced with proper tempo.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast will enjoy curling since they are growing, and have more control over the rock and are making more shots.

The Student

The Student will still struggle with the delivery.  As a lead, they may be able to make several draw shots.

Junior - Ninth Graders

Performer 

Depending on their size, the Performer will start to increase shot making percentages.  Curling 50-60% is not unusual.  Their delivery is adult-like.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast will continue to make more shots.  They may transition to a broom from the sliding device.  Shot making percentages are in the 40-50% range.

The Student

The Student will still struggle with the delivery.  As a lead, they may be able to make several draw shots and some take-outs.  Shot making percentage is in the 20-25% range.

Junior - Tenth Graders

Performer 

Again, depending on size, the Performer will start to increase shot making percentages.  Curling 70-80% is not unusual.  High-level regional play and mid-level national play can be achieved.  They will start to build a U21 team and may enjoy U18 competition.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast continues to make more shots.  Shot making percentages could increase to a solid 50%.

The Student

Try to hold them in your program by involving them in social bonspiels.  Their shot-making percentage will be low (20-30%).

Prepare for a huge transition at ages 15 and 16.  The Juniors are now settled into their adult-like bodies.  Depending on maturity level, there is a huge change from the struggling young curler, to a proficient, confident young curler.

Junior - Eleventh Graders

Performer 

The Performer needs higher level curling.  They should be building a U21 team and going to U18.  Mid-level U21 national play can be achieved.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast has developed into a solid league curler and will be the backbone of your membership.

The Student

The student has leveled off at a low percentage.  They may still enjoy curling as a social outlet.

Junior - Twelfth Graders

Performer 

If committed and focused, the performer can achieve the highest level in the U18 and U21 categories.  They may choose a college that allows them to continue curling.

Enthusiast

The Enthusiast may be off to college.  When they return, they may join as adult members.

The Student

The Student may not stick with curling.  If they do come back, you will have them as social curlers for life.

Proficiency and Performance Standards

The Little Rockers

Experience has proven that kids as young as six can enjoy curling.  Use a dedicated sheet with half hacks. If you have small rocks, use them.  Require a parent stay near their child either on the ice or just behind the glass.  This allows the instructor to easily remove a disruptive curler as attention and focus vary at the young age.  If a Little Rocker behavior is preventing the others from having fun and learning, ask the parent to remove them from the ice.  A well-timed “break” can go a long way with the child AND parent.

Caution:

The Little Rocker program is an entry level program designed to get the youngest kids interested in curling.  DO NOT expect them to learn and be proficient at curling skills.  The program is more of a curling “fun session”.  Let them have fun.  They can learn when they get to the higher levels.  On the other hand, don’t sell them short.  You may be amazed how well this group can pick up the skills.

The Little Rocker’s curriculum is based on the following age-appropriate standards.

Little Rocker Proficiency and Performance Standards

Before a Little Rocker can join the Youth category, they should be able to demonstrate the following:

Proficiency skills:

• Three pre-game stretching exercises.

• A proper setup position.

• A 1-2-3 delivery with a full slider, a sliding device and NO rock.  The sliding foot should be underneath the body with the hack foot trailing straight behind.

• Open-stance sweeping with no slider on a draw weight rock (half sheet).

• An in-turn and out-turn from the skip’s signal.

• They may have a noticeable “push” at release which is ok at this age.

• A release to the hand-shake position.

• Determine and properly post the score.

Performance skills:

• Throw a rock into play near the half sheet mark.

• Throw a takeout on a rock at the near hog line.

They should also have the following curling knowledge:

• Shot types - draw, takeout and guard.

• Simple scoring in the house.

• In-turn and out-turn rotation (clockwise, counter-clockwise).

• Shot types draw, takeout and guard.

• Basic etiquette (handshakes, ready play, proper positioning).

• Basic scoring, Basic shot calling with and without the hammer (center or sides).

Testing for Learning

About every month, have the kids demonstrate a skill or ask them a curling question.  If they can do it, your teaching is working.  If they cannot, either your teaching is failing or they’re not ready yet.  In most cases, the child is simply not ready to demonstrate the skill properly and more repetition is needed.  This is the case in the beginning of each category when the kids transition from a lower group.  Remember, they have two or three more years to practice.  As they get closer to the transitioning to a higher group, note any deficiencies and concentrate on them.  Create a more formal test to judge whether they are ready to transition to another group. 

Little Rocker Expectations

If you know anything about kids, you know this group has a very short attention span.  Break up your sessions into 15 minute segments, maximum.  Remember, at the early ages, this group cannot properly balance on the sliding foot.  They have a very difficult time standing on the ice much less balancing over a slider.  Do not expect them to do so.  They should slide with a sliding device and rock until they are comfortable releasing.  They throw on a half sheet or to the hog line.  Components of the mechanics that do not require motion can be taught like adults.  For example, the proper setup position can be taught to any age.  The grip on the rock and broom can also be taught.

With the proper equipment and instruction, a First Year can deliver rocks in a similar fashion to adults, even if it’s only a few feet.  Never ask an Curling Kid to throw the rock the full length of the sheet.  Even though they may be able, improper mechanics is usually the result.  Throwing half way is a much better way to get them comfortable with the delivery.  Have them throw rocks and play games from the regulation hack to the closest hog line or use the center-sheet hack.

Little Rocker Equipment

Sliders

Teach all students to deliver with a step-on slider. The slider is for delivery only. 

Sliding Device

Remember, the Little Rockers must use a sliding device when learning the proper delivery.  This allows them to use downward pressure with the left arm to help support the body.  You may slowly wean them away from the sliding device when they get bigger and stronger.  We’ve seen dramatic results with five year-olds when using a sliding device.  When the child is big enough to balance on his own, replace the sliding device with a broom and have them slide balanced.  This happens at age 8 and up.  At that time, start to use the “test for balance drill” to measure their ability to balance.

Shoes

Require a good pair of gripping shoes.  Test the shoes for grip before sending the Little Rockers on the ice.

Brooms

A shortened broom will help them develop a good sweeping grip and motion.   Cut off some old brooms.  The broom should be chest-high.

Teaching to the Skill Standard

Through repetition, Little Rockers can easily meet the proficiency standards stated earlier.  Each session, you will review the three compulsory items:

1. Setup

2. Delivery

3. Sweeping

Teaching to the Little Rocker Standards

Remember, the goal of the program is to have the kids have fun AND learn the proper skills at the same time.

One third of the session should be dedicated to skill training.  The other two thirds should be used for some type of fun, on-ice activity.  For the first third of each session, have the kids perform the skill training drills for each standard.  Each week use the stretching, setup, delivery and sweeping drills.  Alternate each week with the remaining drills.  The following is an example of a session lasting approximately two hours.  An instructor must be present to correct problems during the drills.  Just a few poor technique repetitions will cause lasting problems.  Once the game starts, an instructor is need at each end of the sheet. 

Testing for Learning

Occasionally test the Little Rockers against the skill standards.  This can be casual and discrete.  About every month, have the kids demonstrate a skill or ask them a curling question.  If they can do it, your teaching is working.  If they can’t, either your teaching is failing or their not ready yet.  In most cases, the child is simply not ready to demonstrate the skill properly and more repetition is needed.  This is the case in the beginning of each category when the kids transition from a lower group.  Remember, they have two or three more years to practice.  As they get closer to the transitioning to a higher group, note any deficiencies and concentrate on them.  Create a more formal test to judge whether they are ready to transition to another group.

Little Rocker Group Expectations

This group can begin to properly deliver a junior size rock, although they will not have full control of the delivery yet.  They may or may not be able to throw normal weight take-outs.  Like all categories, some kids will be able to slide over their slider foot without much weight on the sliding device.  At grades 3 and 4, transition them from a sliding device to a broom.  If they cannot slide with reasonable balance, keep them on the sliding device.

Helpful Tips for Little Rocker Curlers

When the Little Rockers transition tp the Youth category, they may have a difficult time throwing the full length of the sheet.   The following are some helpful tips to generate more power.

High Hack Foot

For extra power, have them place their foot higher on the hack.  This helps them with a truer push.

Early Release

For Little Rockers, the release point should be in the house.  Many kids try to slide to the hog line like the adults and bigger kids.  Since their power is limited, they will have decelerated to a point where they either can’t reach the house or they have to push the rocks.

Youth Curlers - Grades 4 through 6

As the young curlers progress and get older, the next transition is to the Youth category.  If your Little Rockers used small rocks, they will transition to the regulation size rocks now.  They play on a full sheet, and are encouraged to throw with a broom instead of a sliding device.

Youth Proficiency and Performance Standards

Youth curlers advance to the Junior category for seventh grade regardless of skill.  However, they should be able to demonstrate the following skills in sixth grade:

Proficiency:

• Several pre-game stretching exercises

• A proper setup position

• A 1-2-3 delivery with a broom or sliding device, and NO rock.  The sliding foot should be underneath the body with the hack foot trailing straight behind and no weight on the broom, device or rock

• Throw a rock full sheet without a noticeable “push” at release.

• Open-stance sweeping on take-outs. No head pressure standard.

• Throw normal takeout weight (10.0 HTH, 3.10 split).

• A release from a constant 45 degree grip angle to the hand shake position.

Performance:

• Put 1 of 4 draws in the house.

• At half-sheet, Judge the weight of a draw within 10 feet of its resting spot.

• Make contact on 1 of 4 take-outs.

• Focus for an entire 8-end game.

They should also have the following curling knowledge:

• In-turn and out-turn rotation

• Free Guard Zone Rule

• The no-tick rule.

• Shot types draw, takeout and guard, peel, freeze, come around

• Basic shot-calling tactics with and without hammer

• Etiquette (handshakes, ready play, proper positioning)

• Measuring rocks

• Split and HTH timing

Teaching to the Youth Standards

Again, the goal of the program is to have the kids have fun AND learn the proper skills at the same time.

One quarter of the scheduled time should be dedicated to skill training.  The other three quarters should be used for a game.  For the first half of each session, have the kids perform the skill training drills for each standard.  Each week use the stretching, setup, delivery and sweeping drills.  Alternate each week with the remaining drills.  The following is an example of a two-hour session. 

Testing for Learning

As with the Little Rockers, occasionally test them against the standard.  This can be casual and discrete.  About every month, have the kids demonstrate a skill or ask them a curling question.  If they can do it, your teaching is working.  If they can’t, either your teaching is failing or their not ready yet.  In most cases, the child is simply not ready to demonstrate the skill properly and more repetition is needed.  This is the case in the beginning of each category when the kids transition from a lower group.  Remember, they have two or three more years to practice.  As they get closer to the transitioning to a higher group, note any deficiencies and concentrate on them.  Create a more formal test to judge whether they are ready to transition to another group.

Youth Expectations

This group can begin to properly deliver a regulation size rock.   They will not have full control of the delivery yet even though they think they should.  They may or may not be able to throw normal weight take-outs.  Like all categories, some kids will be able to slide over their slider foot without weight on the broom.  This is the time to transition them from a sliding device to a broom.  If they cannot slide with reasonable balance, keep them on the sliding device.

The Youth group will start to play games like adults.  They will start to call and execute real shots.  Their sweeping will be marginally effective.  This is a very rewarding situation for your instructors and for your program as you will clearly see the benefits of the instruction and practice at the earlier levels.  Instructors are still needed at the skip end of the sheet to help with shot calling.

Helpful Tips for Youth Curlers

The following are some helpful tips to generate more power.

High Hack Foot

For extra power, have them place their foot higher on the hack.  This helps them with a truer push.

Early Release

In the Youth category, the release point should be at the top of the house.  Many of them will try to release at the hog line.  Since their power is still limited, they will have decelerated to a point where they either can’t reach the house or they have to push the rocks.

Time for Curling Shoes?

The Youth curlers are encouraged to purchase curling shoes (or have a slider built into a pair of sneakers) although a step-on slider can still work well at these ages.  The value of curling shoes is in the sliding platform.  With curling shoes, the slider is more stable than the step-on slider and will help them with their balance and increase performance.  Unfortunately this age group is growing and shoe sizes can change yearly.  Parents are encourage to buy entry level shoes at a lower cost until the feet stop growing.

Once the child’s foot stops growing, transition to a good pair of shoes.  Choose a solid, stable upper and a fast, ¼ inch slider.

Junior Curlers – Grades 7-12

Olympic Development Program (ODP)

At this point, a Junior age curler (approx. 13 years old) should consider the Olympic Development Program if they have the minimum degree of proficiency and are committed to learning more about competition.  The ODP should be offered on a different day.  If the curler is proficient, particularly with balance and they are committed to a higher level of play, the Junior Coordinator may approve them for ODP.

Minimum skills need to enter the ODP:

1. Can slide with the foot under the body and the back leg straight.

2. A commitment to getting better.

Junior Proficiency and Performance Standards

As a rule, the Juniors should be delivering with the broom and not the sliding device.  The sliding device may still be used by exception if the student struggles with balance.

Never force a less balanced Junior to slide with a broom.

Expect this group to want more autonomy during the session due to more adult-like behavior (at least with the older kids).  Socializing is an important part of this group’s junior session.  An instructor is still necessary to provide feedback during drills.

At the end of the Junior program, they should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

Proficiency:

• Several pre-game stretching exercises

• A proper setup position

• A balanced 1-2-3 delivery with a broom or sliding device.  The sliding foot should be underneath the body with the hack foot trailing straight behind and either no weight or very little weight on the broom or rock.  A sliding device is always acceptable* if the Junior curler cannot comfortably balance over the sliding foot.  A noticeable weight shift to the "Step" position and delayed foot before the slide.

• Open-stance sweeping on take outs. Minimum 40 lbs. of head pressure.

• Demonstrate proper directional sweeping (differential melting/polishing).

• A release from a constant 45 degree angle to the hand shake position.

• Proper weight judgment while sweeping.

*Like adults, there are junior age curlers that cannot balance over the sliding foot.  Never force them to slide with a broom if they cannot balance reasonably.

Performance:

• Weight control on guards, draws, take-outs and peels (measured by splits and HTH times).

• Make 50% of their draws and take-outs up to a DOD of five.

• Carry a draw shot 1-2 extra feet with sweeping (difficult to measure).

They should also have the following curling knowledge:

• Several safety considerations while curling

• All shot types

• WCF Rules of Play

• Basic shot-calling tactics with and without hammer.

• Basic etiquette (handshakes, ready play, proper positioning, no trash talk)

• Full knowledge of the use of a stopwatch for split AND hog-to-hog times.

• Why rocks curl.

• Translating stopwatch numbers.

Teaching to the Junior Standards

Again, the goal of the program is to have fun AND learn the proper skills at the same time.  Playing games is a priority.

In the Junior category 1/4 of the scheduled time should be dedicated to skill training.  The other 3/4 should be used for a game.  For the first 1/4 of each session, have them perform the skill training drills for each standard.  Each week use the stretching, setup, delivery and sweeping drills.  Alternate each week with the remaining drills.  The following is an example of a two-hour session.

Testing for Learning

As with the Little Rockers and Youth groups, occasionally test Juniors against the standard.  This can be casual and discrete.  About every month, have the kids demonstrate a skill or ask them a curling question.  If they can do it, your teaching is working.  If they can’t, either your teaching is failing or their not ready yet.  In most cases, the child is simply not ready to demonstrate the skill properly and more repetition is needed.  This is the case in the beginning of each category when the kids transition from a lower group.  Remember, they have two or three more years to practice.  As they get closer to the transitioning to a higher group, note any deficiencies and concentrate on them.  Create a more formal test to judge whether they are ready to transition to another group.

Junior Group Expectations

The Junior group should be treated like adults as far as skills and mechanics.  There is a remarkable change in the ability to properly deliver a rock during the growth of the early teen years.  We’ve seen twelve year-olds that can barely balance turn into thirteen year-olds with perfect balance.

There will always be differences based on athleticism and growth patterns.  Some juniors will be more proficient at the skills than others.

As the body begins to be more adult-like, the Junior curler can begin to slide and balance without problems.  As for the delivery, you can expect as much from them as you could from adults.  The younger ones that are just transitioning to Juniors may still have difficulty with takeout weight.

Junior Social Expectations

Your entire program should be based on social curling.  Another, competitive program (ODP) can help playdown teams but your weekly sessions and bonspiels should be mixed and social. 

Picking Teams on Junior Day

There are times when the coordinator needs to pick teams.  During your weekly session, you will be playing four or six end games.  It is very important that you treat these games as a balanced, mixed social league.  Weekly team selection is not based on skill.  For practical purposes, team positioning selection IS based on skill and knowledge.  Occasionally, of they choose, allow the less skilled players to play vice and skip.  You may need an instructor to keep the game moving.

Begin by ranking your Juniors by skill and performance.  This ranking system does not need to be published.  All Junior coordinators should have an idea of the skill level of each player.  This system will be valuable when it is time to choose teams for weekly games and bonspiels.  We suggest you put the older, competent curlers as skip and vice.  It does not matter if boys or girls plays skip.  Alternate positions with boys and girls.

Junior Category Social Component

This is the age where social interaction becomes much more a part of curling.  We recommend that all junior age curlers play on mixed teams (two girls, two boys, alternating positions) when part of your normal junior program.  Junior age teams that want more competition may elect to form all boys and all girls teams to enter the regional and national playdown process.  Keep these teams and programs separate from your club junior program.

There will most likely be a huge difference in physical and social maturity in this age group since it spans from age 13 to 18.  Try to place similar ages on teams and have them play against each other. 

A note about college curlers

 The college-age curlers have been, for a long time, ignored as a group.  The World Curling Federation allows college-age curlers (21 and under) to compete competitively for national and world championships.  Social curling for this age group is a different story.  In the last few years, there have been dedicated college curling programs starting at many clubs.  Since the maturity level of the college age group is different than the high school kids, clubs are separating the groups and dedicating time for the college curlers to play.

Again, we recommend you keep your Junior bonspiels separate from your college events.  Some areas have under 21 bonspiels designed for competitive teams.  Any curler is welcome at these bonspiels and they are aware of the different age groups and maturity levels.  Limit your Junior bonspiels to the 7-12 graders.  Most college age curlers are 18 years old and older.  This makes them adults and they should play socially in the adult bonspiels.  Allowing a 21 year old to play socially in a bonspiel with seventh graders could be a problem.

College Nationals

There may be a college championship in your area.  Check with the national association for details.  Some colleges have curling teams although most of them are “club” type teams

Social vs. Competitive Junior Curling

Your base-line junior curling program at the club should be focused on the social aspects of the game.  The social curler is the backbone of most clubs.  Inevitably, some of your young curlers will seek a more competitive environment.  Tournaments called bonspiels are available locally, regionally and nationally.  Teams are formed by your Junior Coordinator and entered into these bonspiels.  Check with the other coordinators in your area to understand how competitive they are.  Teams can be entered for social reasons and are generally mixed teams.  Other bonspiels may be more competitive and same gender teams are entered.  

We encourage clubs to offer an Olympic Development Program for those more committed young curlers.  Keep the ODP teams separate!  Allowing your competitive teams to curl together in the social program and junior bonspiels will alienate the less competitive kids and your program will suffer.  It is also simply not fair to allow your best players to play together in a social setting.

Encourage (maybe even require) your kids to form social, mixed teams for bonspiel purposes.  In a better world, like adult curling, separate bonspiels would be available for social curlers AND competitive junior curlers.

Junior Bonspiels

Bonspiels (curling tournaments) are fun for all ages.  In many areas, there are bonspiels for young curlers, even bonspiels for just the Little Rockers.  Youth bonspiels may have two divisions, one for your Little Rockers and on for Youith.  Look in your area for these bonspiels and follow these guidelines:

Event                      Rocks          Ages                        Type

Youth Bonspiels      Big              8-12                         Mixed, Social

Junior Bonspiels      Big              13-18                       Mixed, Social         

Junior Competitive Big              Under 21                 Competitive, Open

As the young curlers move through the age categories and begin to develop real curling skills, a certain group of them will inevitably want more competition.  As a general rule, keep your high school kids separate from your college kids when it comes to bonspiels.  There is a huge social component to these events and the maturity level of the college students could present a problem for the younger kids.

Junior Bonspiel Event Structure

Encourage your national, regional and local Junior Coordinators to structure the event schedule in this way.  Consider the following bonspiel structure.

Youth Bonspiels – One-day events.

Schedule four or five events per season.  Start these in November after your program has been running for a few weeks.  These bonspiels are separated into little and big rock divisions and are designed for sixth graders and younger.  They are a great way for the youngest curlers to learn the game and to start learning social skills.  Four end games keep the curlers from getting bored and can easily be scheduled throughout the day.  Allow coaches/parents to stay on the ice with the Little Rockers to assist with learning and to keep the pace.  Require Broomstacking with some light snacks and drinks.  Help them learn about the “Spirit of Curling”.

Junior Bonspiels – Possible three-day events.

Schedule as many of these events as you can.  THESE BONSPIELS ARE SOCIAL EVENTS – NOT DESIGNED FOR COMPETITIVE PLAYDOWN TEAMS.  Ask the area clubs to send mixed, age appropriate teams in the Middle and High school age groups.  Regulation games (eight ends) should be scheduled throughout the day.  You will need to arrange for meals.  Schedule games through the meals times into the evening.  Require Broomstacking with some light snacks and drinks.  Help them learn about the “Spirit of Curling”.

ODP Bonspiels (Competitive Open) – Three-day events.

Schedule as many of these as possible but do not conflict with the Junior Social Bonspiels or regional/national junior events.  Encourage all high school and college age teams to participate.  Check you regional and national playdown schedule to support teams playing-down for world events such as the U21 Junior World Championships.  These events can be “no frills” events with a focus on competition and team development.  Require Broomstacking with some light snacks and drinks.  Help them learn about the “Spirit of Curling”.

National Junior Events

Your best Junior events at the regional level may be selected for a “National ODP Circuit”.  In addition, there may be some national level camps to attend.  These camps are designed for top level instruction and coaching seminars.

Adding Fun Events to Your Program

Young curlers need to have fun.  Consider adding some fun things to your program either during the season or at the end.  Drills and games are great but once in a while you should mix things up.  It helps to incorporate fun things into the skills portion of program.

Curling Olympics

Skills and points for prizes.  Have your program instructors develop local skills competitions that allow all the have fun. 

Closing Party

At the end of each season, try to schedule a closing event to thank the players, parents and instructors.  A fun event can leave a lasting impression that helps your curlers return for next year.  Be creative at the local level.

Rewarding Your Junior Curlers

 There are lots of differing viewpoints on rewarding program participants.  Participation trophies and awards are popular in other sports.  Since the delivery and sweeping mechanics are complex, avoid rewarding the participants based on proficiency as many curlers will struggle with proper skills.  Your rewards program should be developed locally.  In the past, national merit programs have existed that reward your players based on skill development.  At this time, there are no national programs available.

The CurlTech recommendation is to always acknowledge program participants that transition from one to category to another.  Even if the transition is based on age, congratulate them for moving on.

Kids Coming In and Out of Your Program

 Young curlers will naturally flow into and away from your program.   Consider the following. 

Accepting New Kids in Your Program

 In addition to your annual recruiting and enrollment, you may accept new young members during the season.  Some will have parents that curl.  Some will be friends of existing kids.  It is important that all young curlers have an opportunity to curl.  Clubs are rarely at capacity when it comes to juniors.  Please accept all new young curlers.  It’s important however,  that they enter the program properly.  First, place the new curler into the appropriate grade category.  An instructor will need to work individually with the inexperienced curler by acclimating them to the club and ice.  For the first few sessions, the newer curler should receive individual attention until they are ready to work the drills and exercises with the experienced ones.

For example, a new 4th grader may join the Little Rocker group and receive special attention for the first few sessions.  A fifth grader is harder to place.  You can place them in the Little Rockers for a few sessions or place them directly into the Youth group.

New sixth graders should always be placed in the Youth category due to the age differences between Youth and Little Rockers.  Again, special attention is needed to bring the new curler up to speed.

In all cases, the new curler should come through the same development process that your existing players did.  Start them with a sliding device and not a broom.  Depending on their skill level, transition them onto a broom when they can properly use it. 

Excusing Kids from Your Program

Unfortunately, there may be a young player that you will have to excuse from your program.  Most disciplinary problems can be corrected with good communication between the instructors, the curler and the parents.  In some rare cases, when certain behavior continues, excusing the child from the program may be your only option.  Limit this action to:

• Sustained behavior that is dangerous to the child or other children.

• Sustained disruptive behavior that prevents others from learning and having fun

• Sustained inability of the parents to correct the behavior

Again, work with the parents to correct problems first.

Aging Out of the Program

 The World Curling Federation age limit for the Junior Championships is 21.  However, your local Junior program should only include junior high (middle school) and high school age curlers.  Allowing the 19 through 21 year-old group into your normal program and bonspiels could be a problem.  Consider them adults (as they are since they are over 18) and encourage them to curl in the College Curling program, adult leagues and bonspiels.

Practice Drills for Your Junior Program

Practice is a key component in your program.  Practice drills should be a part of every session you conduct.  Since the curling delivery and sweeping techniques are used on every game shot, these drills will be compulsory and you should conduct them every session. 

Compulsory Drill #1           Comprehensive Delivery

Purpose

This is a comprehensive delivery drill to be done at every session.  It involves properly demonstrating the entire delivery from set up to follow-through.  Without constant instructor feedback and practice, delivery bad habits will pop up.

Procedure

Review the proficiency standards for your age group.  At the hack, have them take a few practice slides.  Sliding devices should be used by all Little Rockers.  Some Youth and many Juniors will transition to delivering with a broom.  Watch for the following and provide feedback as necessary:

• Proper setup and grip.

• Use a 1-2-3 tempo in the delivery.

• Step on to sliding foot, 2-3 inches behind hack.

• Body weight is on the sliding foot.

• No backward movement of the hips after stepping back onto sliding foot.

• Rock moves forward first, delaying the sliding foot.

• Delay the sliding foot between 2 and 3.

• Test for balance by removing pressure from the broom or sliding device (lift only one inch).

• Arm slightly flexed.

• Release to handshake position.

• Follow through by not “popping up”.

Duration

At least three reps per student.

Little Rockers and Youth Version - Setup & 1-2-3

Every day, start the session with an off-ice setup review.

Procedure

In the warm room (without the sliding device), have the kid’s line up and show you the proper setup.  Check against the standard.  The kids should be able to setup properly.  Have them demonstrate the 1-2-3 motion.  They can easily step back onto the sliding foot with no ice and slider.

Check for the following setup:

• Relaxed, squatting position

• Weight on hack foot

• Feet heel-to-toe

1-2-3 Tempo

• Small press forward

• Draw back, lift hips slightly and step back onto sliding foot

• Arm forward then step onto sliding foot in front of body

• Weight should be on sliding foot and not on hand (s)

Duration: 1 Minute.

Little Rockers and Youth Considerations

Most curlers in this age group will need to shorten the release point to achieve enough power.  Asking them to slide to the hog line will result in lack of power due to rapid deceleration before release.  Have them short-release with a fluid motion out of the hack.  They will need to “clearly” extend the arm at release to achieve enough power.  It may seem like a “push” but explain it to the curler as an “arm extension”. 

Compulsory Drill #2           Comprehensive Sweeping

Purpose

This is a comprehensive sweeping drill that involves properly demonstrating all the sweeping skills from both sides.  Without constant instructor feedback and practice, bad sweeping habits will pop up.

Setup

Two instructors are necessary, three if possible.  Gather the kids at the hack area with NO sliders.  Line them up on either side of the sheet as if they were sweeping rocks in a game.  Place half of them on one side and half on the other.

Procedure

Review the proficiency standards for your age group.  Instructors should demonstrate the proper Open, Power Stroke sweeping stance and motion.

One instructor should push a rock from the hack area for the two lead sweepers (the ones in line first, one on each side) to sweep.  They must sweep the rock until it stops or is out of play.  The second instructor watches for proper mechanics at half sheet.  Watch the sweeping action.  The third instructor feeds rocks to the pusher. At the far end, do not change sides but sweep back with switched arms.

Look for the required components:

• Stance is 45 degrees to the line of delivery, facing the skip.

• Open stance with Inside arm down, 18” from the broom head.

• Bottom hand uses overhand grip to provide pressure.

• Top hand uses an underhand grip.

• Roll body weight over the broom head.

• Drive broom head 6 inches and 4 times per second.

• Drive and pull with the upper shoulder.

• Shuffle feet instead of walking.

• Proper combination of head speed and pressure.

Duration

Have them sweep in pairs at least once up and back.  Twice up and back if time permits.

Little Rocker and Youth Considerations

The Little Rockers will be able to demonstrate the proper sweeping motion with two exceptions.  Head pressure will be limited and the foot motion will be more of a walk (cross-country ski) than a shuffle.  ALWAYS START THE LITTLE ROCKERS SWEEPING WITH NO ROCK THEN HAVE THEM SWEEP ROCKS PUSHED SLOWLY BY THE INSTRUCTOR.

ODP - Practice Session #1

Prior to the ODP session have all kids do the following.  All with no pressure on the broom!!

• Two practice slides.

• Two guards.

• Two draws to the house.

• Two take-outs.

• Two peels.

• One draw to the button.

This drill prepares them for the session and requires all delivery components to be in place.

Supplementary Drill #1      Slide Between Two Rocks

The kids have trouble throwing shots away from the center line.  The farther out, the more trouble.

Purpose

Show the slide paths for shots outside the center of the sheet.  This drill focuses on adjusting the setup and delivery for different shots.

Setup

Place two rocks in the sliding area.  Younger kids will slide through rocks in the FGZ.  More experienced kids will slide through rocks closer to the hog line. 

Procedure

Have the students throw rocks as usual.  They should slide through the two rocks and continue the follow through after passing through them.  Have the kids make adjustment based on your feedback.  Have them focus on moving the rock first and putting the sliding foot behind the rock.  Balance will keep them straight..

Duration: Two or three reps or as needed.

Supplementary Drill #2      Test for Balance

For your regular program, never expect the kids to be perfectly balanced.  This drill has each curler test for balance as they slide out.  Once established in the delivery, have them take pressure off the broom or sliding device.

Purpose

This drill focuses on delivering the stone while balanced over the sliding foot.  It helps move the sliding foot to under the chest.

Setup

Gather the students at the hack area.  The instructors should position themselves near the hog line. 

Procedure

Have the students throw rocks as usual.  This time ask them to demonstrate a balanced delivery (with rock) by lifting the broom or sliding device during the delivery without pressure on the rock.  Allow inexperienced curlers to use the devices for about half the delivery.  After release, the newer curlers should be able to take pressure off of the device.  Experienced curlers should be able to lift off the ice.  Your top students will be able to slide the entire way without pressure on a device or the rock.

Duration

Two or three reps or as needed.

Supplementary Drill #3      Draw Shots

Purpose

This drill focuses on throwing draws with good mechanics without the pressure of a game.

Setup

Instructors should have a stopwatch and be familiar with split times from the back line to the hog.  Have the kids form a line on the back-board.

Procedure

Have the curlers throw draw shots full sheet while the instructor stands at the near hog.  For repetition, have them throw two rocks each with the instructor timing then catching them.  This eliminates the need to watch a full length shot.  After two reps, the instructor should move to the away end and call draws.  It is important that they throw with a steady slide.  It is better to throw a draw halfway with a smooth slide than to hit the house with a huge push.  It may be necessary to extend the arm quickly early in the release.

Duration: Ten to fifteen minutes depending on numbers.

Little Rocker Consideration

Little Rockers use a temporary tee or half sheet.  Focus on mechanics and getting rocks in play. Have the kids throw to the instructor who is standing about twenty feet away.  The goal is to use the delivery to move the rock forward.  It is important that the kids throw with a steady slide.  It is better to throw a draw way short with a smooth slide than to hit the house with a huge push.  As they get older, they will start to develop more power.

Supplementary Drill #4      Takeout Shots

Purpose

This drill focuses on generating weight for take-outs while staying on the line of delivery.

Setup

Instructors should have a stopwatch and be familiar with takeout split times from the back line to the hog.  On 14 second ice, a proper weight takeout will split between 3.0 and 3.20.  HTH times of 9.5 – 10.5.  Have the kids form a line on the back-board.

Procedure

In the hack, have them throw takeout weight shots to the instructor at the near hog line with a smooth slide and release.  The “Foot Delay” concept stressed earlier is helpful in generating more power on the take-outs.  You can provide them with immediate feedback by split timing the takeout. 

Throw with a steady slide.  It is better to throw a takeout light with a smooth slide than to throw big weight with a huge push.  As they get older they will start to develop more power.

Duration

About ten minutes depending on numbers. 

Supplementary Drill #5      Foot Delay (Drop Drill)

See the Skills and Drills page for more.

Purpose

This drill is designed for the intermediate curler.  It isolates the sliding foot delay and helps the body drop into the slide position properly.  It is not a full-delivery drill. 

Procedure

Setup in the number two position, “hips slightly up and back”.  This is the “loaded” position ready for forward motion.  From this position, move the rock and your body forward without moving your sliding foot.  Pick a point in front of the hack that the rock must touch before the sliding foot moves.  Start with a spot one foot from the hack.  Remember, do not move your sliding foot until the rock reaches that point.  Once you feel comfortable, move the point out farther.  This drill delays the foot without worrying about the other steps.  You will notice your slide will become longer and more powerful with each adjustment.  It is not necessary to stretch farther than about half way to the back line.

Duration: 10 minutes or until each student has completed four reps.

Supplemental Drill #6         Using a Step-On.

This drill is for the Little Rockers only.

Setup

Have all students gather with sliders.

Procedure

In the warm room, have the kid’s practice stepping onto their slider.  Remind them to be ready when it is their turn to throw.

Duration: 5 Minutes

Supplemental Drill #7   Turns & Signals

This drill is for Little Rockers and some Youth.  focuses on preparing the kids to play a game by demonstrating the skip’s shot calling procedure the basic signals and turns.

Setup

Instructor stands in the near house with the students in the hack area.

Procedure

In the hack area, have the kids take turns cocking the handle in response to the instructor’s hand signals.  Have them point the handle toward the skip’s arm then simulate a release to show understanding.  Move around and use both turns.  Demonstrate draw and takeout signals.  In the hack area and without sliding, have the kids take turns cocking the handle in response to the instructor’s hand signals.  Move around and use both turns.

Duration 5 minutes.

Supplemental Drill #8                  Release

All curlers need work on the release.  This drill focuses on the fundamentals of a proper release.   A release drill is simply at dedicated time to focus on one skill. 

Setup

Gather the kids in the hack area, each with a rock.   

Procedure

With the group together, demonstrate and have them show you a proper grip for both turns.

After a few minutes have them throw a rock with the proper release.  Have the kids setup with the rock cocked at 45 degrees.  Have them deliver the rock keeping the rock cocked until they release in a hand-shake position. The instructor should stand near the hog line and watch the players slide and release.  Watch for the following critical components:

• Proper grip

• Rock is cocked at 45 degrees from setup through start of rotation

• Start of rotation is four feet from release point

• Release to hand shake position

• Extend slightly at elbow

Duration: 5 Minutes 

Supplemental Drill #9         Points for Skills

Kids love points games.  Assigning a point value for certain skills will challenge the students.  The points are awarded for proficiency AND performance.  Even a player that cannot draw a rock in play can still earn points for setup.

Setup

The instructor will need a clipboard, paper and pen.  Have the kids gather in the hack area.

Procedure

Try this:

Proper 1-2-3            2 points (let them try until they get it)

Correct release        1 point

Rock in play            1 point

Take-out                  1 point

Draw in the house   2 points

The instructors should loosely keep track of the points as the kids tend to forget.

and have the kids keep track of their own points.

Duration: 10 minutes.

Little Rocker Consideration

Loosen the standards for the youngest curlers.  A takeout may mean “contact”.

Supplemental Drill #10       Sweep Judgment

Sweep judgment is a valuable skill.  Give the kids a few dedicated sessions to work on this skill.

Setup

Instructor stands at near house and pushes simulated draws full sheet.

Procedure

Working in pairs, the sweepers try to judge draw weight.  Start at the far hog line and push a rock toward the button.  Ask the sweepers to make a decision regarding sweeping.  This is the time to tell them not to wait for the skip on weight calls.  As they get use to the drill, move back and let them judge longer shots.

Stop watches are welcome.

Duration: 10 minutes.

Not Designed for Little Rockers

Supplemental Drill #11 Split Timing

This drill is designed for Youth and Juniors.

Setup

Gather the kids at in the hack area.  The instructor should briefly explain the split timing system.

Procedure

Have the instructor stand at the hog line while the other kids time the draw splits.  The timing method is better because of the lack of sweeping. During the drill, the kids should hit the weight window based on the split times.   Tell them the speed of the ice (HTH time) and have the other kids time the rock as if they were the sweepers.  Have the timers tell you if it needs sweeping or not.  Provide feedback to the thrower.

Example:

The ice speed is 14.2 seconds hog to hog.

The split times should be approximately between 3.80 and 3.90.  This window is the target for the drill because the 3.80 will stop in the house with no sweeping while the 3.90 will bite the house with full sweeping.

Duration: 10 minutes.

Not designed for Little Rockers.

Supplemental Drill #12       Hits and Rolls

This drill is designed for Little Rockers through Juniors

Setup

Gather the kids at in the house area.  The instructor should briefly explain that take-outs can hit and roll in addition to just taking out the opponent.

Procedure

Have the instructor stand at in front of the house and push rocks into the house.  Demonstrate the following hits and rolls.

• Hit and flop (under)

• Hit and roll to opposite side of house

• Short double

• Cross-house double

• Hit and roll out

Duration: 10 minutes.

First Year Consideration

Not designed for Little Rockers.

Supplemental Session #1              Game Basics

We are ultimately preparing our kids to play real games.  An understanding of the basics is necessary.

Setup

In the warm room or on the ice, gather the kids.

Procedure

Discuss the basics of the game by covering the following:

Rule #1 - Call shots your team can make.

• Teams of four, positions and alternating shots.

• Coin toss and hammer

Do not over-instruct.

Duration

Five minutes.

Supplemental Session #2              Ultra-Basic Strategy - Youth

Since the Youth curlers will play real games, a basic understanding of shots is necessary. 

Setup

Pick teams and set up for a game.

Procedure

An instructor will still be at each end of the game but the kids can start to call their own shots.  Cover the following:

• Call easy shots that young curlers can make

• How to broom for draws and take-outs

• Hammer team plays the outsides

• Non-hammer team plays the center

• Call the easiest shots possible

Duration: 10 minutes

Supplemental Session #3                        Scoring

This drill introduces Little Rockers to scoring and the curling scoreboard.

Setup

Gather the kids in the far house with a few rocks.

Procedure

Setup a simple situation that can help the kids understand the principles of the scoring system.  Start with two rocks, one of each color.  Have the kids tell you which rock is counting and why.  Add a rock and continue the exercise.  At the scoreboard area, demonstrate some simple scoring.  Start with each team scoring one point.  Explain the cumulative nature of the scoring and demonstrate.  Expect the kids to be confused at first (just like adults).

Duration: 5 minutes.

Supplemental Session #4              Shot Calling

Youth and Juniors should all know some basic shot-calling.

Setup

In the warm room, gather the kids around a table.  Have your strategy board ready.

Procedure

Review the following:

• Execution, not strategy wins games

• Call shots your team can make

• With hammer play the outsides

• No hammer, play the center

• Use of center and corner guards

• Call easy shots

Share other basics things as needed.

Duration: 10 minutes.

Supplemental Session #4                        Etiquette Review

All young curlers should understand the basic curling etiquette.

Setup

Preferably in the warm room, gather the kids around the table.

Procedure

Explain the following:

• Proper positioning for sweepers.

• Hand shake - W.E.S.T. (web, eye contact, solid, two)

• Positions for skips.

• Ready play.

• No trash talk.

• It’s ok to tell your opponent they made a good shot.

• Never cheer missed shots.

• Always Broomstack.

Duration: 10 minutes depending on questions. 

Supplemental Session #5              Strategy

 Players at the Junior level have a pretty good grasp of the strategy basics.  If they started curling at an early age they will have benefited from some basic instruction in the other groups.  Aspiring skips and vice skips at this age can benefit from a full strategy course given at your club.

Setup

Gather the kids in the warm room.

Procedure

During the Junior curling session only short topics can be covered:

• Getting the most from their players - calling easy shots (see Degree of Difficulty chart on the Strategy page).

• Difference between strategy and shot-calling.

• Conservative vs. aggressive strategy.

• Risk reward when getting aggressive.

• Caroms and rolls.

A ten-minute discussion about these topics is appropriate for the Junior time session.

Duration: About fifteen minutes.

Supplemental Session #6              Rules Review

Setup Classroom.

Procedure

Either off-ice or on-ice, all young curlers should understand the basic rules of the game.  Review the following in your own language and style.  These rules can get complicated.  Review the WCF Rules of Play.

• Burned stone rule

• Positioning

• Sweeping behind the tee

• Displaced  stationary stone

• Free Guard Zone

• No Tick

Duration: About fifteen minutes.

Supplemental Session #7              Play “Skip’s Call”

Players at the Junior level have a pretty good grasp of the strategy basics.  If they started curling at an early age they will have benefited from some basic instruction in the other groups.  Aspiring skips and vice skips at this age can benefit from a full strategy course given at your club.

The game is designed to spark discussion and learning.

Setup

Gather the kids in the warm room.

Procedure

Follow the Skips Call instructions.

Duration

About twenty minutes per end

Little Rocker Fun Activities

Curling Kids do not play regular games.  They need a variety of activities to keep them interested.  The same old delivery and sweeping drills get old fast.  Below are a few examples of fun games and activities. Try your own as long as they stress the delivery and sweeping mechanics.

Bowling Pins – Set up a few plastic bowling pins between the house and the hog line.  Let the kids knock them down.  This helps them with the concept of throwing the rocks in the right direction.  Keep the pins close to the hog line to ensure proper delivery mechanics.

Short Game – Have the kids play a game from the hack to the closest house.  Split them up into teams and coach them through an end or two.  This teaches them the basics of shot calling.  They may be able to use the adult rocks.  This is not a delivery drill.

Figure 6.  The “Short Game” can help younger kids learn about shots and basic strategy.

Closest to the Hog - As mentioned earlier, the little kids can’t properly throw the full length.  With a sliding device, they can demonstrate a proper deliver (without the balance) if they throw to the hog line.  Play a game where the winner is the closest to the hog line without going over.  Any rock that is over is out of play similar to a real game.

This game stressed the importance of the draw concept.  Rocks should be removed from play if they cross the hog line, just like in a game.  Remind them that curling is a finesse game.

Closest to the Button - Play a game where the winner is the closest to the button using the half sheet.

Custom Activities – Be creative with the fun activities.  Keep the proficiency standard in mind and never create a drill or activity that promotes or even allows poor mechanics.

Homework Assignments

Here’s an opportunity to get the young curlers to read curlingschool.com.  You may want to ask them to research certain curling age-appropriate topics.  Limit this to the Middle and High School age curlers.

Good topics for home review are:

·         The Free Guard Zone rule

·         No tick rule.

·         The burned rock rule.

·         Positioning of sweepers when they are not sweeping.

·         What are the different types of rocks.

·         Why rocks curl.

·         Many others.

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a program developed exclusively by CurlTech and is part of the CurlTech Integrated Program System.  It is the natural progression for some of your more committed students in your Junior Program.  It represents the highest level of individual AND team development for those players willing to commit.  It is offered at select clubs and available to any curler with the personal goal of playing at the World/Olympic level.  Volunteers work with World/Olympic hopefuls on a weekly basis to fine tune curling mechanics, team development, team systems and game knowledge.

The ODP is not strictly a junior program.  If resources are available at your club, it could be available to adults with the same type of commitment and desire.  However, it should be tied closely to your junior program since World/Olympic curlers rarely start as adults.  Young curlers are introduced to proper delivery and sweeping mechanics in the Junior Program.  As their skill and commitment level grow, the ODP will take them to the next level.  It’s important for your club to follow the CurlTech Junior Program to properly develop the skills.  Naturally, some of your juniors will want to achieve at a higher level.  Some will not.  The ODP is the path to success for the most committed junior curlers.

ODP Philosophy

The ODP is about skill training, skill proficiency and practice.  Individual and team performance is the natural next step.  All Olympians need time to develop their skills.  The ODP will give them the extra time and feedback to develop key skills WITHOUT the pressure of shot-making and game situations.  This value-added program will provide the time and training necessary to develop skill proficiency that is not found in most player or team development programs.

The program consists of three phases that, when mastered, provide the necessary skills to become a World/Olympic caliber player.  During the process of moving through the levels, each player or team should experience an increased level of success as they compete in leagues, bonspiels and playdowns for national championships.

The three phases of the Olympic Development Program are:

Phase 1       Delivery and Sweeping Mechanics

Phase I is focused on delivery and sweeping mechanics.  Mastering balance, weight shift, foot delay (tempo) and the release is the delivery goal.  Mastering brush head pressure, head movement and weight judgement is the sweeping goal.  In addition, students in Phase 1 will begin to understand why rocks curl to master the opportunities of directional sweeping created by differential pressure.

Phase 2       Performance

In Phase II, when no significant delivery changes are needed, students begin to use their good delivery mechanics to make shots.  Consistent line of delivery (balance and release) and weight control (tempo) are the focus.  Using your good sweeping mechanics will allow you to judge weight and effect the rock’s path.

Phase 3       Team Development

Phase III is where it all happens.  Good mechanics leads to good performance.  Now is the time to put four players together, work on team systems and start to perform as a team.  Teams will learn game systems and execute against them.  The CurlTech Team Development and Performance Program will finish the process.

The Importance of a Phased Approach

The phased approach helps focus on the building blocks of a championship player as part of a championship team.  During Phase 1, for example, the focus is on mechanics with supplemental work on performance and team systems.  When in Phase 2, the focus is on performance and so on.

Qualifying for the ODP

To qualify for the program, a player must have a base foundation of curling skills.  For young curlers, the best age to start the ODP is when they move from the Youth group to the Junior category, which is roughly seventh grade or age 13 (see CurlTech Junior Program).  The base knowledge is important since the CurlTech Junior Program starts the foundation process at an early age, teaching a base level version of a World/Olympic level delivery (press, step, side) and sweeping mechanics.  Other club programs (leagues, clinics, etc.) should support the fundamentals that the ODP builds upon.  In addition to the base knowledge gained in other programs, all participants must:

·         Have a commitment to individual and team performance.

·         Accept the CurlTech curriculum, mechanics, systems and principles*.

·         Have Worlds and/or Olympics as their goal.

·         Be coachable.

·         Be committed to changing and getting better.

·         Have a minimum degree of proficiency (must be able to slide with a relatively balanced delivery).

·         Be nice.

Young curlers should be accepted into the program mainly based on commitment.  Avoid ”inviting” kids into the program.  This type of selection process can be excluding in nature.  The Varsity vs, Junior Varsity is more divisive than we want.  ANYONE that is committed should be in your program.

The program is about the future, not the present.

*Accepting the Principles

The CurlTech principles are very detailed with explanations of why the principles work.  All of these principles can be found at curlingschool.com.  ODP directors will have a difficult time supporting principles other than what the program provides. 

Staffing and Schedule

The program is not labor intensive.  With the program information available via the web site, one enthusiastic person can run the ODP.  This ODP Director will be on-site at each session.  Once your program has more than eight participants, another support instructor will be needed.  You should expect to formally train ODP curlers one day per week.  Twice per week is better.  Programs already in place have shown that a weekday from 4-6 pm will accommodate the program needs and not interfere with the normal league schedule.

Ongoing Activity

It’s important to note what happens with the regular curling activity for the program participants.  All participants are encouraged to attend as many camps, play in as many leagues, bonspiels and enter as many playdowns as possible.  It’s likely that if they commit to the program and the skills, they will enjoy a higher level of success in their regular events.

ODP Curler’s Creed

• My behavior on and off the ice will be consistent with the “Spirit of Curling”.

• I will treat my teammates, coaches and opponents with respect.

• I will be prepared and be ready to play or practice 15 minutes early.

• I will always view my opponent as a challenge to my skills.

• I will wear my uniform with respect to the traditions of curling.

• I will NEVER, EVER slam a broom or kick a rock.

• I will compete with humble confidence.

• I will never cheer against other members of this program.

National Competitive Events

Each year the USA Curling holds national competitive events.  Some will lead to world play while others will not.

Junior Events Leading to world play*

U21 Nationals*                                       Under 21 as of 6/30 of 2 prior years.

Non-World Play Events

U18 Nationals                                         Under 18 as 12/30 of prior year.

College Nationals (WUG)                         See specific event.

Adult Events Leading to World Play*.

Men’s and Women’s Nationals              No age restrictions.

Mixed Doubles                                       No age restrictions.

Mixed Nationals                                    

Senior Nationals                                     50 as of June 30 of prior year.       

Wheelchair Nationals                                No age restrictions.

Non-World Play Events

Club Nationals                                        No age restrictions.            

Arena Nationals                                      No age restrictions.

Five-Year and under nationals.

Olympic Events*

2026 Olympics                        No age restriction.

2026 Paralympics                                        No age restrictions.

2028 YOG                                        Born between 1/1/10 and 12/31/13**

2030 Olympics                      No age restrictions.

*Must be a US citizen.  Check USA Curling for eligibility requirements and date confirmations.

** Verify with the WCF as things may change.

The CurlTech philosophy on junior competition is this:

“Build and train for U21.  Go to U18”

Regardless of age, junior teams should build and train toward the world-bound U21 event.  The U18 is a developmental event designed to allow younger curlers to experience national level competition without the older 19–21-year-olds.  Too often young teams are made up of players that have different eligibility and must alter the team for the U18 event.  This is distracting for U21 development.  Build your teams for U21 and practice toward that goal.  Schedule events that allow the U21 players to train.  When the U18 playdowns come around, take the eligible players and enter.  No need to training specially since they train regularly on the principles for U21.

Phase 1 - Delivery and Sweeping Mechanics

Unlike other training programs, the ODP Level I will allow curlers to practice proper delivery and sweeping mechanics without the pressure to make shots.  The drills, games and instructor feedback in Phase 1 are ALL about proper mechanics.

Proper mechanics are based on the CurlTech Principles found at curlingschool.com.

Since the focus is on proper mechanics, a dedicated session outside of your normal leagues is necessary.  A time segment during the week will be best since it does not interfere with weekend play (bonspiels, tournaments, etc.).

Phase 1 is individual based.  Players focus on delivery and sweeping mechanics and must create a solid delivery and sweeping foundation.  Proper tempo, timing, balance, line of delivery and release are required for the delivery.  Proper mechanics, head speed, head pressure and rock timing mechanics are required for sweeping.  Session work includes delivery repetition and some game time for practice under pressure.  Basic game knowledge, strategy and mental toughness are also introduced here to supplement the mechanics.

Balance, Weight Shift, Foot Delay and Release

Like your Junior Program standards, Level I is focused on Proficiency and not Performance.  The key to a successful Level 1 is constant repetition on Balance, Weight Shift and Foot Delay.  These are described in detail in the Delivery Section of curlingschool.com.

Balance is key.  All ODP students must slide with a broom and be able to deliver with no pressure on it.   Most of the drills require an “effort to balance”.  Checking for balance is required on every delivery and in some cases with the older students, every shot is thrown with the broom completely off the ice.  During leagues and bonspiels ODP students are expected to throw with the broom on ice and in the proper position.  After time, the normal delivery will be just as balanced as in practice.

Balance is the foundation for a successful delivery.  During this phase, drills and instructor feedback are geared toward mastering balance and other mechanics.  Some of the drills are mechanics-only drills where the curlers work on mechanics without throwing a real shot.  This allows the instructor to isolate mechanics issues and opportunities.  Repetition is the key to creating a solid foundation.  On occasion, the curler will throw basic draws and take-outs but ONLY with their good mechanics.

To graduate from Level 1, an individual must demonstrate the following delivery fundamentals:

·         Proper setup.

·         Proper tempo (drawback, step and foot delay).

·         Balanced throughout the delivery.

·         Rock and all energy stay on the line of delivery.

·         Proper release with no lateral energy targeting 4.0 - 5.0 rotations.

Also, to graduate from Phase 1, an individual must demonstrate the following sweeping fundamentals:

·         Proper over/under grip.

·         Proper stance and positioning.

·         Open stance on both sides of the rock.

·         Proper head speed and pressure (over 50% of body weight).

·         Proper understanding and use of zonal, directional sweeping.

·         Understanding the misconceptions of scratching.

Blending the Phases

Mastering the delivery and sweeping fundamentals in Phase 1 doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy league play and bonspiels or some performance related drills.  However, a committed program participant will use leagues and bonspiels to get the necessary repetition with the skills.  Participants must avoid reverting to old habits and focus on the new skills.  There are very few “must win” games during the regular season.  It’s ok to work on the skills while playing.  Short term success may suffer slightly but the long-term results are worth it.

Phase 1 Sample Session (see web site for drill specifics)

3:45             Curlers warm up with stretches.

4:00             On ice Warm-Up Session #1, instructor watches warm-up.

4:15             Meet in the warm room for session objectives and discussion.

4:30             Comprehensive Delivery Drill with instructor feedback.

4:45             Comprehensive Sweeping Drill with instructor feedback.

5:00             Supplemental Drill (release, directional sweeping, splits, etc.)

5:15             Performance drill (LOD, weight control, sweep judgement, etc.)

5:30             Team drill.

6:00             Participants sweep the ice, pebble, nip as needed.

All drills must use the skill principles since shot making is not the focus.

Warm-Up Session #1

This is a warm-up drill before instruction and feedback.  Balance is the key with an added performance related component.  All deliveries should be balanced and/or test for balance.  The ice may be fresh so don’t expect much on the performance side.  Have them focus on game type weights and not on the current conditions.  Target a default draw weight of 14.5 - 14.8 HTH with 3.90 – 4.00 splits.

·         Pull or protect the hacks.

·         Take one balanced practice slide without a rock.

·         Throw one balanced guard.

·         Throw one balanced draw to the house.

·         Throw one balanced takeout (9.5 HTH, 3.0 split).

·         Throw one balanced peel weight (8.5 HTH, 2.70 split).

·         One balanced draw to the button swept.

Phase 1 Proficiency Drills

Test for Balance (best drill ever)

Early in the program, balance is still the most difficult part of the mechanics for young curlers.  At all early sessions, have the students deliver rocks as usual.  When the delivery is established (maybe tee line) have them take pressure off the broom or sliding device and continue the slide until they stop.  If possible, have them lift the broom off the ice one inch.  The result will be a movement in the sliding foot from under the right shoulder to under the chest.  The goal is perfect balance from the beginning.  As they get more proficient with balance late in the delivery, ask them to test earlier and earlier.

Slide, test, release.

Balance

The natural progression from the “Test for Balance” drill is the balance drill.  Have the students set up as normal and throw rocks with the broom one inch off the ice.  This is difficult since many curlers need some broom help early in the delivery as they transition from the step into the slide.

Make sure they keep their upper bodies at the same angle as their normal delivery.  To aid in balance students tend to lift the upper body to shift the center of mass back (easier to balance in the drill but doesn’t help during the real delivery).

Drop Drill with Balance (best drill ever)

Have the students setup in the #2 position (step) and check for proper weight shift and foot placement.  With a rock, have them move the rock forward WITHOUT moving the sliding foot.  When the rock reaches the halfway point between the hack and back line, quickly move the sliding foot to a position directly under their chest.

Double Delay (Tempo Drill – rock, foot, rock, foot)

The proper delivery has two-foot delays.  After the press #1, have the students draw the rock back WITHOUT moving their sliding foot.  When the rock gets close to the hack foot and the hips are moving up, quickly step #2 back onto the sliding foot.  Check for proper foot placement.

Release (best drill ever)

Having the students throw rocks as usual.  Make sure they test for balance.  Near the hog line, have them release properly with no “jab” or side energy (set).  Target 4 - 5 rotations.

Blend in some Performance Drills

Comprehensive Line of Delivery Drill

The LOD id defined in the Delivery Section of curlingschool.com.  Students of all ages and ability strive for a perfect line which happens when you are balanced.  As an instructor, follow these feedback guidelines to help your students learn.  Your LOD drills will always have two feedback components:

Feedback #1 - After release indicate to the student if they “hit the broom” by raising the broom slightly.  If they were wide a few inches, tip the broom head to the wide side.  If they were wider pick up the broom and place it where they came out.  Same on the narrow side.  All shots that are lifted or tipped can be made with good teamwork.  If the instructor has to lift the broom and place it in a different place, the shot is missed.

Feedback #2 – Indicate inside/out or outside/in with your non-broom hand the line that was taken.  The hand moving directly at them indicates a straight LOD.  If the rock left the line, indicate an inside out or outside in line.

See the Coaches Line of Delivery Drill video on the CurlTech YouTube channel.

Close-Up Line of Delivery Drill

·         Hold a broom near the close hog line.

·         Agree on a weight for the drill.

·         Have the students throw at your broom.

·         Give them the two sets of feedback on each throw.

Draw and Takeout Weight Drill

This drill is focused on calibrating draw and takeout weight.  Have the students split time each other targeting the default weight of 3.90 (closer to championship speed).

Phase 1 Team Based Drills

Although team development is in Phase 3, you can take the opportunity to introduce team concepts, particularly if you have a local team formed at your club.

Four in the Four – best team drill ever

Assign the students to teams.  As a team, have them draw the button with good skills and communication.  This is similar to the LSD they will be doing at championship events.  Continue the drill until they draw to the four-foot four times IN A ROW.  If someone misses the four-foot, they start over.

This is one of the best team drills.  It focuses on all parts of a good team shot.

Incentives:

·         If the cover the hole, the drill can end.

·         If they touch the button twice in a row, the drill can end.

Simulated Game

The simulated game is also very beneficial.  Have the teams play against the instructor who is placing the opponent’s shots in REASONABLE spots for the level of play.  For example, a team of 14-year-old’s shouldn’t be playing a simulated team shooting 90%.

Perfect Team

Have the students play an end or two against the perfect team.  The instructor places the opponent’s shots in the perfect spot on every shot.  The goal is to force one without hammer, post one with hammer.

Play Skip’s Call

In the warm room gather the students and pick teams.  Play one end of Skip’s Call under certain scenarios:

·         First end discussing the opening play and responses.

·         An active scoring end trying to steal.

·         An active scoring end actively trying to convert.

·         “Do or Die” situation – tied coming home.

Phase 2 – Delivery and Sweeping Performance

Phase 2 can be an individual or team based* effort.  Phase 2 athletes take a solid foundation of mechanics and apply them to shot making and sweeping performance. For the delivery in Level 2, an emphasis is placed on LOD and weight adjustments (i.e., touch and finesse).  For sweeping, an emphasis is placed efficiency and effectiveness as well as weight judgment, directional sweeping principles and communication.  Repetition with your proper delivery is the key to Level 2.  Intermediate level game knowledge, strategy and mental toughness are introduced here.

To graduate from Phase 2, a player must demonstrate the following:

·         Throw straight down the line of delivery at various brooms.

·         Adjust weight with various calls (measured by splits and HTH times).

·         Show draw consistency.

·         Demonstrate offensive and defensive strategy concepts.

·         Regularly employ mental toughness techniques.

·         Judge and communicate weights while sweeping.

·         Sweep effectively and efficiently.

*Now is the time to start forming a team with other ODP members.  The best teams in the world practice together and learn to win as a team.  Forming teams from around the country may be appealing (particularly if there is funding involved) but the learning curve on these teams is lengthy and complicated.  Trust and confidence are critical and are very difficult to achieve at weekend bonspiels and random team practices.  Teams need time together since the competitive cycles are relatively short.

• Junior teams age out at 21.

• Adults have a four-year Olympic cycle.

Once Phase 2 is complete, or established, hand off your students to a qualified coach and begin the Team Development and Performance Phase.

Phase 3 – The Team

Phase 3 is team-based, with a coach (the default coach is the ODP Director).  Now that the players or team have solid fundamentals, it is the time shift to the next program in the CurlTech Integrated Program system, Team Development and Performance.  This program is available through CurlTech upon request.

Phase 3 is complex and requires a separate program.  Teams work on the complete development of the team by mastering the position skills, team systems, advanced strategy, team mental toughness and team cohesiveness.

For consistency reasons, players are encouraged (but not required) to build teams from inside the program.  This will allow teams to practice and develop all necessary team systems together.  A coach is necessary to monitor skills and provide feedback.

Teams wishing to compete at the highest level require time and practice.  If either one is eliminated you will not achieve your competitive goals.

Graduation from Phase 3 means a team has all the necessary skills, systems and knowledge to become an Olympic medalist.  Commitment and practice will determine the team’s level of success.

Coaches and players must have a solid knowledge base regarding how teams perform.  As a reference, use the Team Development and Performance section of curltech.com

ODP Success Story

Since 1992, the CurlTech principles have been used in club junior programs.  In addition to an endless list of lifelong curlers, below is a list of competitive medals that have come through the junior program, the ODP or both. 

55 National and World medals.

Pam Montbach - 1  Arena Nationals gold medalist.

Ted Graves - 1         U21 bronze medalist.

Eric Paul - 1            U21 bronze medalist.

Andy Kachuk - 1    U21 bronze medalist.

Dan Moran – 1        U21 bronze medalist.

Doug Krailo - 1       U21 bronze medalist.

Monica Walker - 6  Two-time U21 silver medalist, three-time women’s gold medalist, Current Women’s National Team member, current Mixed Double National Team member.  2021 Women’s Silver

Laura Hallisey - 4   Two time U21 silver medalist, Women’s National gold medalist. 2024 Mixed Silver

Jillian Walker – 3    Two time U21 silver medalist, Mixed gold medalist.

Nicki Rosetti - 2      Two time U21 silver medalist.

Alex Leichter - 2     U21 silver medalist.  Former HP member.  Current Mixed Doubles National Team member. 2024 Mixed Silver

Stephen Dropkin – 1   2013 U21 Gold medalist.

Korey Dropkin – 10  2013, 2014 U21 Gold.  2014 YOG Gold, 2014 YOG World Silver, 2016 Mixed Doubles Gold.  2021 Men’s Gold.  2021 Trials Silver. Current Men’s National Team member. 2024 Men's Silver, 2023 National Doubles Champion, World Doubles Gold.

Jenna Burchesky – 2   Former U21 National Team member.  Two-time U21 gold medalist.

Elizabeth Cousins – 3 2016 U18 Silver medalist, 2019 Women’s Bronze medalist.  Current Women’s National Team member.  2021 Women’s Silver.

Chase Sinnett - 6     2019 U21 Bronze, 2016 U18 Bronze, 2019, 2021 Men’s Bronze, WUG Bronze 2023, current National team member. 2023 Men's Silver

Sydney Mullaney - 7  2016 U18 Silver, 2017 U18 Gold, 2019 U18 Gold, 2019, 2021 U21 Gold,  2019 Mixed Gold. Current National team member.  WUG Bronze 2023.

Liz Janiak – 2          2020 Women’s Bronze. 2021 U21 Silver.

Ethan Hebert - 1      2018 YOG Gold medalist.