THE WORLD CURLING ALLIANCE TO PERFECT and PROMOTE

CHAPTER 2

THE GENUFLECT DELIVERY

YOU CAN --- YOU WILL;

Develop a push/slide system to deliver a 39-42lb. curling rock to the precise point called by your skip.

Develop a curling skill which requires precision aiming (hit the brush within 3") with controlled force and precise timing to push a rock from hack to the termination point with exact reproducibility.

Definition: Let's call the "no-lift" delivery the "push" delivery. It only makes sense to call something what it is rather than what it is not.

Your delivery will be developed to enhance dynamic equilibrium. You and the rock must become one projectile, smart bomb. The GENUFLECT TWO HANDED PUSH THE ROCK AND DOMINANT FOOT SLIDE DELIVERY fulfills this criterion.
Dominant foot slide: You no longer must slide with the foot opposite the throwing arm . On-one lifts the rock any longer and new curlers now push the rock.  Pushing the rock means you don't have to slide on the left foot for a right handed delivery. Slide out on your right foot (right hand delivery) and learn to slide in a few hours instead of years. Some pros still wobble on the right foot after 30+ years of curling.

  In learning this synergistic delivery system, the rock is not thrown but placed. In actuality, the curler will learn to "place" rocks like a professional at the exact spot called by your skip - if he places the brush correctly.

This delivery technique is based upon a bio-mechanical system which promotes directional slide stability and consistent weight control. Your new curling technique will call on the expansion and use of the whole brain (L-mode and R-mode). See the chapter on "Physiology." The system will embrace all human heights, ages and the 3 general body configurations:

Heavy for bone size - Muscular - Skinny

The technique minimizes learning time, mental frustration and particularly specialized physical condition - minimizes startup and re-entry muscle pain.

Any rock delivery system must embrace dynamic equilibrium - the curler and rock will launch from the hack as one projectile.

Again, what are the key features of a successful delivery system?

1. Stability.

2. Reproducibility.

3. Physically easy to learn and perform.

Beginners: How to get started? See figures 2.1 thru 2.18.

As a beginner or "retired" club curler/student who wants to "start over," you will only need to be interested in:

WHO HOW WHAT WHEN

WHO?

Who do you contact to start your curling career?

If you are a student or parent, contact the athletic department at your school in early September.

Most Canadian provinces and many northern USA states have a school-sponsored curling program in association with their local curling clubs. Most often, the parent or other adult student is welcome to attend. These sessions are usually held once a week after school or Saturdays and at a nominal cost.

 If you are a senior (55+ years old), contact the local seniors' club or curling rink manager. Many towns have a senior curling league during week days. You just show up and curl. The teams/draws are drawn by lottery before play starts so you will get to know everyone. Some seniors curl 5 days a week at different clubs. The cost is $2-3 per session. Open ice is free. Even if you are not a senior, you might be able to buy an associate membership for under $100 per season and you may curl anytime the lights are on. Check with the ice technician first. Big clubs are open over the lunch hour for practice. I practice 20 hours a week and play 6-8 games. This a quick way to learn and with no pre-conditioning. I played 205 games last year having been invited to play for teams in bon spiels and as a spare.