Page 3.3
BRUSHING-HOW TO
BRUSHING THE HANDLE.
There is little point to brush more than the 5"/12cm. running surface/5" handle.
"Neutral" brushing is demonstrated in the photos.
Brushers should stand on either side of the rock at 90 degrees/perpendicular to the rock line of travel. See cartoon clipart.
Note curler on left (green pants).
His technique is mostly right:
1. He is in an upright brushing/walking stance ( foot overlap step).
2. He must have a gripper on both feet which is essential for POWER brushing.
3. The brush is on the "skip" side of the body.
Fig. 3.6 4. He is wearing a cap with bill to reduce glare.
5. He is "brushing the handle."
What is he doing WRONG?
1. He is not square with the rock line of travel.
2. The brush is too short to apply max pressure.
3. He should be closer to the rock centerline.
4. He is not looking up at skip. No communication.
What is the brusher on the right doing WRONG?
1. He is "HUNKERED" down which means he will have a back ache by game end and he can not power brush.
2. He is too far away from rock. Stay within1/2 small step at most.
3. Brush handle is on wrong side and is too short.
4. He too is not looking at skip.
What is brusher on the right side doing RIGHT?
1. He is wearing gripper on both feet. Essential to "power brushing."
2. He is brushing the handle.
3. Feet in position to power brush.
4. Brusher will have to "shuffle walk" or "foot overlap" walk down sheet.
IN SUMMARY:
It is possible to enhance rock travel up to 10 feet (two power brushers) while minimizing "slowing" the curl.
Using the "soft face" brush, greater distance and control is possible.
You can now see why it is important that brushers stand on either side of the rock.
Note that the brusher is "high" on the brush.
The muscles of the body are in compression minimizing strain.
I can apply over 100lbs. to the brush head without strain. As a matter of fact, I am
a senior
citizen and have brushed 4 games (very hard) in one day without becoming sore. Tired yes,
but sore--NO. And with no special conditioning.
Brushing can be fun, if it doesn't hurt and you can see the positive results of your efforts.
See the brushing technical chapter.
Not one Hearts curling lady has ever
brushed in the upright position so they will never beat the men!!
