In curling, a winter sport played on ice, competitors use brooms to strategically influence the movement of heavy granite stones. Teams of four take turns sliding stones toward a circular target area called the "house," with the goal of positioning their stones closest to the center, or "button." The broom plays a crucial role in this process.
As a player releases the stone, teammates equipped with brooms sweep the ice in front of it. Sweeping reduces friction between the stone and the ice by melting a thin layer of ice, making the stone travel farther and in a straighter path. By controlling the amount of sweeping, players can affect both the stone’s speed and direction.
Distance: Sweeping makes the stone glide farther by creating a smoother surface. This is particularly useful when a stone needs just a bit more distance to reach the desired spot.
Curl: Curling stones are designed to curve, or "curl," as they slide across the ice. The amount of curl can be influenced by how much sweeping is done. By sweeping, players can reduce the stone’s curl, keeping it on a straighter path. Conversely, less sweeping allows the stone to curl more, giving it the arc needed to maneuver around obstacles or place it in a more favorable position.
Additionally, the broom is a communication tool. The team leader, called the skip, uses the broom to signal where they want the stone to be aimed, guiding the player delivering the stone. The skip also directs teammates when to sweep, making split-second decisions to optimize the stone's trajectory.
Overall, the broom is essential for controlling the strategy and precision required in curling, making it a unique and important tool in the sport.
If you had thought broom had one and only purpose, then it seems you were wrong. Comment us for more of your curiosity. If you want to draw a witch on a broom, look it up [. We have a gift for you.
