Curling: What’s up with all the Yelling?

You might have seen curling on your TV or watched it live. Maybe you’ve even played it for yourself! One thing’s for sure – everyone who’s experienced curling usually has the same question. What’s up with all the yelling?

Well, when curling on real ice, players are constantly shouting sweeping instructions to teammates. Sweeping can help curling shots be made or make the shot better. Sweeping can keep a rock straighter or make it go further. Players move their synthetic brushes in front of the stones, taking instructions from their skip (that’s the person who’s yelling).

Even though sweeping isn’t needed for Street Curling and FloorCurl, there’s no reason you can’t test out your yelling abilities. Some common shouted instructions are:

HURRY HARD! That means the rock needs some serious sweeping. Sort of old school.

OFF! It’s too heavy. Stop sweeping it.

YUP! A simpler, more modern version of HURRY HARD. Often followed by a GOTTA GO! if the situation is especially dire.

WHOA! Stop sweeping.

The next time you’re Street Curling or playing FloorCurl, have some fun and shout some sweeping instructions to your friends. You’ll feel like an Olympic champ in no time.