Improving Your Game - The Lead

Editor: unknown
Date: 2013-03-11

Posted: Mar 11, 2013
Contributed: Colin Sinclair

The Lead

If you are a fairly new curler or a novice you are probably playing lead on your team. Please understand that there is no hierarchy on a curling team – every position has a role to play and if one is faltering then it makes it more challenging for the whole team.

The advent of the Free Guard Zone has made the lead position one of critical importance. The Free Guard Zone rule states that a rock the stops in front (outside) of the house cannot be removed from play by the opposing team until the fifth rock of an end. This means the lead has a unique opportunity to set up an end by placing a perfect guard which the other team cannot immediately remove – thus, the lead’s rocks usually determine if you control the end or you’re desperately trying to catch up. So let’s lay to rest any idea of hierarchy on a curling team once and for all.

As lead you can make a huge difference on your team by becoming as accomplished in the role as you can be. You set the tone for each end and will become an invaluable source of information for your team.

Here are some tips to help you improve in the position:

Be ready. When your skip takes control of the house you shouldn’t still be cleaning your rock, pulling on your slider or, worst of all, still yakking up at the hogline! If you have the first shot of the end let your team mates take care of putting the rocks away. Find your rock and get in the hack right away.
Understand the shot you’re throwing. Look at your skip not at your rock or the ice. If you don’t know what weight is expected or what turn to throw be sure to ask. Never throw a rock without fully understanding what the called shot is.
When it’s your turn to sweep - be ready. Don’t be gossiping with the other sweeper or a player on another sheet as the rock slides by you. Know what shot was called and stay with the rock – until it actually stops – unless otherwise directed.
Communicate what you’re thinking about weight to the person in the house and to your sweeping partner frequently and don’t be shy about it. Make sure you let the person in the house know what’s going on with the rock and do it loudly enough for them to hear you. As the lead you sweep the most rocks in a row, you should have a good idea of how the ice is running and if a delivered rock is light or heavy.
After you have delivered the information to the person in the house listen for their instructions – if they tell you to sweep – then sweep – even if you think it’s heavy you’ve already told them the weight – they may have switched to plan ‘B’ and vice versa.
If you think its light – then start sweeping – if you think it’s heavy – don’t sweep until you are asked to. You are responsible for the ‘weight’ or travel of the rock.
When you’re not next to throw stand quietly between the hoglines.
While you’re waiting for the skip to come down from the other end get their rock out for them and put it in front of the hack. Do NOT pull the opposition’s rock out for them, it’s NOT good etiquette and it’s a safety hazard!
Be prepared to give your skip an indication of the speed of the ice – should they ask.
When measuring and point counting are going on in the house stay out of the way. The Vices are the only ones who should be in the house.
As you become more accomplished at the lead position your team will come to rely on you to let them know the speed of the ice. The skip will also use your delivery to determine where to put the broom for the others.

Keep these few tips in mind every time you play and your team will thank you.