Improving Your Game - The Vice

Editor: unknown
Date: 2013-03-25

Posted: Mar 25, 2013
Contributed: Colin Sinclair

The Vice (Third)

The vice is the core of any team. The communication link between the skip and front end. Arguably, the most consistent thrower on the team. Able to make draws and hits with ease. Has a good understanding of the ice and game strategy, and is able to sweep with the best of them whenever required. The vice must also know how to ‘manage’ and work with the skip.

At vice you can play an integral role in your team’s success. Here are some tips to help.

Learn how and when to talk with your skip regarding shot options. Be supportive and suggest other options when the time is right or when asked. Don’t rush up and plunk your broom down for the skip - be patient and don’t second guess the skip – if there is something glaring ask and suggest but always have sound logic behind your thoughts.
Skips usually decide what shot to call based on an end plan. If you decide to suggest a different shot you need to be able to fit that shot into the end plan and also be able to describe your logic right through the rest of the end.
Stay in the game. Curling is a social game but you still need to know what’s going on at all times. You never know when your skip might ask your advice and it’s probably a good idea to know who’s shot it is and what end you’re in.
Be confident when calling line. Your skip should not be calling line from the far end after they’ve thrown. You are in charge of line call once the rock leaves the skip’s hand. Make a decision on sweeping, share it with the sweepers making sure it’s loud enough for them to hear. Know when to call for plan b, plan c, or even d! Always stay with the shot until the end and try to make it useful.
Practice take outs and draws – throw one and then the other – that is what you will likely be called upon to do in a game situation and you need to be good at it. The best way to develop this skill is to practice. Get to the rink and throw draws and hits alternating. It can be difficult to shift gears and be accurate at this. Work on calming yourself after the hits so you can be relaxed enough to have the touch required to deliver an accurate draw.
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. 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 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 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 – you may be on to plan ‘B’ and visa versa.
If you think it’s 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.
Once you’ve thrown your second rock be sure to head straight down to the far end. Don’t miss out on valuable game talk time with your skip.
Remember to watch that rocks don’t run into the hack and to keep the area behind the house tidy. Do not leave trip hazards. Make sure that you are in control of the rocks on your sheet – keep them off adjacent sheets
In the vice position you should be familiar with the rules of the game and know your teams options should a situation occur on the ice. The rules are available on-line or you can purchase a rule book at curling supply stores or from the Ontario Curling Association.
Remember, at the conclusion of the end to make sure that you confirm the number of points scored with the opposition and to get an agreement from the other vice – before moving any rocks. If it’s close and you’re not sure - measure – don’t give up points unnecessarily. Ignore comments from other players; you and the opposing vice are the only ones who should be in the house. Don’t be ‘bullied’ or intimidated in the house.
Remember to post the score! Your skip wants to know what’s going on and you never know who might be following your game. Having said that please show a bit of sportsmanship and should you happen to be way up on the opposition and are still scoring don’t hang the points – just keep track of them in your head until you have to show them or the game is over. Don’t rub salt in the wound.
Practice is the key to better performance.