Curling Shot Types: Draws, Takeouts, and Guards

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the different shot types in curling! Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned player, understanding the various shot types can greatly enhance your gameplay. In this article, we will explore three essential shot types: draws, takeouts, and guards. Each shot type serves a unique purpose and requires specific techniques and strategies. So, let’s dive in and learn more about these fundamental curling shots!

Types of Curling Shots

Draws

In curling, a draw shot refers to a shot that is strategically played to position the stone in a specific location on the ice. The objective of a draw shot is to guide the stone towards the target area, usually the house, which is the circular scoring area at the end of the sheet. Draws require precise weight control, line accuracy, and effective sweeping to achieve the desired outcome.

There are various types of draw shots in curling, including the following:

Freeze: A freeze is a draw shot where the objective is to have the stone come to rest in close proximity to another stone, making it difficult for the opponent to remove both stones. This shot is often used to create a blocking or scoring opportunity.
Tap Back: A tap back is a draw shot played with enough weight to gently tap a stone already in the house, moving it backward while maintaining control of the shooter stone. This shot is commonly utilized to rearrange the positioning of stones and open up scoring opportunities.
Draw Around: A draw around shot involves guiding the stone around a guard or another stone in order to position it behind or beside another stone in the house. This shot is used to create a strategic advantage by placing the stone in a favorable scoring position.

Takeouts

Takeout shots in curling involve removing opponents’ stones from play. These shots typically require more weight and power compared to draws. The objective of a takeout is to eliminate opposing stones while keeping the shooter stone in play or positioning it in a beneficial location.

Takeout shots can be executed in different ways:

Hit and Roll: A hit and roll is a takeout shot where the shooter stone hits an opponent’s stone and then rolls to a desired position. The goal is to remove the targeted stone while simultaneously placing the shooter stone in a favorable spot, often behind a guard or in a scoring position.
Double Takeout: A double takeout is a shot where the shooter stone hits two opposing stones, removing them both from play. This shot is usually attempted when there are multiple opponents’ stones in undesirable positions and requires precise accuracy and power.
Split: A split shot involves hitting one stone into another, causing the targeted stone to move while maintaining control of the shooter stone. This shot is employed to rearrange the positioning of stones and create scoring opportunities for the team.

Guards

Guards in curling are strategically placed stones intended to protect or block access to other stones. They are usually positioned in front of the house or strategically placed to impede opponents’ shots. Guards play a crucial role in creating scoring opportunities and defensive strategies.

Different types of guard shots in curling include:

Center Guard: A center guard is placed in front of the house, directly on the centerline. This shot aims to obstruct the opposing team’s path to the house and prevent them from easily scoring points.
Corner Guard: A corner guard is positioned on one side of the sheet, closer to the sidelines. This shot is employed to create offensive opportunities by either protecting a stone already in play or serving as a potential target for later shots.
Peel: A peel shot involves hitting a guard stone with enough power to remove it from play. This shot is usually executed to clear the path to the house or eliminate guards that are blocking scoring opportunities.

Understanding the different types of curling shots, including draws, takeouts, and guards, is essential for curlers to develop effective strategies and improve their gameplay. By mastering these shot types, players can enhance their ability to control the game and increase their chances of success.

In conclusion, understanding the different shot types in curling is essential for players looking to improve their skills and strategize effectively during a game. Draws, takeouts, and guards each serve a specific purpose and require different techniques and precision. Whether it is the finesse and precision of a draw shot, the power and accuracy of a takeout, or the defensive strategy of a guard, mastering these shot types will greatly contribute to a player’s success on the ice. By employing a combination of these shot types and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of a game, curlers can maximize their chances of scoring points and outmaneuvering their opponents. So, next time you step onto the curling sheet, remember the importance of shot selection and execute your curling shots with confidence and precision.