Despite its icy exterior, curling is blazing hot with strategy and finesse—much more than just sliding stones on ice.
Unravel the mysteries behind the positions that turn mere players into maestros of the rink—each with their own pivotal role in a game that’s as brainy as it is brawny.
- The Lead sets the tempo, delivering the initial stones with precision to shape the game’s foundation.
- The Second is the versatile middle-player, a linchpin in both offense and defense, executing with accuracy.
- The Third (or Vice-Skip) is the strategist’s right hand, combining tactical execution with the preparation for the endgame.
- The Skip is the mastermind, reading the ice and directing play with a mix of leadership, psychology, and razor-sharp tactics.
1–Lead 2–Second 3–Third 4–Skip (positions vary as per game phase)
Each position has specific requirements; learn about the necessary equipment in our curling equipment list.
Table of Contents
#1 Lead
- 🏆 Renowned Leads:: Ben Hebert (Team Kevin Koe), Lisa Weagle (Team Jennifer Jones), and Dawn McEwen (Team Jennifer Jones)
The Lead is the first player to deliver stones in an end. Offensively, the Lead is responsible for setting up the game by throwing the first two stones, usually aiming to establish guards or to place stones in the house, thereby setting the foundation for the strategy.
Defensively, the Lead sets the tone by placing stones that can either protect scoring stones or serve as setup shots for removal of opponent’s stones later in the end.
Key Characteristics or Skills::
- Consistent and precise delivery, particularly with draw weight.
- Strong sweeping skills to manipulate stone distance and curl.
- Understanding of ice conditions to communicate effectively with teammates.
- Ability to perform under pressure, as initial shots can dictate end strategy.
#2 Second
- 🏆 Renowned Seconds:: Brett Gallant (Team Brad Gushue), Matsumura Yasumasa (Team Yuta Matsumura), and Jill Officer (retired, formerly with Team Jennifer Jones)
The Second plays after the Lead and typically throws the third and fourth stones of an end. The Second needs to be versatile, as they may be called upon to throw a mix of draws and hits based on the developing strategy.
Offensively, Seconds often play shots that build upon the Lead’s setup or adjust the house’s setup to their advantage.
Defensively, they might be required to throw takeouts to eliminate opponent stones or guards, and strong sweeping is crucial for both offense and defense.
Key Characteristics or Skills::
- Capable of executing a wide range of shots with accuracy.
- Strong tactical understanding to anticipate subsequent strategic needs.
- Excellent sweeping ability to control stone placement and speed.
- Effective communication to indicate weight and line to the Skip and teammates.
#3 Third (or Vice-Skip)
- 🏆 Renowned Thirds:: Marc Kennedy (formerly with Team Kevin Martin), Tetsuro Shimizu (Team Yuta Matsumura), and Emma Miskew (Team Rachel Homan)
The Third plays the fifth and sixth stones and acts as a Vice-Skip, taking on significant strategic responsibility. They often have to throw complex shots that set up the Skip for scoring or protect the house.
Offensively, the Third needs to execute precise shots that capitalize on the foundation laid by the Lead and Second or bail out the team from a tough situation.
Defensively, Thirds might throw key takeouts or guards to limit the opponent’s scoring potential, keeping their team ahead or limiting damage.
Key Characteristics or Skills::
- High level of shot-making skill for diverse and difficult throws.
- Strategic thinker and planner to assist Skip in decision-making.
- Leadership qualities to guide the team in the Skip’s absence.
- Strong communication to discuss tactics and boost team cohesion.
#4 Skip
- 🏆 Renowned Skips:: Glenn Howard, Kevin Koe, Niklas Edin, and Rachel Homan
The Skip acts as the team captain and strategist, orchestrating the shots and ends for their team. They typically throw the last two stones of an end and are often faced with the pressure of completing a scoring opportunity or performing a defensive shot to prevent the opponent from scoring.
Offensively, the Skip usually has to make precise draws or takeouts to secure points or set up for future ends. They need to read the ice well and have excellent touch with draw weight.
Defensively, Skips often perform the most challenging takeouts or freezes, aiming to reduce the opposing team’s scoring opportunities or to protect their team’s position.
Key Characteristics or Skills::
- Exceptional strategic mind and understanding of the game.
- Clutch performance ability, especially in delivering final stones.
- Excellent communication skills to lead and instruct the team.
- High degree of mental toughness to handle end-of-game pressure.
Hybrid Positions
Utility Sweeper
Excels in sweeping and endurance, serves as a secondary sweeper but can lead when needed, increasing the stone’s distance or altering its curl.
Strategic Vice-Skip
Combines the Vice-Skip’s shot-making with strategic thinking, often involved in game plan discussions and critical shot selection along with the Skip.
Lead-Second Switch
Exceptional at opening play as Lead but can switch to Second’s takeouts and play setup, offering flexibility in team strategies.
Tactical Skip
Merges Skip’s leadership and strategy skills with strong sweeping or shooting abilities, sometimes playing shots normally executed by other positions when tactically advantageous.
Remember, while versatility is valuable, curling mainly focuses on each player executing their primary role effectively.
To maximize the effectiveness of each position on the ice, it’s essential to have guidance from the top minds in the sport. Learn about the strategists behind the success by exploring our list of the best curling coaches.
Now that you know the key positions on the rink, discover the greatest players who mastered these roles in our list of the best curlers of all time.
FAQ
What are the positions and roles in Curling?
Skip, Vice-Skip (Third), Second, and Lead are the Curling positions and roles, each with strategic, shooting, and sweeping responsibilities within the team.
How do I choose a position in Curling?
Considering your strategic understanding, precision, and sweeping ability is how you choose a position in Curling. Typically, players gravitate toward roles that match their strengths.
What Curling positions are for beginners?
Lead and Second are the best Curling positions for beginners, as these roles allow newcomers to focus on developing their sweeping and shot-making skills in a less pressured environment.
Conclusion
Curling combines strategic depth and precise execution, with roles from the Skip to the Lead essential for guiding the stone accurately.
The Sweepers’ strength and precision, along with the Third and Skip’s tactical knowledge and shot-making, converge in a strategic dance on ice.
Their unified approach showcases curling as more than just a game; it’s a display of teamwork, concentration, and skill.
The synergy of individual talents within these roles transcends a mere sport, becoming a compelling illustration of collective effort and the quest for perfection on the ice.
