TEMPORAL METHODS TO ESTIMATE THE DISPLACEMENT OF A CURLING ROCK: COMPARISON BETWEEN COMPETITIVE AND RECREATIONAL CURLERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine different methods used in curling to estimate the total rock displacement. A group of competitive (n=8) and recreational (n=8) curlers each delivered a total of 16 rocks, both guards and draws. Interval times for each delivery were measured from the back line to the near hogline and from the near hogline to the far hogline, and the average speed after release and the total rock displacement were determined. Pearson product moment correlations were calculated among the variables for each participant. The results of the study indicated that the various timing methods to estimate the total displacement of the curling rock are appropriate for competitive curlers, but may not provide accurate estimates for all recreational curlers.