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Curling is not one of the most popular sports, but its fans are growing every year. You can login to login to Betwinner Kenya and see the number of competitions available for betting in this discipline. And if this sport interests you, you should learn about the game's basic strategies. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know.
Excursion into History
Curling is a team sport that has been part of the Winter Olympics for 24 years. Medals are competed in three disciplines: classic curling (men's and women's teams) and mixed doubles. Scotland is considered the birthplace of curling, where shells for the game, which originated in the 15th century, were first found. In the 16th century, a similar game existed in the Netherlands. During the same period, a society of curling players was created in Scotland. The first official club was organized in 1716.
At the beginning of the 19th century, curling rapidly spread in countries with harsh winter climates: Canada, the USA, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. The first World Championship was held in 1959, and only men's teams participated. The International Curling Federation was formed in 1966. Women first took part in the championship only in 1979. Since 1975, championships have been held regularly. In 1998, curling competitions were held for the first time at the Olympics. By the way, Kenya has also made a name for itself in the curling world and has already achieved excellent results.
Theory and Rules
A curling team consists of four people led by a skip. Each team member performs two stone throws at each end, taking turns with the opposing players. The match consists of 10 "ends": periods of play. The right to the first throw is determined by lot. Whoever throws the stone first gets to choose their color: red or yellow.
The goal of each throw is to hit the center of the "house" with a stone - a marked area at the opposite end of the ice path - or to knock out the opposing team's stone from there. At the end of each "end," teams score points based on the number of stones located as close as possible to the center of the "house" relative to the opponent's stones.
Game Technique
The critical point in curling is the technique of launching the stone, of which there are many. The main rule is to release the stone's handle before it crosses the starting marking line on the path. During the first four throws, players are prohibited from knocking the opponent's stones out of the so-called "defense territory."
The length of the ice curling track is 44.5–45.7 meters, with a maximum width of five meters. The track, in addition to circles with a circle in the center at each end of the track, has its special markings of lines:
1. Tee line
2. Backline
3. Hogline
4. Centerline
5. Hackline.
Game Strategy
Strategy and proper planning are fundamental in curling. Each player must see the big picture to correctly place stones, choose techniques, and make quick decisions. Players act as a team; sometimes, you have to give points to your teammate to win. Let's look at two main points that define the strategy.
Ice Analysis
Ice is as integral a part of curling as stone. The preparation of the paths is carried out by top-class specialists who use special techniques to give the surface outstanding smoothness. Players must be able to quickly analyze the crucial characteristics of ice that determine the movement of the stone along the surface. Up-to-date information allows the team to choose the best methods and achieve their goals. For example, players pay attention to the width and length of the track, the ice's temperature, and the surface's condition.
Tactics
Curling is a tactical game, so there are many patterns of player action. For example, a team can play offensively or focus on defense. Very often, the players decide to change tactics right on the track. And the ability to impose the necessary tactics on the enemy is considered a sign of skill. Of course, during the training process, teams learn to interact and make coordinated decisions. However, in the tension of competition, it is difficult to maintain a cool head and not succumb to emotions.
Conclusion
Curling is an exciting game based on information analysis and intelligent use of various techniques. Players pay attention to the slightest changes in coverage and constantly adapt their chosen strategy to the current situation. Often, the confrontation between teams becomes tense, and centimeters determine victory. Therefore, anyone who thinks curling is boring simply does not understand the game.
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