Sturgis Curling Club Update - 1/11/10

Today at curling, only six members of the club actually showed up. The people that took the bus had arrived a little bit late, so I was able to get in some practice time before we began the actual games. I decided to work on my throw, because last time when we played a game I recognized that I hadn't practiced beforehand, so my shots were weak and off-target. So before today's game, I got many practice throws in. I realized that the grips on my shoes were only inhibiting my progress, so I took them off and I felt more balanced in my shot. My shot improved greatly and I felt that I was ready for the game.

During the first end, I threw twice and thought that my shots had definitely improved over last time's. I was on-target for both of them, and I realized that my aim was one of my strengths. However, I definitely need to work on the weight of the throw, because I threw my stones too heavily and the ones that didn't hit any other rocks simply flew out of the target area.

My sweeping improved as well. I think my sweeping was a lot more effective in drawing the weaker shots in closer to the target. I was able to sweep a lot faster than usual today. I think I worked well with my other team members while I was sweeping, because I immediately pounced on the stone as soon as the thrower let it go, and collaborated with the other sweeper to maintain a common speed. We each swept in our specified positions and did well. I think I also worked well collaborating with the skip, because whenever he said to stop sweeping or start up again, I immediately listened.

I don't think we won the first end, but I was still proud of our performance. For the second end, I improved the weight of my shots a bit and kept up my sweeping. However, for the second end, I had to undertake the challenge of being the skip for the two shots that the regular skip had to take. I tried this once before, but I wasn't really paying attention to what I was doing and I just kind of stood there without understanding what was going on. This time, however, I decided to try to figure out the shot before Mary or Adam told me definitely where I should direct the rock. I guessed on aim and the curl, and I was pretty accurate most times. It was certainly a new challenge for me to be the director, but I think I did well for the first real time, and I hope for the next meeting that I can continue to improve my curling skills.