The Curling School

Teams are made up of four players. Each player throws two rocks, alternating with the opponent. The first player is known as the Lead and throws the first two rocks. The second player is known as the Second and throws the second two. The third player is known as the Vice Skip and throws the third two rocks. The fourth player is known as the Skip (team captain) and throws the last two rocks.

The skip controls the game by determining all of the shots and developing the game strategy. Since the rocks curl as they travel down the ice, the throwers must aim at a point other than the intended resting point. The skip is responsible for providing an aiming point. The skip places his broom upright, directly over the desired aiming point. The skip is also responsible for determining whether sweeping is necessary and communicating this to the sweepers*

On some teams a coach is used. Coaches are not allowed to communicate with the teams during a game. The skip must call all shots. Coaches can communicate only before, after and in some cases, during a break half way through the game.