Curling!

In class yesterday we talked about curling. Here's more:

Does curling require any athletic skill?

Yes: balance. The game starts with a member from one team "delivering the rock," or sliding the 42-lb. granite stone across the ice toward the "button"—a circle at the other end of the ice 150 feet away—while skating forward in a low squatting-type position. This "delivery" requires extreme precision, so staying upright without wobbling is important.

Upper and lower body strength are key as well, both for the delivery and for the "sweeping." As the stone slides, two players brush in front of it in order to control its speed and its spin, or curl, directing it toward the button. Vigorous sweeping requires some stamina over the course of a typical three-hour match.

Just as important as physical ability is mental dexterity. Curling has been compared to chess, since teammates must try to anticipate their opponents' next several moves.

See:
http://www.slate.com/id/2244884?wpisrc=newsletter