I believe that many Coaches and Players (even High
Performance ones) make wheelchair curling FAR too complicated. Heavens,
when you really think about it, we are still only trying to do THREE
simple things in wheelchair curling (and able-bodied curling for that
matter).
1. Throw it straight.
2. Throw it with a certain turn.
3. Throw it with a certain amount of weight.
Now is that so hard? I think that FAR too often we complicate matters
unduly. Of course, I know that for all TOP teams Strategy, Goals, Mental
Training and so on are vital skills to develop. However let’s not forget
the BASICS. Just imagine if one of your wheelchair players was able to
just do the first three things – ALMOST ALL of the time! Man what a
player! What a game? What a spectator sport! But above all - What a
Coach! Odd….is this the KISS principle at work??
Funny….. “Are we sounding like able-bodied curlers??…..naaaahhh we can’t
play like them - so why even try to? Besides they sweep and boy does
that make a difference in the game. We just can’t make the shots that
they call and make”………………...
But we DO think “able-bodied” in spite of the fact that our game is
often decided by MISSED shots than strategy. So why are we so often
hooked on the able-bodied game? I suggest that we stick more with the
basics and then we will definitely be on the right track.
At the recent 2008 World Championships, it became evident that many
countries must be concentrating on the basics of shot making. I believe
they are on the right track. Check out
http://wwcc.curlit.com/ for the statistics of the championships.
Korea had 5 out of 9 games at 60% or better. Scotland had 4, Canada had
3 and all other teams had 2 or less. Funny how the Champion Norwegian
Coach talks basics in shooting and strategy yet they were low in
shooting.
I believe that when we are training our own competitive players (and
others too), we must concentrate on the BASICS. In this regard, I
have attached a few practice drills which are aimed at improving the
three basics. I hope these prove of value to you and your athletes.
Feel free to adapt them to your needs. Their purpose is
simply to help assist anyone who is new to the coaching of wheelchair
curlers. Other coaches are invited to add their items to share with
others across the country.
Good Curling to All
Ernie Comerford, Coach London Ontario,
June 2008
erniecomerford@rogers.com
519 – 203 – 0087
PS The suggested “Eyes Closed” drills are not a joke. Contact me for
more info. I would be glad to share any ideas with anyone across the
country I may even pay for the phone call.
Master Accuracy Of
Hitting Drill
XLS or
PDF
Master Draw Rotation
Drill
XLS or
PDF
Master 20 foot Cup
Drill
XLS or
PDF
Master 30 foot Cup
Drill
XLS or
PDF
Master Zone Shooting
Drill
XLS or
PDF
