What the Hack? Curling Terminology.

Next to Hockey, Curling in Canada has become a national religion; many suspect that its popularity grew as a byproduct of both the cold climate and the Canadian propensity for drinking beer. Whatever the reason, Curling has a rich history in Canada (and Alberta specifically) and like any sport, Curling has developed a language of its own.

Whether you are a veteran player or are new to the game, we want you to actually know what it means to ‘hurry hard,’ so here are a few of the most common Curling terms and what they mean.

Term	What it is	What it means
Button	Meet Jackie; Jackie has fallen on the button.	The ‘button’ is the very center of the target rings (a.k.a. the very center of the ‘house’).
Delivery		The ‘delivery’ is the action of throwing a rock to the other end of the playing surface.
End		An ‘end’ is the way a Curling game is divided: it is similar to an inning in a Slo-Pitch game.
Hammer		The ‘hammer’ is the last rock delivered in an end. To ‘have the hammer’ is a huge advantage. The hammer belongs to the team that did not score in the previous end.. For example, if your team scored in end 1 & 2, the opposing team would receive the hammer in ends 2 & 3.
Hack		The ‘hack’ is a foothold you use to push off from when you deliver the rock.
Hog Line		There are two hog lines on the sheet; far and near. Hog Line (Far): The line which the rock must completely cross in order to be considered ‘in play.’ Hog Line (Near): The line by which the rock must be clearly and fully released by the thrower.
House		The ‘house,’ also known as the ‘rings’ or ‘target rings,’ is the name of the giant bull’s eye at either end of the sheet of ice.
Hurry Hard!		The phrase ‘Hurry Hard!’ is a directive given to the sweepers to have them begin sweeping harder and faster. This is the most common phrase used and has become engrained in Curling culture, however, any sort of directive that is short and sweet can be used. You will also quite commonly hear the word ‘hard’ on its own, ‘go,’ or the famous ‘really gotta go on this one boys,’ uttered by the legend himself, Kevin Martin.
Rock		The ‘rock’ is the granite stone you deliver.
Slider		The ‘slider’ is attached to the sole of one of your Curling shoes; it helps you move or slide along the ice.