We all want to have perfect form and the perfect shot when delivering a stone down the ice but most often when we push off we are more worred about trying not to fall over.

Balance is a major factor in the sport of curling.  Balance is not the easiest at the best of times.  Add to the mix some ice, a slippery shoe, some painful joints and the aging process and you have a recipe fo a fall or other injury.

What most do not know is that you can improve your balance quite easily.  You do not need to go to the gym or buy big heavy equipment to improve your balance.

Balance comes from the brain.  All the muscles and joints in your body have little receptors that provide feedback to our brain telling us where every part of our body is in space.  This is called proprioception.  When you are sliding down the ice to take a shot and you start to loose your balance you muscle and joint receptors send messages to the brain to adjust your center of gravity.  Your muscles then react to this stimulation trying their best to keep you from wiping out.

The solution is easy and your game or hip will thank you.  So lets all take 5 minutes out of our busy day, stand on one foot and balance. You achieve maximum benefits by putting yourself in a situation that makes you wobble forcing you to regain a controlled position. If you find standing on one foot too easy try closing your eyes or juggling while standing on one foot. It only takes 5 minutes a day and in 3 weeks you will feel a significant difference when making your next shot.

If you are afraid of falling or have fallen in the past you might want to be assessed by a physiotherapist. They are experts in this area and will help you regain your balance and confidence again.

Play Safe, Play long.

By David Evans, Physiotherapist