Why do they say hurry hard in curling?
They say "hurry hard" in curling when the skip wants the sweepers to sweep the stone as intensely and quickly as possible. Sweeping vigorously creates friction that melts a thin layer of ice under the stone, reducing drag and allowing it to travel farther—sometimes up to five meters more than without sweeping. The "hurry" signals speed, and "hard" adds emphasis on downward pressure for maximum effect. This command is one of the most common you'll hear during a game, especially when the stone needs extra distance to reach its target or push an opponent's stone out of position.
At the Pittsburgh Curling Club, we hear "hurry hard" echoing across our sheets all the time—whether in leagues, bonspiels, or beginner sessions. It's part of what makes curling exciting: the skip directs strategy from the far end, and sweepers respond instantly to influence the stone's path and speed. Newcomers often find this the most surprising part of the sport when they first watch on TV during events like the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
How Sweeping Works in Curling
Sweeping isn't just energetic broom-waving—it's precise physics at play:
- Friction and heat: Sweeping rubs the ice, creating a brief melt that forms a water film. This lowers friction, letting the stone glide farther and straighter.
- Direction control: Sweep with the turn to encourage curling, sweep against the turn to counteract it (reducing curl or helping hold a straighter line).
- Team communication: The skip calls commands like "hurry," "hard," "hurry hard," "off," or "whoa" based on the stone's line and weight. "Hurry hard" is the urgent version—sweep faster and harder right now.
These calls happen in real time because the 150-foot sheet means players at opposite ends need loud, clear signals.
Experience "Hurry Hard" Yourself
The best way to understand why curlers yell "hurry hard" is to get on the ice and feel it. The Pittsburgh Curling Club has three options for you to give it a try, the Curling Experience, our Learn to Curl, and Private Curling. Learn more about all 3 at Try Curling.
The Curling Experience is an hour long event. It is great for those who want to give curling a try, looking to have a great time ticking curling off the bucket list. Upcoming Winter/Spring dates include:
|
|
In our Learn to Curl sessions at the Pittsburgh Curling Club's dedicated 4-sheet facility in McKees Rocks, beginners learn sweeping technique hands-on. Volunteers show you how to grip the broom, apply even pressure, and respond to calls from your skip during a short scrimmage. No experience needed—just comfortable clothes and clean sneakers (we provide grippers). Sessions last 2 hours and cover delivery, sweeping, basic strategy—and yes, plenty of "hurry hard" practice. Upcoming Winter/Spring dates include:
|
|
Private group sessions (6–32 people) are ideal for friends, corporate outings, or parties—Visit https://pittsburghcurlingclub.com/group-events-page/ or email [email protected] to arrange. Our facility is fully ADA compliant, with options for all abilities.
(H3) Join the Action at Pittsburgh Curling Club
Once you try sweeping and hear "hurry hard" in context, you'll see why curling draws fans and players alike. Many start with Learn to Curl and move into our seasonal leagues, including the Olympic League this winter—perfect for practicing those commands in real games. Membership unlocks leagues, bonspiels, watch parties for 2026 Olympic matches, and more. Details on our membership page.
Ready to yell "hurry hard" yourself? Register for a Learn to Curl or Curling Experience session today at https://pittsburghcurlingclub.com/try-curling or contact [email protected] with questions.
Come join our welcoming community and support curling in Pittsburgh.