Youth Curling

Introduction

2 minutes

Warm-up

3 x 2.5 minute stations

2) Warm-Up Activities:

Show the Warm Up video

A – Call-Ball: Group children in a circle and spread out slightly with one person in the middle holding a ball. The middle person tosses the ball high in the air and calls out the name of another person. This child must catch the ball after one bounce and then becomes the middle person. Variation: instead of having a middle person, toss the ball to someone after you have called out his or her name. Add 2-3 more balls/chickens to make it fun and entertaining.

B – Noodle Duel: Each child will need a partner for this activity. Each partner will have their own noodle piece and stand facing their partner touching their noodle pieces end to end. When the game begins, one partner will count to 3 then say, “go”. Each partner will attempt to touch the other partner’s shoe first. When a shoe has been touched, the partners will get into start position again (end of noodle to end of noodle) and start another round. The game will continue until the instructor stops the activity.

C – Animal Walks: Ask the children: “Who can show me how a (insert animal) walks? Then have all the children follow. Show the animal walking and then running. Some ideas: Kangaroo, crab, monkey, bear, pony, squirrel.

D – Chicken Tag: Using traditional tag, have the child who is “it” carry a rubber chicken. They must tag the others with the Chicken in order to send them to the chicken coop. Variation: have a person with a Noodle or egg who can free the chickens from the coop.

E – Simon Says: Using the traditional SIMON SAYS… have the children from the group take turn (i.e.: three items each) and have them stretch or balance or do any other warm-up or cool down. Example: Simon Says… Touch your toes, reach for the sky, roll over, stomp the ground, etc.

F – Wave Runner: Children are in pairs or groups, standing one behind the other at the starting line (first hog line). On a signal, the first person accelerates to the first marker. Once there, the second child can advance. Repeat until all of group has advanced to the marker then move to next marker or return.

Ensure everyone has a helmet and properly attired for cold environment.

The warm up is structured into the NCCP Club Coach (Youth); Step, Stretch, and Slide while incorporating the Fundamental Movement Skills to perform the activities. Ensure when selecting the warm-up activities that the above is covered.

The warm-up time has been extended to include transition between activities and on to ice surface.

On-ice activities

3 x 8 minute stations

CHALLENGE: How far can you Go? Using pins or cones set up measuring points approximately every 2 meters along the side lines. Have the children slide as far as they can. Note: starting point for measuring point can vary pending on the skill level of the children.

B) Introduce Sweeping – Stance, Grip and Motion (see NCCP Club Coach Youth, Chapter 4)

Activity: Red light – Green Light (while sweeping) While sweeping, use the ping pong paddle as your Red Light (red side) and Green Light (Black side) have the children sweep from hog line to hog line while using the stop and sweep when indicated.

C) Introduce Triples format – using the rules from the game outline listed below.   Explain to the children the positions and their roles, a brief outline of the rules and scoring.

Activity: Short Game: using the hack as base and the nearest house, play a game using the skip to call shots and the thrower delivering a stone without leaving the hack (foot must remain in the hack). No takeouts allowed.

Continually reinforce balance skills.

Groups will move through the stations every 8 minutes. Time is built into the session to allow for transition.

On-ice Game

Modified Triples Rules:

1) The U12 Learn to Curl Triples game will consist of three ends using the 4 rock Free Guard Zone rules.

2) Each player will throw two rocks for a total of six rocks per end, per team

3) Lead, Middle and Skip positions will rotate from end to end. All three players will play each position once over the next three weeks.

4) The person who is the designated sweeper for that shot is the only player allowed sweeping the running stone for the duration of the shot. This is to encourage the sweeper to judge on his/her own, have the thrower concentrate on his/her delivery and the person in the house to focus on line calling. All three players will need to learn how to communicate with each other.

5) End 1: Hammer is determined by a coin toss.

End 2: Hammer in second end reverses from End 1.

End 3: The team with the least amount of points chooses whether they want hammer in End 3. If it is tied, then flip a coin for hammer in End 3.

6) There is no advantage to blanking an end since the hammer switches from end to end:

•   Ends 1 and 2 are worth 1 point each

•   End 3 is worth 2 points. This ensures either team can win the game entering End 3, which helps create a more meaningful game for both teams.

•   If teams are tied in points at the end of End 3, then all three players on both teams will draw to the button to break the tie and scores are added up. The designated sweeper is allowed to sweep. Scoring system for the draw to the button is: 5 (rock is touching the button), 4 (rock is touching the four foot), 3 (rock is touching the eight foot), 2 (rock is touching the twelve foot), 1 (rock is in play but not touching the house), 0 (rock is not in play). Order for throwing: Leads, Middles, Skips (from End 3).

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7) Coaches are encouraged to be on the ice with their team and can rotate their position around the playing surface.

Children will need to be assigned a colour, number or even an animal for their triples position. For example:

Skip: Red Group

Middle: Blue Group

Lead: Yellow Group

Record these groups by placing a coloured sticker on child’s nametag or record on flip chart paper. In the following weeks the colour group will play in a different position.

Off or On Ice

Cool down

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

B – Hop Scotch: Using the ladder as the Hopscotch pattern have the child toss a beanbag back into the first square, hop to the square, pick up the beanbag then hop back. Repeat for each child and then move to the next square for another round.

C – Musical Islands: Using the same rules as Musical Chairs; create Islands by using cones, pods or markers. Have children move around (vary dance, skip, walk, crawl) and stand with a marker when music stops.

D – Ball (Egg) and Spoon Relay: In pairs or groups have the children balance a small ball or toy egg on a wooden spoon. Set up distance markers and have the children travel to the marker and return, tagging the next in line.

E – Plank: Have the children lay on their stomach while on the floor with hands flat on the floor at shoulder level and toes on the floor. On the count of 3, have each child push up on their hands to straighten their arms and lift the whole body all the way to the toes off of the floor. Hold for 10 – 30 seconds. Note: During these activities, always make sure that the children are breathing while completing exercises. Holding their breath allows a child to avoid using the crucial core muscles, and lessens oxygen flow throughout the body. A child who continues to hold their breath during exercises may be attempting to perform exercises that are too difficult.

F – Balance Puzzle: Children take a sheet with a series of balance puzzles (not included in tool kit) and sees how many they can do. Examples of puzzles are: two feet and two elbows, head, two hands and two feet, bottom, two hands, one knee and one foot, etc. Note: Activity can be done in pairs or groups

Wrap Up

Select 3 activities to perform.

Introduction

2 minutes

Warm up

3 x 2.5 minute stations

2) Warm-Up Activities:

A – Pod Crawl: Use balance pods to create a trail for the children to walk or crawl on.

B – Noodle Duel: Each child will need a partner for this activity. Each partner will have their own noodle piece and stand facing their partner touching their noodle pieces end to end. When the game begins, one partner will count to 3 then say, “go”. Each partner will attempt to touch the other partner’s shoe first. When a shoe has been touched, the partners will get into start position again (end of noodle to end of noodle) and start another round. The game will continue until the instructor stops the activity.

C – Balance Touch: Have children do the stork stand position with a beanbag, ball or chicken on the floor in front of them. Then, have them reach their elevated foot out to touch the beanbag before resuming the stork position. The aim is to perform the movement without losing balance and without putting weight on the beanbag.

D – Shadow Tag: In pairs, one partner is a leader with their “shadow” standing behind them. The leader accelerates and decelerates and the shadow tries to keep constant distance behind the leader.

E – Jump the Creek: Stretch out two skipping ropes in a parallel line about 1 metre apart. The distance between the ropes represents the creek. Traveling in single file, each child jumps over the creek. Gradually increase the width of creek. Ask, ”How wide can the creek be before you fall in?”

F – Relay Race (on-ice): In pairs or groups have the children run a path (from hog line to hog line or 12 foot to centre line). After the child has completed the path they will tag, or using a chicken as a baton and pass it to the next child. Repeat until all children have run the path. Make sure they have grippers on their feet, no sliders.

Ensure everyone has a helmet and properly attired for cold environment.

The warm-up is structured into the NCCP Club Coach (Youth); Step, Stretch, and Slide while incorporating the Fundamental Movement Skills to perform the activities. Ensure when selecting the warm activities that the above is covered.

The warm-up time has been extended to include transition between actives and onto ice surface.

On-ice activities

3 x 8 minute stations

Show the Set Up video – https://youtu.be/p4gHqQ7stVs

Using the reference material, review the Final Slide position and “on your mark”, “Get Set” and the “GO!” phases of the delivery.

CHALLENGE: How many cups can you stack?Line up plastic cups upside down along slide path. Have the child stack the cups while sliding.

B) Review Sweeping – Stance, Grip and Motion

Activity: Follow the leader: while sweeping, set up obstacles to weave around.

C) Introduce Grip and Turns (see NCCP Club Coach Youth Chapter 4)

During drills, reinforce technique needed. Have child work on one thing at a time.

On-ice Game

Modified Triples Rules:

1) The U12 Learn to Curl Triples game will consist of three ends using the 4 rock Free Guard Zone rules.

2) Each player will throw two rocks for a total of six rocks per end, per team

3) Lead, Middle and Skip positions will rotate from end to end. All three players will play each position once over the next three weeks.

4) The person who is the designated sweeper for that shot is the only player allowed sweeping the running stone for the duration of the shot. This is to encourage the sweeper to judge on his/her own, have the thrower concentrate on his/her delivery and the person in the house to focus on line calling. All three players will need to learn how to communicate with each other.

5) End 1: Hammer is determined by a coin toss.

End 2: Hammer in second end reverses from End 1.

End 3: The team with the least amount of points chooses whether they want hammer in End 3. If it is tied, then flip a coin for hammer in End 3.

6) There is no advantage to blanking an end since the hammer switches from end to end:

•   Ends 1 and 2 are worth 1 point each

•   End 3 is worth 2 points. This ensures either team can win the game entering End 3, which helps create a more meaningful game for both teams.

•   If teams are tied in points at the end of End 3, then all three players on both teams will draw to the button to break the tie and scores are added up. The designated sweeper is allowed to sweep. Scoring system for the draw to the button is: 5 (rock is touching the button), 4 (rock is touching the four foot), 3 (rock is touching the eight foot), 2 (rock is touching the twelve foot), 1 (rock is in play but not touching the house), 0 (rock is not in play). Order for throwing: Leads, Middles, Skips (from End 3).

7) Coaches are encouraged to be on the ice with their team and can rotate their position around the surface.

Children should remember which group they were the previous week (red for skip, blue for middle and yellow for lead) and they will now play a different position.

Example:

Blue goes to skip

Yellow goes to middle

Red goes to lead

Off or On Ice

Cool down

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

B – Noodle Tug – Students will need a partner for this activity. Each pair will have either a long noodle or a semi-noodle for the activity. Each partner will hold one end of the noodle and while keeping their feet side by side squat down over their feet. When one student gives the start signal, they will try to push or pull the noodle to make their partner loose their balance and move their feet, touch the floor, or release the noodle. When the round is over, the partner who lost will say, “go” for the next round.

C – Dart Ball: Place targets on the wall, or around the area, of various shapes and sizes. Individually have the children move about 10-15 metres away and using an overhand throw for force to see how many targets they can hit using a ball, beanbag or chicken.

D – Broom Golf: Using the curling broom as a golf club, tap a ball to a desired target. Golf tee, cone, marker or hula-hoop may be used as targets.

E – Plank: Have the children lay on their stomach while on the floor with hands flat on the floor at shoulder level and toes on the floor. On the count of 3, have each child push up on their hands to straighten their arms and lift the whole body all the way to the toes, off of the floor. Hold for 10 – 30 seconds. Note: During these activities, always make sure that children are breathing while completing exercises. Holding their breath allows a child to avoid using the crucial core muscles, and lessens oxygen flow throughout the body. A child who continues to hold his/her breath during exercising may be attempting to perform exercises that are too difficult.

F – Cooperative Balances: With a partner, explore how many ways you can balance. Repeat with only one base of support for each partner. Repeat one more time, this time with out using your foot as a base (i.e. hands, back, knees). Can you balance with your partner: on a line? With two feet on the ground? With two hands and one foot? With one foot and two knees? With one back and one foot? Etc.

Wrap Up

Select 3 activities to perform.

Introduction

2 minutes

Warm up

3 x 2.5 minute stations

2) Warm-Up Activities:

A – Pod Crawl: Using balance pods create a trail for the children to walk or crawl on.

B – Hop to the Beat: Listening to a beat (i.e.: music, tambourine or other shaker), children move to the beat. Vary tempo and change movement (i.e.: hop, jump, skip, leap, jog). Freeze when the beat stops.

C – Animal Walks: ask the children: “Who can show me how a (insert animal) walks? Then have all the children follow. Show the animal walking and then running. Some ideas: Kangaroo, crab, monkey, bear, pony, squirrel

D – Freeze Tag: Using the regular rules for TAG the player designated, as “it” will attempt to tag the others. Once tagged they must remain Frozen in place until the player designated as Prince/Princess thaws them. After a few minutes change the IT and Prince/Princess. Depending on number of children you may want more than one IT and Prince/Princess.

E – Jump the Creek: Stretch out two skipping ropes in a parallel line about 1 metre apart. Distance between ropes represents the creek. Traveling in single file, each child jumps over the creek. Gradually increase the width of creek. Ask, ”How wide can the creek be before you fall in?”

F – Noodle Soup: 2 teams. The students may line up behind the cones facing the center of the game area. Two players will be picked to be the “crazy chefs”. The “crazy chefs” will attempt to protect their noodle soup (cones, bowling pins and other items) from the hungry students by tagging them with their spoons (longer noodle pieces). Each team will have two players at a time attempt to collect the food in the middle (they may only take one piece at a time). If the “crazy chef” hits a hungry student, the student must go back to their team without some food and let another player go. After a few minutes, pick two new “crazy chefs” and continue the game. See how many pieces of soup each team can collect. Option, if the chef tags you you switch places.

Ensure everyone has a helmet and properly attired for cold environment

The warm up is structured into the NCCP Club Coach (Youth); Step, Stretch, and Slide while incorporating the fundamental movement skills to perform the activities. Ensure when selecting the warm activities that the above is covered.

The warm-up includes transition between actives and onto ice surface.

On-ice activities

3 x 8 minute stations

Show the videos for Pull Back https://youtu.be/SmluVvxj0a8

and Moving Forward https://youtu.be/G-FhwAzFRbg

Use the reference Club Coach Youth Final Slide position and “on your mark”, “Get Set” and the “GO!” phases of the delivery.

CHALLENGE: Can you slide through the tunnel? Set up cones or bowling pins along each side of the slide path and have each child slide through the centre trying not to knock any down.

B) Review Grip and Turns (see NCCP Club Coach Youth, Chapter 4)

Activity: Rock Toss – Have partners practice their rotation by pushing rocks back and forth across the width of the sheet to their partner. Have the partner indicate the rotation as a skip would with one hand elevated to indicate the turn.

C) Draw to the Button competition: during the draw to the button, use the time to instruct the children on direction of curl and weight judgment during sweeping. Use the Triples team format so that they can challenge each other.

Optional Activity: Slide to a bowl with a prize (this is the midway portion of the session and it may coincide with Halloween or Valentine’s Day themed games and prizes).

During drills, reinforce technique where needed. Have children work on one thing at a time.

On-ice Game

Modified Triples Rules:

1) The U12 Learn to Curl Triples game will consist of three ends using the 4 rock Free Guard Zone rules.

2) Each player will throw two rocks for a total of six rocks per end, per team

3) Lead, Middle and Skip positions will rotate from end to end. All three players will play each position once over the next three weeks.

4) The person who is the designated sweeper for that shot is the only player allowed sweeping the running stone for the duration of the shot. This is to encourage the sweeper to judge on his/her own, have the thrower concentrate on his/her delivery and the person in the house to focus on line calling. All three players will need to learn how to communicate with each other.

5) End 1: Hammer is determined by a coin toss.

End 2: Hammer in second end reverses from End 1.

End 3: The team with the least amount of points chooses whether they want hammer in End 3. If it is tied, then flip a coin for hammer in End 3.

6) There is no advantage to blanking an end since the hammer switches from end to end:

•   Ends 1 and 2 are worth 1 point each

•   End 3 is worth 2 points. This ensures either team can win the game entering End 3, which helps create a more meaningful game for both teams.

•   If teams are tied in points at the end of End 3, then all three players on both teams will draw to the button to break the tie and scores are added up. The designated sweeper is allowed to sweep. Scoring system for the draw to the button is: 5 (rock is touching the button), 4 (rock is touching the four foot), 3 (rock is touching the eight foot), 2 (rock is touching the twelve foot), 1 (rock is in play but not touching the house), 0 (rock is not in play). Order for throwing: Leads, Middles, Skips (from End 3).

7) Coaches are encouraged to be on the ice with their team and can rotate their position around the surface.

After this week, each participant should have played all positions. Option: have stickers with the number “3” on it for each participant to place on their nametag!

Children should remember which group they were in the previous week (red for lead, blue for skip and yellow for middle) and they will now play a different position:

Yellow goes to skip

Red goes to middle

Blue goes to lead

Off or On Ice

Cool down

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

B – Hop Scotch: Using the ladder as the Hopscotch pattern have the child toss a bean back into the first square, hop to the square, pick up the bean bag then hop back. Repeat for each child and then move to the next square for another round.

C – Ball’s Eye: Children stand behind a line (skip rope) that is about 10-15 meters (or suitable ti challenge the child’s skill) from the cone with a ball resting on top. Children. Throw a small ball at the larger ball on the cone to knock it off. Alternate arms. Variation: children can use, balls, bean bags or chickens as the small ball

D – Broom Golf: Using the curling broom as a golf club, tap a ball to a desired target. Golf tee, cone, marker or hula-hoop may be used as targets.

E – Stork Stand: A one-foot balance with the ankle of the non-supporting leg placed against the knee of the support leg. Note: Ensure both legs have been done in equal segments of time, noting that one leg (more dominate) will be easier them the other.

F – Balance Puzzle: Children take a sheet with a series of balance puzzles (not included in tool kit) and see how many they can do. Examples of puzzles are: two feet and two elbows, head, two hands and two feet, bottom, and two hands, one knee and one foot, etc. Note: Activity can be done in pairs or groups

Wrap Up

Select 3 activities to perform.

Introduction

2 minutes

Warm-Up

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Safety reminder! Double gripper at all times when not performing delivery drills and activities. Play a name game so the kids get to know each other.

Warm Up Activities:

A – Partner roll: In pairs, the children lie on their stomach facing each other. They hold hands and roll in the same direction.

B – Rope Maze – Using skip ropes or brooms have the children lay them on the floor to create a maze. Have the children navigate the maze by hop, jump, leap, crawl, etc.

C – Stones in the creek– Starting on one side, children must jump from stone to stone (rubber spots or pods, however if using balance pods, children should step instead of jump) without falling in the creek. Change the patterns to challenge the children, increase or decrease distance. If a child falls in the creek, have them start over. Each time a player starts over they may move one stone.

D – Monkey Progression: Divide children into two groups: passers (larger group), and monkeys (about a third of your group). Using the traditional game of Monkey in the Middle, passers will pass the ball to each other while trying to keep the monkeys from catching them. Using cones or markers mark the playing area. Variations: can have an area marked that players cannot cross and also for the monkeys.

E – Dribble Tag: Have children dribble a large ball (soccer) between their feet while playing tag. Variation: If large balls are not available have children squeeze a ball or balloon between their knees.

F – Automobile: The children scatter in a designated area, each with a hoop. Participants imagine the hoop is their automobile and they are the drivers. Each child stands inside their hoop and holds it at waist level and “buckles up”. On a signal they travel around the streets (play area) and avoid traffic. Traffic Signals: Green light: Go, Yellow Light: Slow, Red Light: Stop, School Zone: skip, Highway: Run, Reverse, back up, Oil slick: wiggle, Pot hole, leap, etc.

Dynamic Warm-up followed by slide simulation off ice.

Select 3 activities for warm-up.

Traffic signs can be made or have instructors indicate at each marker what they need to do for the Automobile game.

On-ice activities

3 x 8 minute stations

Show the Release video  https://youtu.be/VTzQeZdx0S4

CHALLENGE: Can you sweep in one spot for 10 seconds? Using a stopwatch see if they can sweep for 10 seconds. Note: use the ice area behind the hacks or sidelines in order to preserve the playing area.

B) Introduce Weight control and judgment.

Activity: Progressive Hogline, with sweeper. With each player delivering his/her two stones, brushers brushing and skip in place, the lead delivers a stone. Wherever that stone comes to rest, it is pulled directly to the sideline. It then becomes the new hog line. The lead’s second stone must get over that hog line. If it does, as with the first stone, it is pulled directly to the side and becomes the new hog line. If a stone slides through the house it’s out of play. The object of the drill is to get all six stones over the hog line using guard and draw weights. Vary the length of the sheet of ice using portable hack and set up so that participants are challenged and successful.

C) Leg Drive and Control Drills: Leg drive is one of the components that controls how far your stone will travel. Being able to adjust for various weights is how we are able to have the stone stop in the desired target area.

1- How far can you go? Using pins or cones set up measuring points approximately every 2 meters along the side lines. Have the children slide as far as they can. Note: starting point for measuring point can vary pending on the skill level of the children.

2 – Ball Bucket Drop: Have children perform the curling delivery to a bucket (bowl, or upside down marker cone) placed within the slide path at a distance that you would like to challenge the child (i.e.: back line, 8 foot, t-line, etc.) while holding a ball in their stone hand. Once the slide is complete they should have their hand above the bucket and can drop the ball straight into the bucket.

During drills reinforce technique where needed. Have child work on one thing at a time.

When reviewing the delivery, expect the participants to feel as if they have already done this. Use music and training aids to encourage focus and fun. For example, play a quick version of hot potato with the rubber chicken to select the practice order.

On-ice Game

The “target” can move of course. If it does, then wherever it lies becomes the “button”. If a team delivers a stone which either directly or indirectly causes the “target” to be removed from play, it’s placed back to its original position (i.e. the center of the sheet).

Off or On Ice

Cool down

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

B – Grand Portage: Each pair places hula-hoop 5 metres from the start line and a second hula hoop 10 metres from the first. Each time they will have 3 beanbags (balls or chickens). The aim is to move the beanbags from one hoop to the other one at a time. To start, the first child carries the beanbag from the start line to the first hoop, and returns. The second child carries their beanbag to the first hoop and returns. Once all items are in the first hoop, repeat for the second hoop. Variation: second player may move the beanbag from the first hoop to the second or move to the first hoop. Remember to return to the start after each turn.

C – Target Challenge: Using assigned equipment (hoops, cones, markers, balance pods, etc.) and one ball per child/group. Each group makes up a kicking target challenge for the other group. For example, how many kicks does it take to knock the chicken off the cone? Groups rotate through the challenges.

D – Skip and Stretch: Skip around the designated area to music (or a beat), when music stops perform the stretch or balance activity called out by the leader. Some examples are: reach for the sky, stand like a cat, stork stand, etc.

E – Beanbag Throw: Have children toss a beanbag to a target (upside down marker). Set up markers at various distances.

F – Cup stack (pyramid): Stack plastic cups into pyramids. Have children race each other to create and take down their pyramid.

Wrap Up

Introduction

1 minute

Warm-Up

3 x 3 minute stations

2) Warm-Up Activities:

A – Call Ball: Group children in a circle and spread out slightly with one person in the middle holding a ball. The middle person tosses the ball high in the air and calls out the name of another person. This child must catch the ball after one bounce and then becomes the middle person. Variation: instead of having a middle person toss the ball to someone after you have called out their name, add 2-3 more balls/chickens to make it fun and entertaining.

B – Sprints: Set up cones or markers 10 metres apart and have children run as fast as they can from one marker to the other. Vary distance between to challenge more experienced children.

C – There and Back Again: Ask the children to log roll one complete turn to the left and then return to the right.

D – Jiggle Rope: Two players at each end of a skipping rope. From kneeling or sitting position, the rope holders jiggle the rope in different ways – side to side or up and down. Other players try to hop or jump over the rope without touching it.

E – Skip and Stretch: Skip around the designated area to music (or a beat), when music stops perform the stretch or balance activity called out by the leader. Some examples are: reach for the sky, stand like a cat, stork stand, etc.

F – Zig Zag Race: Set up a course using cones or bowling pins and have children zig zag around them. The first person runs the course and returns to tag the next in line. This can be pairs or groups.

Dynamic Warm-up followed by slide simulation off ice.

Select 3-4 activities for warm-up.

On-ice activities

Section A:

5 minutes

Section B: station games

3.5 minutes per station with 30 seconds to reset included

Show the Sweeping video –  https://youtu.be/NtCvpwHyJ2A

B) Dice Game: Skills will be developed by progressing through circuit stations. Using a foam die; participant will roll to see what station they will go to. After completing the task three times roll again and change stations.

1. Button Bowling: Using a plastic bowling set, set up 10 pins in traditional triangular pattern with the #1 pin on the button. Children will then roll a ball, while keeping their foot in the hack, at the pins. Variations: Widen space between pins and use a curling stone, or perform the curling delivery from a portable hack.

2. Spoon and Ball Slide: In pairs or groups have the children balance a small ball or toy egg on a wooden spoon. Set up distance markers and have the children travel to the marker and return, tagging the next in line. Variation: have the children slide while balancing the ball/egg on the spoon

3. How far can you go? Using pins or cones set up measuring points approximately every 2 meters along the side lines. Have the children slide as far as they can. Note: starting point for measuring point can vary depending on the skill level of the children.

4. Zig zag cones: Set up a course using cones or bowling pins and have children zig zag around them. The first person runs the course and returns to tag the next in line. This can be pairs or group.

5. Tunnel Slide: Set up cones or bowling pins along each side of the slide path and have child slide through the centre trying not to knock any down.

6. Draw to the button: deliver a stone from a portable hack so that the stone stops in the house.

CHALLENGE (if time permits): Relay Race: in groups using the above activities, have each child complete one task for their team. When leader signals GO! First child will perform their skill and tag the next one and so on until the final task.

Drills should all be set up to make it a smooth transition. Sheets not being used can be for reviewing technique.

For the second part of the session, players will roll dice and perform one of the stations listed. Ideally each child will be able to participate in 5 stations.

If many children roll the same number, have them roll again to see who will go to (pick a station with less) for example roll 1-3 stay, roll 4-6 move to…

Many of the drills use the same items. Remember that cones, markers and bowling pins can be substituted with each other and balls, chickens and beanbags as well.

On-ice Game

Off or On Ice

Cool down

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

B – Kick the Pin: Groups form a circle and place a bowling pin in the middle. Players stand approximately 2 metres apart and try to knock down the pin by kicking a ball. All kicking must be done from the circle. On the signal is given, the groups begin kicking. The first one to knock down the pin scores one point. Repeat until teams win the predetermined number of points to win (i.e.: 10 points).

C – Body Bowling: Set up the bowling pins at one end of the area. Each player lies on their tummy at the other end of the area across from the pins. Tell the children they are bright, colourful bowling balls. Each “ball” log rolls to the pins to knock them down. Vary the start distance for different levels.

D – Balance Puzzles: Children take a sheet with a series of balance puzzles (not included in tool kit) and see how many they can do. Examples of puzzles are: two feet and two elbows, head, two hands and two feet, bottom, two hands, one knee and one foot, etc.

Note: Activity can be done in pairs or groups.

E – Stork Stand: A one-foot balance with the ankle or or heel of the non-supporting leg placed against the knee of the support leg. Note: Ensure both legs have been done in equal segments of time, noting that one leg (more dominate) will be easier them the other.

F – Plank – Have the children lay on the stomach while on the floor with hands flat on the floor at shoulder level, and toes on the floor. On the count of 3, have your child push up on the hands to straighten the arms and lift the whole body all the way to the toes, off of the floor. Hold for 10 – 30 seconds. Note: During these activities, always make sure that the children are breathing while completing exercises. Holding the breath allows a child to avoid using the crucial core muscles, and lessens oxygen flow throughout the body. A child who continues to hold his breath during exercising may be attempting to perform exercises that are too difficult.

Wrap Up

Select 3 activities to perform.

Introduction

1 minute

Warm up

3 x 3 minute stations

2) Warm-Up Activities:

A – Stones in the Creek: Starting on one side, children must jump from stone to stone (rubber spots or balance pods and if using pods, children should step instead of jump) without falling in the creek. Change the patterns to challenge the children, increase or decrease distance. If a child falls in the creek have them start over. Each time a player starts over they may move one stone.

B – Body Bowling: Set up the bowling pins at one end of the area. Each player lies on their tummy at the other end of the area across from the pins. Tell the children they are bright, colourful bowling balls. Each “ball” log rolls to the pins to knock them down. Vary start distance for different levels.

C – Belly Run: In pairs, partners line up, one behind the other on a line. They start by lying face down. On the leader’s signal, they scrambled to a running position and sprint to the other line. The second group repeats.

D – Hop Step Jump: Hop forward on right foot; step on left foot and spring forward to and on both feet. Repeat until sequence is smooth. Repeat and start with left foot. Try increasing the distance to extend the challenge.

E – Scavenger Hunt- Create a list of clues and have the children find them. Individuals, pairs or team. Some ideas: How many number 4’s are in the score boxes? How many blue stones are there?

The warm up is structured into the NCCP Club Coach (Youth); Step, Stretch, and Slide while incorporating the fundamental movement skills to perform the activities.

Select 3 to 4 activities.

During this week all basic skills will have been covered. Use games and drills to reinforce FMS and sport specific skills.

On-ice activities

Board Game: Set up a traditional life sized board game in the ice shed. Participants will be the “pieces” and roll the dice to advance. If they land on a challenge space they will complete that drill. Use poster board to create the challenges and cones, markers, etc. for the spaces around the boards of the ice shed. Maybe the trail could go off ice and back on.

Challenge spaces can include any of the drills and activities from this package. Select a number of activities based on the number sheets and hacks available. Some sheets can have more then one drill on it. Portable hacks can also be used for additional stations or to ensure drill is stage appropriate.

Suggestions:

How far can you go?

Tunnel Slide

Plastic cup Stack (on ice)

Button bowling

Zig zag race

Bean bag toss (off ice)

10 sec Stork Stand (off ice)

Rope ladder (off ice)

Draw the button

Can you sweep for 10 seconds?

Divide into small groups and based on the number of groups have different starting points.

An instructor should be assigned to each group to navigate the kids through the game board.

Use detect and correct to make sure children are using safe and proper technique.

On-ice Game

Off or On Ice

Cool down

3 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

2 minutes

B – Kick Away: In circle formation, one child kicks the ball across the circle, keeping the ball low. The receiving child traps the ball and kicks it quickly to another and so on. Add a second ball, then a third. Try to keep all the balls in the circle for as long as possible.

C – Skip and Stretch: Skip around the designated area to music (or a beat), when the music stops, perform the stretch or balance activity called out by the leader. Some examples: reach for the sky, stand like a cat, stork stand, etc.

D – Balance Touch: Have children adopt the stock stand with a beanbag, ball or chicken on the floor in front of them. Then, they reach their elevated foot out to touch the beanbag before resuming the stork position. The aim is to perform the movement without losing balance and without putting weight on the beanbag.

E – Cup stack (pyramid): Stack plastic cups into pyramids. Have children race each other to create and take down their pyramid.

F – No Hands No feet: Coach the children to roll without their hands and feet touching the floor.

Wrap Up

Select 3 to 4 activities based on time remaining.

Introduction

1 minute

Warm-Up

3 x 3 minute stations

2) Warm-Up Activities:

A – Animal Walks: Ask the children: “Who can show me how a (insert animal) walks? Then have all the children follow. Show the animal walking and then running. Some ideas: Kangaroo, crab, monkey, bear, pony, squirrel.

B – Belly Run: In pairs, partners line up, one behind the other on a line. They start by lying face down; at the leader’s signal, they scramble to a running position and sprint to the other line. The second group repeats.

C – Jiggle Rope: Two players are at each end of a skipping rope. From a kneeling or sitting position, the rope holders jiggle the rope in different ways – side to side or up and down. Other players try to hop or jump over the rope without touching it.

D – Instructor’s Choice – Instructor selects one of the favourite activities from the curriculum.

E – Hopscotch: Using the ladder as the Hopscotch pattern have the child toss a beanbag into the first square. Hop to the square, pick up the beanbag and then hop back. Repeat for each child and then move to the next square for another round.

F – Chicken Tag: Using traditional tag; have the child who is “IT” carry a rubber chicken. They must tag the others with the Chicken in order to send them to the chicken coop.

Variation: Also have a person with a Noodle or egg who can free the chickens from the coop.

The warm-up is structured into the NCCP Club Coach (Youth); Step, Stretch, and Slide while incorporating the Fundamental Movement Skills to perform the activities.

Select 3 activities.

On-ice Game

Divide groups into new Triples teams and play 3 ends of TRIPLES. Option: move to a different sheet after each end to play a new opponent.

Modified Triples Rules:

1) The U12 Learn to Curl Triples game will consist of three ends using the 4 rock Free Guard Zone rules.

2) Each player will throw two rocks for a total of six rocks per end, per team.

3) Lead, Middle and Skip positions will rotate from end to end. All three players will play each position once over the next three weeks.

4) The person who is the designated sweeper for that shot is the only player allowed sweeping the running stone for the duration of the shot. This is to encourage the sweeper to judge on his/her own, have the thrower concentrate on his/her delivery and the person in the house to focus on line calling. All three players will need to learn how to communicate with each other.

5) End 1: Hammer is determined by a coin toss.

End 2: Hammer in second end reverses from End 1.

End 3: The team with the least amount of points chooses whether they want hammer in End 3. If it is tied, then flip a coin for hammer in End 3.

6) There is no advantage to blanking an end since the hammer switches from end to end:

•   Ends 1 and 2 are worth 1 point each

•   End 3 is worth 2 points. This ensures either team can win the game entering End 3, which helps create a more meaningful game for both teams.

•   If teams are tied in points at the end of End 3, then     have a Relay Race to determine the winner.

7) Coaches are encouraged to be on the ice with their team and can rotate their position around the surface.

Fun games can be used during the game to keep it fun and interactive.

Ideas:

Button Bag: if you have a draw on the button, that team gets to share a small loot bag with pencils, erasers, bubbles, stickers etc. pending the season (Christmas or Easter may be close).

Take out Toonie: using candy coins the thrower or team receives one for each take out they make.

Note: check with parents for food allergies before children consume prepared food items.

Off or On Ice

Cool down

2 x 2.5 minute stations

Wrap-Up

5 minutes

B – Goccer: Using obstacles such as pins, cones, markers, hoops, etc. create a “golf” course. Each group can create a hole. Using a soccer ball, children must navigate the course. Score the same as golf using the number of kicks instead of swings.

C – Body Bowling: Set up the bowling pins at one end of the area. Each player lies on their tummy at the other end of the area across from the pins. Tell the children they are bright, colourful bowling balls. Each “ball” log rolls to the pins to knock them down. Vary start distance for different levels.

D – Instructor’s Choice – Instructor selects one of the favourite activities from the curriculum.

Wrap Up – Completion Certificate Presentation

Extra Time has been added to the wrap up to thank participants and hand out certificates.