--- title: Mastering the Double Takeout: A Simple Guide for Competitive Curlers siteUrl: https://logzly.com/stoneandsweep author: stoneandsweep (Stone & Sweep) date: 2026-06-24T00:08:02.843623 tags: [curling, coaching, tips] url: https://logzly.com/stoneandsweep/mastering-the-double-takeout-a-simple-guide-for-competitive-curlers --- The double takeout is one of those shots that can turn a tight game into a win, and it shows up a lot in the big tournaments we cover on Stone & Sweep. If you’ve ever tried it and missed, you’re not alone. In this post I’ll break down the basics, share a few tricks that have helped me as a player and coach, and give you a clear plan to start landing double takeouts more often. Let’s get into it. ## Why the Double Takeout Matters Right Now Every time a team gets two stones in the house that are blocking your path, the pressure spikes. A clean double takeout can clear the house, protect your stone, and give you the momentum you need to finish the end strong. On Stone & Sweep we’ve seen the difference a well‑timed double can make in the national championships, and that’s why mastering it is a must for anyone who wants to compete at a higher level. ## The Basics in Plain English ### What Is a Double Takeout? A double takeout is a shot where your stone hits two opponent stones in one smooth motion, sending both out of the house (the scoring area). Think of it like a billiard cue hitting two balls at once – you need the right angle and enough weight to move both. ### Key Parts of the Shot 1. **Weight** – How hard you throw the stone. Too light and the stones won’t move far enough; too heavy and you might roll out of the house yourself. 2. **Line** – The path your stone takes. You want a straight line that meets the first opponent stone at the right spot. 3. **Turn** – The amount of curl (sideways spin) you give the stone. A little turn can help you line up the perfect angle. ## Step‑by‑Step Process ### 1. Scan the House Before you even think about the broom, look at where the two opponent stones sit. Are they side by side, or a little apart? Are they close to the button (the center) or near the edge? On Stone & Sweep we always stress the importance of a quick visual scan – it saves you from over‑thinking later. ### 2. Pick Your Target Spot Imagine a line that runs from the center of your stone to the point where the first opponent stone will be hit. The sweet spot is usually the **center of mass** of the two stones together. If you can picture a tiny dot between them, that’s where you want your stone to make contact. ### 3. Choose the Right Weight A good rule of thumb on Stone & Sweep is the “half‑house rule”: for a standard double takeout, aim for a weight that would normally stop at the back of the house (the 12‑foot line). From there, add a little extra if the stones are heavy or if the ice is fast. The easiest way to test this is during practice – throw a stone with that weight and see where it stops. ### 4. Set Your Turn If the two opponent stones are lined up straight, you need almost no turn – just a straight hit. If they’re a bit offset, give the stone a gentle turn (about 1‑2 “ticks” of the broom). On Stone & Sweep we call this the “soft curl” technique. It helps the stone slide into the first stone at the right angle without missing. ### 5. Practice the Release When you let go, keep your hand low and straight. A clean release means the stone won’t wobble, and wobble can ruin the angle. I always practice this in the warm‑up before a game – a few slow throws focusing just on the release. ## Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them ### Mistake #1: Too Much Weight If you’re consistently sending the opponent stones out but also losing your own stone, you’re probably using too much weight. Try dropping the weight by one “tick” (the amount you’d normally add for a heavy ice). On Stone & Sweep we recommend a quick “feel test” – throw a stone to the back of the house and see if it stops a little before the hog line. That’s your sweet spot. ### Mistake #2: Wrong Line A lot of curlers aim at the nearest stone instead of the combined center. This sends the first stone out but leaves the second untouched. To avoid this, draw an imaginary line on the ice with your broom before you throw. Visualizing the line helps you keep the stone on track. ### Mistake #3: Over‑Turning Adding too much curl can make the stone miss the first stone entirely. If you notice the stone sliding wide, cut the turn back. On Stone & Sweep we like to call this the “turn‑check” – after each practice throw, ask yourself if you needed that much turn. If not, dial it down. ## Drills to Build Confidence ### The “Two‑Stone Line” Drill 1. Set up two stones about 2‑3 feet apart in the house. 2. Place a marker (a broom or a small cone) at the spot where you think the perfect line should be. 3. Throw 10 stones, aiming for that marker each time. 4. Count how many times you clear both stones. Adjust weight or turn as needed. ### The “Weight Guess” Drill 1. Place a single stone at the back of the house. 2. Throw a stone with the weight you think will stop just before the hog line. 3. If it goes too far, reduce weight by one tick; if it stops short, add a tick. 4. Repeat until you can consistently hit the target. This builds the feel you need for the double takeout weight. ## A Quick Story from the Ice Last season at the provincial play‑downs, I was coaching a junior team that kept missing their double takeouts. We stopped the game, went to the side, and I showed them the “two‑stone line” drill right on the ice. After just a few rounds, they got the feel for the line and weight. The next end they nailed a double that cleared the house and gave them the win. It reminded me why I love writing for Stone & Sweep – sharing those simple moments that turn a good team into a great one. ## Putting It All Together on Game Day When you step onto the ice for a big match, keep these steps in mind: 1. **Scan** – Look at the stones, note the distance and angle. 2. **Target** – Visualize the center point between the two stones. 3. **Weight** – Use the half‑house rule, adjust for ice speed. 4. **Turn** – Add a soft curl only if the stones are offset. 5. **Release** – Keep your hand low, stay smooth. Take a deep breath, trust the practice you’ve done, and remember that a double takeout is just a combination of a few simple ideas. If you stick to the plan, you’ll find the shot becomes less scary and more routine. --- That’s it for today’s guide on Stone & Sweep. Keep practicing, stay relaxed, and enjoy the feel of a clean double takeout sliding down the ice. See you on the next page of the stone‑filled journey!