Sweeping effectiveness is a function of three elements: Coverage, Speed and Pressure.

Coverage
Efficient sweepers pay attention to the rock’s running path. Only a portion of the rock—the five-inch running edge—is actually in contact with the ice. Any excessive movement of the broom outside of the rock’s path is wasted energy. Visualize which area of the ice the rock will travel, then make sure your sweeping motion covers that area. A brush head that swivels into a perpendicular position to the rock is most effective.

Speed and Pressure
The more speed and pressure applied to the broom, the more friction is generated to affect the ice surface. But it’s impossible to achieve maximum speed and pressure at the same time. When a rock is first released, most curlers cannot move the broom across the same spot on the ice more than once because the rock is moving too quickly. The focus should be to put as much pressure as possible on the broom. However, when a rock is coming into the house, rapid sweeping will allow the broom to be swept repeatedly across a given spot. So, as the rock slows down, increase the speed of the brush head and "finish" the rock.

Effectiveness is the crucial physical component of sweeping, but it is even more important to be able to judge when to sweep. After all, if you’re effectively sweeping a rock right through the house, you’re not a very valuable member of the team. Those who know when to sweep are keepers. Judge the weight of the rock as early as possible, in some cases before it is released. Study all shots—your team’s and your opponent’s—so you’ll get a better "feel" for the ice.

A sweeper must observe the distance the rock needs to travel, the speed of the rock, and—most importantly—the rate at which the rock is slowing down. Sweepers have the best perspective on the weight of the stone. It is their responsibility to judge weight and sweep draws to the spot the skip called for.

Sweepers and the skip should maintain communication on every shot. Use a few routine words to cover the types of sweep calls (hurry, ho, yes, no, line, room, light, heavy, etc.). Know what shot is called and where the broom is placed. Skips are usually very good at letting you know if the rock needs to be swept for line. Likewise, sweepers should call out the weight of the shot upon release and as it progresses down the ice.