Everything You Need to Know About Shot Put

What is Shot Put?

Shot put is a track and field event in which a metal ball (known as the shot) is pushed from a circle using one hand. The shot putter must remain in the circle until the shot is released. The goal of the shot putter is to throw the shot as far as possible. The event has been part of the modern Olympic Games since 1896.

How to Prepare for Shot Put

Shot put is a highly technical event, so it is important to prepare both mentally and physically. Mentally, it can help to visualise the shot put being released from the circle, and to understand the steps of the technique. Physically, the athlete should focus on strength and power training, as well as a good warmup.

The Steps of the Shot Put Technique

The basic steps of the shot put technique are as follows:

The shot putter takes up a position in the circle
The shot putter performs a series of body turns
The shot putter reaches back and grips the shot
The shot putter lifts the shot from the ground
The shot putter performs a series of arm swings
The shot putter thrusts the shot forward
The shot is released from the circle
The shot putter follows through with the throw

Equipment Used in Shot Put

The equipment used in shot put includes the following:

The shot – generally made of steel, it can weigh up to 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds).
The circle – generally made of rubber, it has a diameter of 2.135 metres (7 feet).
The toes – the shot putter must remain in the circle until the shot is released.

Rules and Regulations of Shot Put

The rules and regulations of shot put are as follows:

The shot must be released from within the circle.
The shot must land within the designated landing area.
The shot must not touch any part of the circle.
The shot putter must not leave the circle until the shot is released.

Sample "Shot Put" Links

Here are three links to learn more about shot put:

Conclusion

Shot put is a track and field event that requires both physical and mental preparation. The shot putter must understand the steps of the technique, use the correct equipment, and abide by the rules and regulations. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn to master the shot put and become a competitive athlete.