Shot

The circle is 2.135m in diameter (7 feet), in front of which is placed a 1.22m (4 feet) long by 10 cms (4 inches) high and wide, curved wooden stopboard. The landing area is a 40 degree sector.

The thrower must begin the throw from a stationery position within the circle and leave it under control after the implement has landed. The thrower must leave from the rear half of the circle and there is a white line through the circle to show the front and back halves.

The shot must be "Putt" (or pushed) from from the shoulder with only one hand. In order to ensure that it is putt, style rules state that it must be kept close to the throwers neck and not taken from behind the line of the shoulders.

Norms

In order to ensure that the shot is putt and not "Chucked", throwers should aim to keep their elbow high. This means either in line (vertically) with the shot itself, or a little higher.

Of the styles used, most young people start throwing from a stationery position, then progress to standing at the back of the circle facing forwards, with the aim of getting some forward speed into the shot before "putting" it. Only advanced young people (U13) or the older young people (U15 and above) start using the styles of putting where they commence facing in the opposite direction to the direction of the throw.

Technique and the development of the stomach muscles are the main factors in differentiating between younger throwers. The youngest people (U13 boys and girls) with excellent technique, strong stomach muscles and good coaching will achieve AAA grade 3 and better with relative ease. Early success often motivates young people, especially when they surprise themselves. Many competition winners at U13 are very light, slight boys and girls with the best technique.

Shot putt is used in almost all combined events competitions and it is recommended that all athletes achieve a reasonable level of competency in this event.

Standards and Grades for this event

Records for this event