How to Throw A Shot Put

The shot put is a track and field sport.

Throwing the shot put is the easy part, it is preparing for the throw that is not so easy. The steps to learning the shot putt can be understood by people of all ages and you may just find the shot put fun. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Shot Put
• Open Space

Instructions

1. Position your feet. Standing straight, place your feet shoulder width apart. Make sure you leave a slight bend in the knees.

2. Holding the shot put. With your dominant hand, hold the shot put just like you would hold a baseball. The hand should be cupped as if you were to try and hold a bit of water.

3. Placing the shot put on the neck. Move your hand directly below the ear and turn the wrist so that the fingers are facing the back of the neck. Place the shot put on the skin of your neck below the ear. Press the shot put into your neck firmly and raise the elbow so that it is perpendicular to the ground.

4. Beginning the Throw. Raise the opposite arm (fully extended) into the air just to the point where the fingers are about three inches above the head. Twist the trunk of the body toward your dominant side. The elbow and arm should remain in place, turn only from the trunk. Try to bend the knees slightly as you turn. Once you have twisted as far as you can go, you are ready for the final step.

5. Throwing the shot put and ending the throw. From your crouching position you will now twist back the way you came. As a beginning shot puter, you will need to start this step off slowly. As you near the starting position, push the shot put off your neck and into the air.

Tips & Warnings

• With practice comes speed and longer throws.

• For beginners, shot puts are available is smaller weights.

• Never strain yourself during a throw.

• This sport requires twisting, lifting and strain, do not attempt without consulting your physician.