Hammer throw facts for kids

The hammer throw is an exciting athletic event. In this sport, athletes throw a heavy metal ball attached to a long wire and a handle. The goal is simple: throw it as far as you can! The name "hammer throw" comes from old Scottish sports competitions.

Hammer throw illustration, Colombia.

Like other throwing events, hammer throwers want to get the maximum distance. They start by swinging the hammer above their head. This helps them get the hammer moving in a big circle. Then, they spin around one to four times inside a throwing circle. This spinning helps them build up a lot of speed. Most throwers spin three or four times to make the hammer go faster and faster.

The thrower lets go of the hammer from the front of the circle. The two most important things for a long throw are the angle of release and the speed of the ball. The hammer throw was one of the first sports played in the Olympic Games. Both boys and girls can take part in this event.

What is Hammer Throw?

The hammer throw is a challenging sport where athletes use their strength and technique. They throw a metal ball, which is the "hammer," as far as possible. This ball is connected to a wire and a handle. The whole thing looks a bit like a giant slingshot. The sport is part of track and field, which includes running, jumping, and other throwing events.

How Do You Throw the Hammer?

Throwing the hammer takes a lot of practice and skill. Here's how athletes do it:

• Starting the Swing: The athlete begins by swinging the hammer around their head. This gets the hammer moving in a wide, circular path.
• Turning and Gaining Speed: After the initial swings, the thrower starts to spin around. They usually complete three or four full turns inside a special throwing circle. With each turn, they push harder and make the hammer go faster.
• Releasing the Hammer: At the right moment, usually when facing the front of the circle, the athlete lets go of the handle. The hammer flies into the air.
• Key Factors: For the longest throws, two things are super important:
  • Release Speed: How fast the hammer is moving when it leaves the athlete's hands.
  • Release Angle: The angle at which the hammer flies into the air. There's a perfect angle that helps it travel the furthest.

History of Hammer Throw

The hammer throw has a long history. It started in Scotland as a sport in the Highland games. Back then, people might have thrown actual blacksmiths' hammers or heavy stones with handles. Over time, the sport became more organized. It was included in the very first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Today, it's a popular event in athletics competitions all around the world.

Related pages

• Track and field athletics

Images for kids

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  The traditional Highland games version of event

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  Scottish hammer throw illustration from Frank R. Stockton's book Round-about Rambles in Lands of Fact and Fancy

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  The contemporary version of the hammer throw

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  World Athletics Championships 2007 in Osaka – Victory Ceremony for Hammer Throw with winner Ivan Tsikhan (middle)

See also

In Spanish: Lanzamiento de martillo para niños