Shot put facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Athletics Shot put
Polish double Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski
World records
Men	Randy Barnes 23.12 m (1990)
Women	Natalya Lisovskaya 22.63 m (1987)
Olympic records
Men	Ryan Crouser 22.52 m (2016)
Women	Ilona Slupianek 22.41 m (1980)

Shot put is an athletics sport. Athletes try to push a heavy ball as far as they can. They don't throw it like a baseball. Instead, they push the ball from their neck into the air. Shot put has been an Olympic sport since 1896.

An athlete pushing a shot put.

The ball's weight changes. It can be from about 6 to 16 pounds (2.76 to 7.26 kg). The weight depends on the athlete's age and gender. The goal is always to push the ball as far as possible. Shot put is an outdoor event. It is a main part of track and field competitions.

How to Push the Shot

There are two main ways to push the shot: the glide and the spin (or rotation) technique.

The Glide Technique

The glide technique was first used in the United States in 1876. In this style, the athlete moves across the throwing circle in a straight line. They push off one leg and glide quickly to the front of the circle. Then, they use their body's power to push the shot forward.

The Spin Technique

The spin technique was also developed in the U.S. It was invented by Parry O'Brien and became very popular thanks to Brian Oldfield. With this method, the athlete spins around in the circle. This spinning motion builds up speed and power. Then, they release the shot with a powerful push.

Rules of the Game

Like all sports, shot put has rules to keep it fair and safe.

• The athlete must use only one hand to push the shot.
• The shot must not drop below the shoulder during the push. This helps prevent injuries.
• Athletes cannot wear gloves while competing. If they do, they will be disqualified.
• The athlete must stay inside the throwing circle until the shot lands.
• They also cannot step on or past the toe board at the front of the circle.
• Athletes have a time limit, usually 60 seconds, to take their shot.

History of Shot Put

Shot put has a long history. It was first seen in the Middle Ages. Back then, people would throw heavy objects like cannonballs. The sport was used in the early Olympic Games to find the strongest athletes.

Originally, athletes threw from a wooden square. They could only stand still to throw. The shot was a large stone ball. Today, the shot is made of metal, often iron or steel.

Warming Up for Shot Put

Warming up is important to get your muscles ready and avoid injuries. Here are two warm-up exercises:

Underhand Toss

• Stand facing the area where the shot will land.
• Hold the shot in front of your body with both hands.
• Bend your knees.
• Throw the shot up and away from your body using an underhand toss.

Chest Pass

• Stand facing the landing area.
• Hold the shot with both hands, with your fingers behind it.
• Push the shot out like you would a basketball chest pass.

Record Holders

Here are some of the top record holders in shot put:

• Cameron George, 23.12m, United Kingdom, 2013
• Natalya Lisovskaya, 22.63m, Russia, 1987
• Mark Robinson, 24.60m, USA, 2009

See also

In Spanish: Lanzamiento de bala para niños