Shot put happens to be a track event and field event that involves "putting" (throwing in a pushing motion) a heavy metal ball-the shot-as far as possible. It is a common practise to use the term "shot put" to denote both the shot itself and to the putting (throwing) action.
History of Shot Put
There is a vivid mention of soldiers throwing rocks during the Siege of Troy, by Homer. But there is actually no record of any dead weights thrown in Greek competitions. First evidence of weight or stone throwing event actually dates back 2000 years in the Scottish Highlands. King Henry VIII, in the 16th century was well-known for his prowess in court competitions of hammer and weight throwing.
First proper evidence of events similar to modern day shot put occurred in Middle Ages where soldiers, during a battle, hurled cannonballs. This competition was first recorded in the early 19th century Scotland, and were also a part of the British Amateur Championships beginning in 1866.
Rules of Shot Put
The rules of shot put have some typicality. The participants take their throw from inside marked circle 2.135 metres (7.00 ft) in diameter, with a stop board approximately 10 centimetres (3.9 in) high at the front of the circle. The total distance thrown is measured from inside of circumference of the circle to nearest mark made in the ground by falling shot with distances rounded down to the nearest centimetre under IAAF, WMA, USATF, and NCAA rules.
The following rules are adhered to for a legal throw:
* Once the name of the athlete is called, he has sixty seconds to start throwing motion.
* The athlete is not allowed to wear gloves, but the rules of IAAF, unlike NCAA do permit to tape individual fingers
* It is mandatory for athlete to rest the shot close to the neck and keep it tight to the neck right through the neck, and the shot must be released above the height of shoulder with one hand.
* The athlete may touch stop board or the inside part of the circle. But while doing so must not touch the top or outside of the stop board or circle.
* Athlete must make sure that the shot lands in proper area, (34.92 Degree) of the throwing area
* Athlete must exit the throwing surface from back.
Foul throws occur when an athlete:
* Does not stop, within the circle, before starting the throwing event
* Does not start the throwing movement within the 60 seconds of having her or his name called
* Allows the shot to drop lower his shoulder or outside the vertical place of his shoulder during the put
* It is given a foul when, during throwing motion, with any part of the body (including shoes), the top or ends of the stopboard, the top of the iron ring, anywhere outside the circle.
* Thrower throws shot that either falls outside the throwing area or touch sector line on initial impact. Or he leaves the circle before shot actually lands.
Putting Styles
Currently there are two putting styles that are in practise: the spin and the glide. For all the putting style, the main aim remains to release the shot with maximum forward velocity at an angle of approximately forty degree.
Types of Shots
The ball used in shot put is made of various materials that depend on intended use. Some of the materials that are used are include iron, cast iron, solid steel, stainless steel, brass, and synthetic materials like polyvinyl.
