History of Shot Put

5 Questions

When were the modern rules for the shot put first laid out?

1860

Athletes can use a bent arm throwing technique in shot put competitions.

False

What is the weight of the men's shot in shot put competitions?

7.26 kilograms

Competitors may touch the inside of the shot put circle's rim or stop board during the attempt, but cannot touch the top of either the rim or stop board. The shot putter cannot touch the ground outside the throwing circle during an attempt, nor can he/she leave the circle until the shot hits ____________.

the ground

Match the following equipment with the correct sport:

7.26-kilogram iron or brass ball = Shot Put 2-kilogram disc with 22 cm diameter = Discus Throw Metal head, solid or hollow shaft, cord grip = Javelin Throw

Study Notes

Shot Put

The shot put has its roots in pre-historic rock-throwing competitions, with the "stone put" being known in Scotland and "steinstossen" in Switzerland.
The modern sport evolved from 17th-century cannonball throwing competitions within the English military.
The first modern rules were established in 1860, with a square throwing area of 2.13m on each side, later changed to a circular area with a 7-foot diameter in 1906.
The shot weight was standardized to 7.26kg for men and 4kg for women.
The throwing technique has evolved over time, with bent arm throws being banned, and the side-step and throw, "glide", and "spin" techniques emerging.

Shot Put Equipment and Rules

The men's shot is a 7.26kg ball of iron or brass, with a diameter between 110-130mm.
The women's shot weighs 4kg, with a diameter of 95-110mm.
The shot put circle is 2.135m in diameter, with a 10cm high wooden stop board on the outside.
Competitors must not touch the top of the rim or stop board, and cannot leave the circle until the shot hits the ground.

Discus Throw

The discus throw has its origins in the ancient pentathlon, dating back to 708 BC.
The modern event involves throwing a disc from a circle, with the implement standardized to 2kg in weight and 22cm in diameter for men, and 1kg in weight and 18cm in diameter for women.
The throwing area is a circle with a diameter of 2.5m.

Discus Throw Equipment and Rules

Competitors must not touch the top of the rim or stop board, and cannot leave the circle until the discus hits the ground.
All discus throws are made from an enclosure to ensure bystander safety.

Javelin Throw

Javelin throwing originated in prehistoric times as an implement of war and hunting.
The modern event features a short run-up on a track, with the thrower releasing the javelin before the foul line.
The first Olympic men's javelin throw contest was held in 1908, with a women's competition introduced in 1932.

Javelin Throw Equipment and Rules

The javelin consists of a metal head, a solid or hollow shaft, and a cord grip.
The men's javelin weighs at least 800g and is between 2.6-2.7m long, while the women's javelin weighs at least 600g and measures between 2.2-2.3m long.
The runway is between 30-36.5m long, with throwers allowed to place up to two markers on the runway.
The javelin must be held at the grip and thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm, with spinning being illegal.