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The shot puts used in competitions are available in different types, each type is made from distinct materials and designs. These materials affect the overall weight and circumference of the shot put. Here are the main types of shot puts:
Steel Shot Put
Steel is the most common material used in making shot puts. The steel shot put is used in both high school and college competitions. It weighs around 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds) or 4.5 kilograms (8.8 pounds) for men and women respectively. The weight is ideal for athletes who are transitioning to the professional category. The steel shot put has a circumference of 110 to 130 millimeters. It is also used for training and practice by athletes competing in the Olympic Games and other international events.
Brass Shot Put
The brass shot put is popular among beginners and junior athletes. This is because it is durable and has a shiny, golden appearance that makes it attractive. The weight of the brass shot put varies depending on the competition level. For instance, the 4 kg brass shot put is used by women in high school and junior competitions. The 5 kg shot put is used by boys in middle school and junior competitions. The 8 kg shot put is used by men at the collegiate level.
Copper Shot Put
The copper shot put has a unique reddish-brown color. It is commonly used for practice by athletes training for the Olympic Games and other international competitions. The copper shot put is heavier than the steel shot put, making it ideal for building strength and power. It weighs 7.26 kg (16 pounds) for men and 4.5 kg (10 pounds) for women. The copper shot put is also used by professional athletes to improve their throwing techniques.
Plastic Shot Put
The plastic shot put is popular among schools and community organizations for their programs. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for young children and beginners. The weight of the plastic shot put ranges from 0.5 to 2 kg, depending on the age and skill level of the user. It is also used for recreational activities and backyard games.
The shot put is a widely practiced athletic discipline that has several usage scenarios. Here are some of them:
Olympic Games
The shot put is part of the Olympic Games, where athletes from all over the world compete at the highest level. It is a significant event that showcases strength, technique, and athleticism.
World Championships
Similar to the Olympics, the World Championships feature the shot put as a premier event where elite throwers compete for the title of world champion.
National Championships
Every nation holds its own championships, allowing the best local talent to compete. These events are crucial for determining representatives for international competitions.
High School Competitions
Students participate in shot put events in various interschool competitions. It is a standard event in track and field meets, allowing young athletes to showcase their skills.
College and University Athletics
The shot put is a vital part of collegiate athletics, with many universities fielding excellent teams. Events like the NCAA Championships feature some of the best young talent in the world.
Professional Track and Field Meets
Beyond the Olympics and World Championships, the shot put is a featured event in many professional track and field competitions. These meets often attract top global competitors.
Military and Armed Forces Competitions
Various armed forces have athletic programs where members compete in the shot put. These events are part of larger military sports competitions aimed at promoting physical fitness and morale.
Corporate and Charity Events
Some shot put competitions are organized as part of corporate challenges or charity fundraisers. These events encourage participation from non-professional athletes and raise money for good causes.
Training and Development Camps
Shot put specialists often attend training camps where they refine their skills. These camps also host competitions to provide athletes with a platform to test their training progress.
Cross-Discipline Competitions
Some events combine the shot put with other strength-based tasks, testing overall athletic ability. These are more common in specialty military or historical competitions.
Recreational Community Events
Local clubs and community centers often host shot put events as part of their recreational programs. These friendly competitions encourage community members of all ages to participate and stay active.
Selecting the right shot put is important for athletes to improve their performance and technique. Here are some key factors athletes should consider when choosing a shot put.
Weight
The weight of the shot put is a key factor. Athletes should choose a shot put that is suitable for their age, gender, and competition level. For instance, men use 7.26kg shot put weights, women use 4kg shot put weights, and juniors use 5kg shot put weights. Ideally, the weight of the shot put should be balanced to help the athlete improve their strength and technique.
Material
Shot puts are made from different materials. For instance, it can be made from steel, brass, or aluminum. Each material has a unique characteristic that can impact performance. For instance, steel shot put weights are more durable than brass shot puts. However, brass shot puts have a higher resistance, thus offering better performance. Athletes should choose a material that can improve their performance and last longer.
Size and Diameter
Shot put sizes and diameters vary. Larger diameter shot puts are difficult to put, while smaller shot put weights offer better aerodynamics. Athletes should choose a shot put diameter that is suitable for their grip and hand size.
Balance and Center of Gravity
Shot put weights have different balances and centers of gravity that can impact distance and stability. Athletes should choose a shot put that is balanced to help them improve their performance and distance.
The designs of shot puts are different depending on their features and functions. Below are the designs' functions and features.
Weight
The weight of shot puts varies with age and gender. For example, for men, it is 7.26 kilograms. For women, it is 4 kilograms. It is 5 kilograms for youth male athletes (15 to 16 years). It is 3.25 kilograms for junior female athletes (13 to 14 years). It is 4 kilograms for men under 20 (aged 19 and below). For women under 20, it is 2.5 kilograms. It is 3 kilograms for male athletes aged 17 to 18. The shot put weighs 3.75 kilograms for junior female athletes (aged 15 to 16). The competition standard is 4 kilograms for female college athletes.
Grip
Shot puts are designed with various grips that affect the thrower’s ability to hold and release the shot put. The most common grip designs are the smooth grip and textured grip. The smooth grip has a smooth surface, which makes it easier to slide during release. The textured grip has a surface with ridges or patterns that offer a secure grip. This gives the thrower more control over the shot put.
Aerodynamics
The shot weights are designed to minimize drag and maximize distance. They have smooth surfaces that allow air to flow easily. This enables the shot put to travel further. Some designs might have slight variations, but the basic aerodynamic principles remain the same.
Durability
Durability ensures the shot put can withstand frequent use and rough handling. It is made from high-quality materials, such as steel, brass, or hollow plastic with weights. These materials resist wear and tear and impact damage.
Balance
Shot puts are designed with proper balance to ensure stability during the throw. Their center of gravity is consistent to ensure they do not tip over easily.
Type-specific features
Each type of shot put has specific features that make it suitable for its use. For example, training shot puts often have features like a textured grip and a lower weight to help athletes improve their technique. Similarly, electronic shot puts may include sensors to track distance and provide data for analysis.
Q1: How to choose the right shot put for beginners?
A1: To choose the right shot puts for beginners, one should look for a shot put that is appropriate for their age and gender. For instance, high school male athletes use 4.0kg shot put, while female counterparts use 3.0kg shot put. Moreover, one should consider the material used on the shot put. At this level, shot puts made of steel or iron are most suitable. Additionally, one should look for a shot put with a smooth surface for better handling and throwing.
Q2: What are the common injuries associated with shot put?
A2: The common injuries in shot put are usually wrist injuries, shoulder injuries, and elbow injuries. Most of these injuries are caused by improper throwing techniques. Others are caused when athletes fail to use the appropriate weight of shot put for their age and gender. Also, inadequate warm-up and cool-down exercises are a major cause of injuries during shot put.
Q3: What are the rules for shot put?
A3: The first rule is that the athlete should throw the shot put from within the putting circle. The second rule is that the shot put should land within the sector lines. The third rule is that the athlete should not touch the ground outside the putting circle with any part of the body.
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