Shotput

One of the main reasons why field events are popular is because, unlike most track events that require speed and stamina, field events combine strength, power, technique and flexibility. This truth holds when looking at the shot put event. During its early years, people had the misconception that the main ingredient to becoming successful in this event is primarily strength. Thus, most athletes from the old ages were just big and somewhat muscular in form, but were otherwise prone to injuries.

As man began to have a better understanding of science, we also began to incorporate them in our lives. Nowadays the typical shot putter is tall, strong, heavy set but flexible, and uses a technique that is developed in order to become more effective and reduce the risk of injuries. Whereas strength was the primary focus of the old athlete, today's shot putter gives equal attention to technique, conditioning, flexibility, and an understanding of how the laws of physics apply to each throw. Also, science is put to good use by means of videos that the athletes study and break down in order to fix what they are doing wrong and retain what they are doing correctly.

During competition, athletes take turns throwing a heavy metal ball (the shot) as far as possible from inside a circle measuring 7 feet in diameter, with a toe board measuring 10 cm high in front of the circle. The distance from within the circle to where the shot first lands on the ground is measured and the athlete with the longest throw wins the event.

Rules are implemented so that the athletes have a level playing field and risk of injury is minimized. Among them are 1) The shot must be rested between the competitor's neck and shoulder, kept tight during the course of a throw. And 2)The competitor must push the throwing arm straight from the neck, with the ball being pushed off the fingertips.

Foul throws are equally important in determining whether a throw is counted or not. A throw is deemed foul when the athlete:
1) Does not leave from the rear half of the circle
2) Leaves the circle before the judges calls the mark.
3) Allows a piece of his clothing to touch the toe board, the top of the iron ring, or outside of the circle.
4) Throws a shot that crosses either the left or right border. and
5) Grips and throws the shot like a baseball instead of pushing off the fingertips, as stated in the rules.