Proper Way to Hold a Shot Put

Originally invented in Scotland, the shot put was called the "stone put." In this version of the game, a rounded piece of metal or stone was thrown from a particular spot. The person who threw the put the farthest was the winner. Eventually, the shot put event was included in the Athens Olympics of 1896, and has been included in each summer Olympic games since that time. American Randy Barnes holds the world record, throwing the shot put 23.12 meters, or more than 25 yards, according to the International Association of Athletic Federations.

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn your back on your target. Face your body in a position opposite to the direction you wish to throw the shot put. This stance may seem counter-intuitive, but just before shot-putters release the "rock," they spin their bodies around, gaining momentum in the whirlwind-like maneuver and, ultimately, facing their target before releasing the throw.

    • 2

      Hold the shot put in the palm of your dominate hand.

    • 3

      Face your palm upward toward the sky. Your fingers should point to the back of your head and your elbow should point ahead of you.

    • 4

      Bend your elbow so that it is extended outward. The elbow will be almost parallel to the ground.

    • 5

      Rest the shot put against the back of your jaw bone. The pressure from your palm against your jaw bone will hold the shot put in place.

    • 6

      Bend your right leg if you are right-handed (left leg if you are left-handed) so that it is at a 90-degree angle. Your other leg should be be straight out, and you should be ready to release.