How to Throw a Shot Put & Discus

Track and field competitions feature teams competing in events which range from running events to jumping events to throwing events. The shot put and discus are two of the throwing events that make up the field portion of a competition. The shot, a heavy ball, is propelled one-handed in a pushing motion. A discus, a disc-shaped weighted element, is tossed with a rotational motion. Both items must be thrown within the legal landing area of the field.

Instructions

  1. Throwing the Shot Put

    • 1

      Grip the shot so that it is resting on the base of your fingers, not the palm of your hand.

    • 2

      Cock your wrist back so your hand is parallel to the ground.

    • 3

      Raise the ball above your head, then bring it down below your chin and tuck it in tight to your neck.

    • 4

      Lift your elbow up so it is horizontal at shoulder height.

    • 5

      Punch the shot forward as you transfer your weight from your back leg onto your lead leg.

    • 6

      Flick your wrist forward as you release to maximize the momentum of the shot.

    Throwing the Discus

    • 7

      Grip the discus at the first knuckles of your fingers.

    • 8

      Stand with your body facing away from the field, perpendicular to the path you will throw the discus on.

    • 9

      Spin toward the release line, transferring your weight forward as you do.

    • 10

      Squeeze your hand closed, as if squirting a bar of soap in the shower, as you release the discus.