Shot Put

Shot Put: For everyone who still hates running, you're probably a shot put kind of person. Shot put is for the kids in track who are focused on bicep curls and pec-deck rather than going for an easy 3 miles. Shot put, however, is more based on technique than strength. The strength doesn't hurt to have but it's definitely less important than faulting every time you go to throw. 

First let's talk about shot put technique since everybody's probably wondering. Well the first thing you should know is that there's two forms, but for beginner's sake we'll stick to the basics. The first thing is that you should prop the shot (the thing you throw) on your neck with it placed in your dominant hand. If you're a guy the shot will weigh 12 pounds or 8.8 pounds for girls. Once you have the shot positioned step into the ring on the ground. The ring will have a guard standing about a 6 inches to 1 foot off the ground on the side of the ring facing the the grass. This grassy area is marked with white lines spreading from the ring outward in a cone like fashion (see Figure 3.16). Now this is where you starting leaning and gain some momentum. And once you feel ready you shuffle forward sink your hips, shoulders, and arms and fire the shot as far as you can, without leaving the ring or having the shot exit the painted lines. If you do step over the wall of the ring or throw outside the lines the attempt is not counted. Also, don't be worried if your first throw is bad, you have 3 attempts total to throw it as far as you can! Then your best throw is the one they keep. 

For throwing events this area is truly blessed. We are coached under Mr. O, who has an outstanding track record( Literally!). Mr. O has sent countless numbers of athletes to Individual States and even has trained up a State Champion! You may know him as Riley Norman, AKA the huge guy who used to go to Cadillac who had blonde hair and was Tanner's cousin. Riley won State Championship's in his 4 year career at Cadillac, and a lot of that is due to Mr. O and his stellar tips and exercises. Besides the fact that Mr. O has formed a Champion he also has turned many people into good shot put throwers who have never lifted or even heard of shot put. The fact that were able to work with someone who makes the activity fun and knows how to help in every way possible is truly amazing! 

So if you're ever not in the mood for running try picking up a huge spherical ball of steel that ways anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds and try giving it a toss! Who knows, maybe you'll even turn out to be a State Champion in the end, but you won't know unless you try! 

Figure 3.16 

RILEY NORMAN!!! 

(Tanner Christensen's cousin)