The correct spelling of the throwing event in athletics is "shot put," not "shoot put." The word "shot" refers to the heavy metal ball being thrown, while "put" refers to the throwing action. The correct pronunciation of "shot put" is /ˈʃɒt pʊt/, with the "sh" sound at the beginning of "shot" being represented by the IPA symbol /ʃ/ and the "u" in "put" pronounced with a short "oo" sound represented by /ʊ/. Getting the spelling right is important to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication in sports settings.
"Shot put" is a track and field event that involves the act of throwing or putting a heavy metal ball known as a shot. It requires participants to release the shot from a restricted area, typically a circle of concrete or metal. The aim is to hurl the shot as far as possible using particular techniques and physical strength.
In shot put, athletes start by balancing the shot on the neck or shoulder, while bending their knees. They then forcefully push off from their toes and transfer the energy into a rotational motion called the glide technique or spin technique, depending on the player's preference. During this rotational movement, the shot is propelled forward with a powerful extension of the arm, aiming for maximum distance.
The shot used in shot put competitions has a fixed weight, generally ranging from 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds) for men to 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) for women. The sport requires great coordination, strength, technique, and explosiveness from the participants.
Shot put is commonly practiced in schools, colleges, and as part of the Olympic Games and other international athletic competitions. It is considered both a test of raw strength and a display of refined skills and precision. The objective is to achieve the farthest distance, with measurements taken from the inside edge of the circle to where the shot lands after it is thrown.