Athletic Training

THE SHOT PUT The next part of the shot putter's instruc– tion is to learn how to begin the movements and especially how to move across the seven– foot circle preparatory to making the final heave. Still assuming that the shot putter is right-handed, he takes his position just in– side the circle and directly opposite the cen– tre of the toe board or the point from which the shot is to be put. The effort starts with the right foot. The left leg may be slightly bent at the knee to suit the individual and at such an angle that the athlete feels strong and well balanced. Then the left leg may be permitted to swing upward and downward until the body has all the momentum it can carry. Some shot putters swing the left leg once around and outside· the right leg for the same purpose. At the correct moment the athlete jumps quickly forward across the ring with what resembles a falling motion. This movement should be made so that the left foot will strike close to the board, the right foot striking close to the middle of the ring. This will cause the · s.hot putter to land in almost the exact position in which he started, only on