Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

166 SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS giving momentum to his body and the latter enabling him to lean well out over the toe-board at the end of the put; but almost as important are speed and agility, combined with perfect style. The ideal build for the shot-putter is that which has already been described for the hammer-thrower, but the speed at which he crosses the circle has been mentioned, and therefore a word concerning his anatomy must be added. In order that a really heavy man may move rapidly, the feet, which support his weight, must be perfectly formed, for if the arches are allowed to drop, the feet will become flattened, and there will be no spring left for the sudden leap across the circle from what may almost be termed a stationary position. · During the preliminary indoor winter training the shot-putter has considerable advantage over the other heavy-weight athletes, for whereas they are confined in their training to the practice of gymnastic exercises, · he may enliven his indoor work and hasten his train– ing for the actual " put " itself in any medium-sized hall which will allow, say, 6o feet; this is sufficient for the circle, the length of the " put," and the bounce forward of the shot on landing. The floor will not be injured if it is of wood. Special indoor shots can be obtained. These are made by sewing a number of small pellets into a cloth bag (which is, of course, packed tight), and enclosing the whole in an outer cover of leather. It is just as well, however, to arrange mats for the shot to fall upon. In the first place -it helps to preserve the shape of the shot, and in the second so much noise is not created in the " gym " as when the shot lands on the bare boards.