Track Athletics in Detail (extract)

PUTTING THE SHOT 8l To become successful in this event requires long and persistent work, just as in hammer- throwing. Shot-putting is a great science to de­ velop, and it usually takes several years before an athlete can really become proficient in the event. The beginner must first strengthen his arms, giv­ ing particular attention to the development of the triceps and deltoids. This is best accomplished by work on the parallel bars, and by pounding a bag, as in boxing. The latter exercise cultivates swiftness. Sprinting is also an important exer­ cise for a shot-putter, for itteaches him to be quick and light on his feet—a most important feature of the general preparation. In addition to these things he should, of course, constantly work at putting the shot—in the gymnasium in winter, and on the field in the open-weather months. The shot is put from a 7 - foot circle, along 4 feet of the circumference of which is placed a board 4 inches high. This is the so-called front of the circle, and the put is measured from this board to the nearest mark made in the ground by the shot. A fair put is one that has been made without any part of the competitor's body having touched in front of the circle or on the top of the board before the measurement is made. A put is counted a foul if the competitor steps over the front half of the circle or on the board before the measurement of his put has been made—and the foul counts as a trial.