Shot put
Shot put is a track and field event involving throwing a heavy spherical object as far as possible, using one arm only. Competitors take their throw from inside a 2.135 m diameter circle, otherwise the throw is considered void. The shot must land within a specific area, otherwise the launch is cancelled. The shot’s weight varies according to gender and age of the athlete. Typically there are 3 preliminary rounds to determine qualification for the final, and then three more rounds in the final.
O’Brien’s technique involves the thrower would begin facing the rear of the circle. The shot should be held in the hand toward the base of the fingers with the fingers spread out comfortably and it should be placed against the neck just below the chin. The preparation stage begins: upper body tilts forward, weight is shifted to the right foot. When the left leg is fully stretched out, the gliding stage begins: the left foot kicks to the front towards the stop board and the trunk slightly lifts and leans forward. When both feet are on the ground, the left foot is close to the stop board and the right foot is nearly at the centre of the circle, rotated 75-90 degrees about the starting position. The left arm begins to extend. Right foot and leg rotate forward, hips and trunk twist toward the front.
The thrust is transmitted from the bottom upwards and the right arm stretches backward, then, it quickly stretches forward and upward. The right leg ends the thrust, the left leg pivots. The right arm is now completely stretched and it releases the shot with a further push of the wrist and fingers. At the end of the throw, body weight shifts all on the left foot, in order not to lose balance and not to get out of the circle (otherwise the throw will be void).
