Shot Put Weight

Understanding the Shot Weight

Just how much does the shot put weigh? Shot put, or putting the shot, requires significant strength and coordination. Get your glide or spin wrong and you could throw the shot out of bounds. Though not every errant shot ends up that far off it's easy to feel that way. Ensuring you're using the right weight shot is the starting point for your athletic development.

High School

As youth and middle school weights and standards can vary a bit we will start with high school. Girls throw a 4kg shot, or 8.8lbs. Boys throw the 5.45kg shot, or 12lbs. The differences in weight are to account for the average throwing distance. This way athletes can use the same throwing area. 

College & Professional

At the collegiate level and professional, the weights are the same. The only change here from the high school level is men in college and pros throw a 7.26kg shot, or 16lbs. This is the last change in weight that can take shape, until a decrease for masters throwers. 

The major difference in college to professional is the discipline to train all aspects of the throw. Using over and under weight implements. Indoor season becomes more of a training and technique need than a conditioning for the upcoming season.