The shot put discipline demands not just strength but also speed, good coordination, and agility. It is also necessary to have the appropriate equipment and essential related items.
At Full Athletics, you will find high-quality shot put rings from esteemed manufacturers that are suitable for training and sanctioned for national and international competitions. To buying guide »
Polanik Mobile Shot Put Throwing Circle
Polanik Replacement Synthetic Cover for Competition Shot Put Stop Board S-269
Polanik Wind Protection for two Cage Posts
Polanik Horizontal Connectors for KLM-7/10-A Cage Posts
Solid Synthetic Shot Put Stop Board
Throwing disciplines and how they differ: What are the unique characteristics of a shot put ring?
Track and field features a variety of throwing disciplines, each of which necessitates the use of a ring from which the throws are made. However, it is not possible to practice all these disciplines in one and the same throwing ring, particularly if you are training at the competition level. Each discipline has distinct parameters that define the properties of the ring.
First and foremost is the size. For example, a shot put ring has a diameter of precisely 213.5 cm, while discus rings measure 250 cm. The hammer throw base shares the same dimensions as the shot put, but the shot put also necessitates an appropriate stop board.
Our tip
Is your outdoor space insufficient for accommodating both a shot put and a discus ring? Opt for a discus station and purchase the inlay ring along with the corresponding shot put segment from Full Athletics. This allows you to easily train three different disciplines on one ring: shot put, hammer throw, and discus throw.
What is essential when purchasing a shot put ring?
There are several key factors to keep in mind when purchasing a shot put ring. This is the only way to ensure that the equipment truly meets your training or competition needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a shot put ring.
Size
When choosing a shot put ring, make sure that it has the correct dimensions. You want to avoid mistakenly purchasing a model designed for a different throwing discipline. The diameter of a shot put ring is precisely 213.5 cm. Anything above or below that is not suitable for competition.
Buy pre-cast or cast it yourself?
At Full Athletics, you can buy shot put rings that come pre-cast as well as rings that require you to cast the concrete slab yourself. What benefits do the two variants provide?
Purchasing pre-cast concrete shot put rings
Pre-cast concrete rings are delivered to you fully prepared for immediate use. All you have to do is put them in an appropriate location and secure them in place. Their surfaces have the perfect characteristics for shot put, providing just the right amount of roughness to give athletes the grip they need while still allowing for sufficient mobility. If the surfaces were too smooth, athletes would risk slipping, but if the surfaces were too rough, the athletes wouldn’t be able to execute the fast foot placements needed. Both would make it difficult to pull off successful shot put attempts. Furthermore, the pre-cast rings from our collection are so uniformly smooth and flat that achieving the same results on your own would be nearly impossible. Another advantage is that they feature drainage openings, allowing training or competition to quickly resume even after a downpour. The rings also adhere to both national and international competition regulations, of course.
One drawback is that transporting pre-cast rings is more difficult. The finished rings are quite heavy and naturally take up space, resulting in additional effort required for transportation and positioning at the final destination.
Casting the ring yourself
Alternatively, you can purchase a shot put ring that is not pre-cast and pour the concrete yourself at your outdoor location. This approach primarily offers logistical benefits. We deliver the rings in a disassembled state, which minimizes the space required. You bolt the parts together and cast an appropriate surface on top. However, that’s much easier said than done, and we don’t advise using this method if you don’t have the necessary expertise.
The right shot put stop board
A shot put ring needs a stop board, which is intended to prevent athletes from overstepping during a throw. The key factors to consider are its ruggedness and weather resistance, as well as its ability to accurately replicate the circle in the ideal dimensions. At Full Athletics, you can purchase shot put stop boards made by renowned manufacturer Polanik. These shot put boards are available in a variety of materials, including solid yet lightweight fiberglass, wood, stainless steel, or solid plastic. The version featuring a galvanized and powder-coated steel frame, which can be paired with an interchangeable wooden surface, is also quite popular.
A solid indoor shot put ring or a portable version
When we think of shot put, we often envision the solid outdoor variant of the classic throwing ring. But apart from that, we also offer other models. If you are looking for a way to train almost anywhere and at any time, a mobile version of the shot put ring that can be set up and taken down quickly is worth a closer look. Such a ring is also suitable for indoor use in gymnasiums and can serve as an additional ring for competitions.
Components of a shot put station: What parts do I need?
The shot put ring isn’t the only piece of equipment you need for successful training. When making your selection, it’s crucial to consider the planned location: Are you looking for a station designed for indoor or outdoor use?
Outdoor shot put station
An outdoor shot put station typically features a shot put ring equipped with a stop board. You’ll certainly also need shots that are suitable for your athletes. Full Athletics provides you with shots in different weight classes and materials, including stainless steel, brass, steel, and cast iron. Our product range includes practice shots and shots for use indoors as well. We invite you to also take a closer look at our products for the transportation and storage of shots. To ensure that your station is always clean and ready for use, we recommend that you cover it with a suitable protective cover when it’s not in use.
Indoor shot put rings
Indoor shot put stations require additional equipment to protect the floor, as the weight of the shot could potentially cause damage upon impact. To prevent such damage, we offer advanced protective barriers featuring foam impact protection and a modular design crafted from galvanized steel profiles and plywood strips, post padding, and a galvanized net. With the aid of special markings or self-adhesive tape, you can easily determine the distance of the put in no time at all. As an alternative, consider using an impact mat that features a memory effect or use soft indoor shots.