Specialist Certification Program
The Throwing Events
Implement Characteristics and
Choices in the Throws
The Shot
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Implement Types
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Iron Shots. Iron shots are produced by a casting process. This process usually results in
minor inconsistences and surface imperfections. Accuracy in achieving exact weight is
difficult using the casting process. Their density results in a greater diameter and surface
area. These are shots are very inexpensive, and are useful when attempting to build an
inventory of implements of varied weights
o
Steel Shots. Steel shots are typically produced using a turning process. This results in
greater accuracy, a smaller shot, and a much smoother surface. They are considerably
more expensive than iron shots.
o
Brass Shots. Brass shots are comprised of a brass casing about an inner core of lead or
some other metal. They are extremely dense, resulting in a very smooth surface and a
very small shot. They are relatively expensive and the soft brass shell is subject to
damage. Also, the inner core usually works free from the brass shell over time, creating
movement inside the shot.
Implement Characteristics
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Shot Regulations. In addition to weight restrictions, rules establish maximum and
minimum shot diameters for each gender, providing a range of choices in shot size.
Athletes differ in their preferences, seeking an implement with a suitable size to attain a
comfortable grip as well as advantageous finger positioning.
o
Surface Composition. The material that an implement is comprised of can also
determine the comfort of the grip. Novice athletes may favor the tactile feeling of the
surface imperfections of an iron shot, while smoother surfaces are generally preferred
by more advanced athletes.
The Indoor Shot
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Hard Shell Shots. Hard shell shots are comprised of a hard plastic shell, filled with a heavier
substance, usually iron pellets. These shots are less dense than outdoor shots and larger as a
result. They are typically moderately priced. These shots have a limited life and are subject to
eventual cracking and leakage. Hard shell shots present a feel closer to that experienced with
outdoor shots. The density of tungsten enables shots built with a tungsten core to be smaller,
but these shots are extremely expensive.

Soft Shell Shots. Soft shell shots are comprised of a soft plastic shell, filled with a heavier
substance, usually iron pellets. These shots are also less dense than outdoor shots and larger as
a result. They are typically moderately priced. These shots show better durability than hard shell
shots, but still show limited life and are subject to eventual cracking and leakage. These shots
are easily deformed. The softer shell is more comfortable and provides a better grip to some
throwers. Tungsten is an option with soft shelled shots as well.
The Discus
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Implement Types
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Rubber Disci. Rubber disci are formed from rubber using a casting process. These
implements are very inconsistent and often fail to meet competition standards, even
when new. The consistency of material throughout the discus creates an implement
with a very low rim weight, making a stabilizing spin difficult to achieve. These disci are
very inexpensive and durable. They should be avoided in nearly all competition and
practice situations, however their durability and rubber composition might make them
applicable in indoor situations or where implement or facility damage is eminent.
o
Wooden Disci. Wooden disci are composed of a metal core and rim, with the body of
the discus formed from hardwood. This enables the placement of more weight in the
rim, permitting better flight characteristics. These wooden implements are moderately
priced. Wood is a natural substance, so they may show slight irregularities in weight
distribution throughout the implement. They are also subject to damage due to
dampness for the same reason.
o
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Plastic, Aluminum, and Composite Disci. Most disci of medium to high quality are
constructed with a metal core and rim, with the body of the discus made from plastic,
fiberglass, or some composite material. This construction enables a hollow core and
more exact weight distribution within the discus. These disci can be made to very exact
specifications, and cost increases as this exactness increases. Some plastic implements
are moderately priced, however precisely built composite or fiberglass implements are
very expensive.
Implement Characteristics
o
Discus Regulations. In addition to weight restrictions, rules establish maximum and
minimum diameters and thicknesses for each gender, providing a small range of choices
in discus size. Athletes differ in their preferences, seeking an implement with a suitable
size to attain a comfortable grip and match their throwing technique and proficiency to
the characteristics of the discus.
o
Rim Weight. Better disci are rated by rim weight. This is expressed as the percentage of
the implement’s weight that is found in the metal rim. A discus with a higher rim weight
will possess more angular momentum while spinning, and will experience a more stable
flight and travel farther in flight. However, higher rim weight requires better throwing
technique and proficiency. For this reason, more proficient throwers generally use
implements with higher rim weights.
o
Rim Thickness. Differences in the thickness of the rim have a similar effect upon the
discus’ flight and spin. More proficient athletes typically prefer a thinner rim.
o
Composition. Throwers differ in their preferences of materials, as different materials
provide differing tactile properties.
The Javelin
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Implement Types
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Aluminum Javelins. Aluminum javelins are common. They are relatively inexpensive
and less rigid and stiff than steel javelins.
o
Steel Javelins. Steel javelins are considerably more stiff and rigid than aluminum
javelins. They are generally more precisely constructed as well and are generally more
expensive than aluminum implements. These javelins typically have a smaller diameter.
o
Composite Javelins. Composite javelins are comprised of non-metallic material such as
carbon fiber. These implements are more rigid and stiff than steel javelins and are very
expensive.
Implement Characteristics
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Javelin Regulations. In addition to weight restrictions, rules establish maximum and
minimum guidelines for each gender for javelin length and the diameter of the shaft,
nose, and tail. Regulations also govern weight distribution within the implement as well.
o
Headwind and Tailwind Javelins. Manufacturers typically market headwind and
tailwind javelins. These javelins differ primarily in the construction of the nose. The
tailwind javelin has a blunt nose to combat premature turnover. Both javelins are
effective in headwinds as well as tailwinds if thrown properly, however the tailwind
typically performs better under all conditions.
o
Javelin Rigidity. Javelins are rated according to their rigidity. Stiffer javelins, if thrown
properly, will vibrate less and consequently travel farther. However, these javelins are
more difficult to throw. Novice athletes throwing a rigid javelin may be more susceptible
to technical flaws or injury if thrown improperly. More pliable javelins are more
tolerant to technical imperfections.
o
Distance Ratings. Javelin rigidity is often quantified by a meter rating system. The
meter rating for a given javelin represents the optimal throwing range for that
implement. As the meter rating increases, so does the rigidity of the implement.
o
Grips. The location of the grip with respect to the javelin’s center of mass varies slightly
with different implements, providing different flight characteristics. Athletes might also
have a preference in grip diameter.
The Hammer
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
Implement Types
o
Iron Hammers. Iron hammers are produced by a casting process. This process usually
results in minor inconsistences and accuracy in achieving exact weight is difficult using
the casting process. Their density results in a greater ball diameter and surface area.
These hammers are inexpensive, and are useful when attempting to build an inventory
of implements of varied weights. The larger ball makes them a poor choice for
competition.
o
Steel Hammers. Steel or stainless steel hammers are typically produced using a turning
process. This results in greater accuracy, a smaller ball, and a much smoother surface.
They are considerably more expensive than iron hammers. The smaller ball provides an
opportunity to use a longer wire and a competitive advantage.
Implement Characteristics
o
Hammer Regulations. In addition to weight restrictions, rules establish maximum and
minimum ball diameters for each gender, providing a range of choices in size. A distinct
advantage exists when the hammer’s mass is distributed farther from the handle, so
other rules govern the hammer’s length.
o
Ball Diameter. A smaller ball is more dense, and locates the implements center of mass
farther from the handle. For this reason smaller, denser balls provide a distinct
advantage to the thrower.
o
The Wire. The wire chosen should be as long as possible while still observing the length
limitations of the implement. It is advantageous for the hammer to as close to the
maximal allowable length. Wires are available in a number of lengths, usually from 37 ½
inches to 39 ½ inches. Wire quality is important, as more pliable wires will need to be
straightened or changed more frequently to maintain proper implement length.
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o
The Handle. Hammer handles are constructed of metal and vary in size and
construction. They can be classified as straight or curved. The surface upon which the
thrower grips may be straight or curved. Thickness and shape of the handle are
advantageous to the thrower with regard to feel and ability to grip the implement.
o
Swivels. The quality of the swivel and its ability to spin freely is another consideration
when choosing an implement.
Hand Protection. An open hammer glove finger glove may be worn on the hand that grips the
hammer handle. This glove is typically made of leather or similar material. Some throwers may
utilize tape or gauze to wrap their fingers in place of or under the glove.
The Indoor Weight
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Implement Types
o
Standard Weights. Standard throwing weights are composed of a a ball and a
harness/handle assembly. The ball is comprised of a plastic or rubber shell containing
iron pellets. The ball is set in a bag constructed of fabric webbing, connected to a swivel
and handle.
o
Tungsten Weights. These weights show the same construction as standard weights,
but feature a plastic shell filled with tungsten. Tungsten is denser than steel or iron, this
results in a smaller ball. This locates the implements center of mass farther from the
handle and results in a distinct competitive advantage. Tungsten weights are extremely
expensive.
o
Iron Weights. Companies also offer Iron weights, with hammer-type swivels, with direct
linkage from the handle to the ball. These are inexpensive and applicable in training
situations. They are more durable than standard weights and are commonly used in
outdoor training situations.

Implement Characteristics
o
Indoor Weight Regulations. In addition to weight restrictions, rules govern the weight’s
length. A distinct advantage exists when the hammer’s mass is distributed farther from
the handle, so other rules govern the weight’s length. Certain bags/harnesses may be
deemed illegal due to their tendency to stretch during the turns.
o
Implement Length. It is important to monitor the length of the implement throughout
the season, as the bag may stretch making the implement exceed the maximum
allowable length.
o
The Handle. The weight throw handle is much larger than that of the hammer. Some
throwers may choose a larger handle and grip it at an angle to effectively elongate the
implement during the throw.
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