Shot Put Throwing Weight Rules
Selecting the correct shot-put weight is essential for competition compliance and safe athlete development.
Under World Athletics regulations, senior men compete with a 7.26kg shot and senior women with a 4kg shot. Age categories reduce progressively, including 6kg (U20 men), 5kg (U18 boys), 3kg (U18 girls) and lighter weights for younger athletes.
The shot must be delivered from the shoulder using a pushing action from within a 2.135m diameter circle, finishing behind the toe board. For official league and championship competition, implements must meet strict diameter and weight tolerances, making certified competition models essential.
At Athletics Direct, we supply a full range of Polanik and Cantabrian competition shot puts, alongside durable steel training shots and rubber indoor models ideal for schools and clubs. Whether you’re equipping a school sports hall or preparing athletes for county championships, choosing the correct weight and specification ensures eligibility and performance.
Throwing Weight Rules for Shot Puts
Information you need for deciding what weight shot put is right for you for your age category. A comprehensive review of what weights and sizes you are allowed to use. All weights are the minimum per age category, so you can of course use a bigger weight if you want to!
| Age Group | Implement Weight (kg) | Diameter (mm)min – max |
|---|---|---|
| Men | ||
| Senior (and U23s) | 7.26kg | 110 – 130 |
| U20 Junior Men | 6.00kg | 105 – 125 |
| U18 Youth | 5.00kg | 100 – 120 |
| U16 Boys | 4.00kg | 95 – 110 |
| U14 Boy | 3.00kg | 85 – 110 |
| U12 Boys | 2-2.72kg | 80 – 110 |
| Women | ||
| Seniors / U23s / U20s | 4.00kg | 95 – 110 |
| U18 Youth | 3.00kg | 85 – 110 |
| U16 Girls | 3.00kg | 85 – 110 |
| U14 Girls | 2.72kg | 85 – 110 |
| U12 Girls | 2-2.72kg | 85 – 110 |
Men
Senior (and U23s)
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 110 – 130
U20 Junior Men
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 105 – 125
U18 Youth
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 100 – 120
U16 Boys
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 95 – 110
U14 Boy
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 85 – 110
U12 Boys
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 80 – 110
Women
Seniors / U23s / U20s
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 95 – 110
U18 Youth
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 85 – 110
U16 Girls
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 85 – 110
U14 Girls
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 85 – 110
U12 Girls
Implement Weight (kg)
- Diameter (mm)
- 85 – 110
