Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 90.djvu/957

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Winning an Athlete's Laurels

III — Putting the shot, throwing the hammer, and hurling the javelin By Albert B. Wegener

A technical instructor and director of athletics of twenty-seven years' exi)erience

��THIS class of events includes all throw- ing, and putting heavy objects. They are: the shot put, hammer throw, discus throw, javelin throw, and heavy- weight throw. For the shot put, a heavy lead or iron ball, weighing 8 lb., is used for young boys, 12 lb. size for young men,

���Hold the shot in the palm of the right hand with the shot resting against the neck and balance on the right leg

��and 16 and 24 lb. for large men. These balls resemble a cannon ball.

A right handed putter should pick up and carry the shot with the left hand so as not to give all the work to the putting arm. Any kind of a preliminary run is allowed, but the style used by all good putters is as follows: Hold the shot in the palm of the right hand (some strong

��athletes hold it higher up on the ball of the thumb and fingers). The shot rests against the neck, elbow of the supporting arm extended at the side. Balance on the right leg with the left arm and leg extended toward the front of the circle, the left foot lightly touching the ground. Then swing the left leg toward the right; kick it toward the front of the circle and at the same time hop on the right foot. Alight on both feet in the middle of the circle, then jump quickly forward from both feet, making a half turn to left and thrusting the .shot forward and upward, alighting on the right foot against the toe 'block. Make the movement vigor- ously and do not make the turn too soon (while hopping).

The shot must be put from the shoulder with one hand only, and it must never be brought behind the shoulder.

In the middle of the circumference of the circle, at the front half, place a stop-board,

���Swing the left leg toward the right, kick it toward the front of the circle and hop on the right foot. Alight on both feet in center and jump forward, making a half turn while thrusting the shot forward and upward alighting on the left foot against the toe block

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