The Olympics constantly shifts attention to events that may have little coverage. While shot put is pretty popular, the sport is not as widespread as other famous sports. However, the Paris 2024 Olympics had impressive performances from athletes, inspiring many to pick up the sport.
For this reason, retailers should get ready for the increased demand for training equipment. This article will highlight every piece of shot-put training equipment retailers can offer to consumers interested in the sport after the Olympics.
Table of Contents
How fast is the shot put equipment market growing?
The core shot put training equipment
Optional but beneficial training equipment
Bottom line
How fast is the shot put equipment market growing?
Experts say the global shot put market will register a 7.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2031. North America, especially the United States and Canada, is the most profitable region thanks to the rising adoption of sports in schools and colleges. Experts also say Europe will register a higher demand for shot put equipment due to the population’s rising interest in sports.
Even better, search interest for shot put equipment has experienced a massive boost post-Olympics. According to Google data, searches reached 3,600 in August 2024—a 310% boost from July’s 390 searches and June’s 720. So, interest is already building for this sport, and businesses can leverage it by exploring the equipment below.
The core shot put training equipment
1. Shot put balls
Future athletes can’t refine their technique, strength, and performance without shot put training balls. These balls have designs that feel like competition shots, which is essential for perfecting good form and control. But since competition shot put balls are pretty heavy, training variants come in different weights, allowing trainers to practice with varying resistance levels.
In addition, manufacturers make some training balls from softer materials (like rubber). While some argue about their effectiveness, these softer balls can reduce injury risks for beginners during repetitive practice sessions. Overall, shot put training balls are a core part of any trainee’s (beginner or professional) training set.
Here’s a table showing the official shot put ball weights for different age groups and gender categories.
| Age group | Gender | Weight |
| Youth (under 15) | Boys | 4 kg (8.82 lb) |
| Youth (under 15) | Girls | 3 kg (6.61 lb) |
| Junior (15 to 19) | Boys | 5 kg (11 lb) |
| Junior (15 to 19) | Girls | 4 kg (8.82 lb) |
| Senior (19+) | Men | 7.26 kg (16 lb) |
| Senior (19+) | Women | 4 kg (8.82 lb) |
2. Shot put circle
Sometimes, consumers want to focus more on their throwing technique and footwork. That’s where shot put circles come into play. These concrete circles have raised edges to help consumers stay within the standard 7-foot diameter while practicing throws.
Shot put circles, especially options in regulation sizes, are key for developing the perfect approach, timing, and release angle for competitions. Although most throwing circles are permanent installations, businesses can offer variants installed on movable platforms for slightly better portability. After all, the benefits far outweigh the lack of portability.
In addition, people training with shot put circles see better results than those without. Regular training within a shot put circle will result in better spatial awareness and a more refined glide or rotational technique, leading to improved performance during competitions.
3. Toe boards
Like shot put circles, toe boards are equally crucial for shot put training. They often come built-in with throwing circles to provide a raised platform during practice sessions. Interestingly, athletes must stay behind toe boards to avoid learning foul throws.
Beyond that, toe boards come in handy for maintaining balance, control, and proper technique. They also ensure athletes are stable enough for effective power transfer during throws. But that’s not all. Toe boards can also serve as reference points for measuring throw distances.
More importantly, shot put toe boards are evolving with several trends shaping their development. For starters, manufacturers now use advanced materials like carbon fiber and titanium for better toe board performance and durability. Modern toe boards may also have advanced sensor technology for real-time technique and performance analysis.
Optional but beneficial training equipment
4. Shot put cage
Unless consumers have a vast open space to practice their throws, they will need a secure space to protect themselves and the surrounding individuals and properties. Since not everyone can go to gyms and other fields, they can go for shot put cages instead. Shot put cages have one purpose: to contain the shot within an area while allowing athletes to focus on techniques.
These products feature sturdy steel and high-tensile netting to create a secure environment for all throwing techniques. Thanks to their easy setup and weather-resistant features, athletes can use these cages indoors and outdoors and perform year-round training.
5. Shot put carrier
Anyone interested in shot put will need to move these balls around. That’s why manufacturers make shot put carriers to make these heavy balls more portable during training sessions. They typically feature rugged materials (like heavy-duty nylon or reinforced canvas) that can handle the weight of multiple shot puts.
Additionally, shot put carriers often feature padded handles or adjustable straps for comfort, making it easier for athletes and coaches to carry multiple shot puts across the field or between training sites. Some models include dividers or compartments to stop the balls from rolling around.
6. Shot put gloves
Although athletes can’t wear gloves for official competitions, they can wear them for training. Shot-put gloves can help enhance grip and protect hands during intense and extended shot-put training sessions or rehabilitation. These gloves often feature high-quality leather or synthetic fabrics to offer the best hold possible on the shot while minimizing hand fatigue.
In addition, shot put gloves come with reinforced palms and finger areas to withstand the impact and pressure of repeated throws—which also helps prevent blisters and abrasions. Some variants include moisture-wicking properties to keep the trainer’s hands dry for a consistent grip. Remember that these are training equipment only, and official competitors use chalk for better grip.
7. Weightlifting and strength training equipment
Shot putters hoping to target their throwing skills will need strength training accessories. One great example is weightlifting belts, which provide lower back support and ensure proper posture while reducing the risk of injury during heavy lifts.
Resistance bands are another excellent piece of strength training equipment for shot putters. They help enhance muscle strength through a full range of motion, boosting overall power and technique. Consumers will also find heavier practice balls useful for refining throwing techniques.
Lastly, grip strengtheners help build the hand and forearm muscles needed to maintain a firm hold on the shot. These accessories help shot putters develop the strength and technique required for powerful, effective throws.
8. Shot put shoes
While not strictly equipment, good athletic shoes with proper support are crucial for shot put throws. While beginners can technically train in any footwear, they will get better performance from a dedicated pair of throwing or shot put shoes.
These shoes have designs that provide stability, support, and traction for this sport, helping athletes maintain balance and control during throws. With flat, sturdy soles, shot put shoes offer a solid base for generating power and transferring it efficiently to the shot.
Bottom line
As the excitement from the Olympics fades, interest in sports like shot put continues to grow. Aspiring athletes and dedicated coaches are eager to hone their skills; quality training equipment is essential to their success. Fortunately, businesses can step in to offer all-in-one gear collections, providing new shot putters with everything they need to fuel their passion for the sport and excel in their athletic pursuits.
Whether it’s beating world records or simply improving in the sport, shot put training balls, throwing circles, toe boards, cages, carriers, gloves, shoes, and strength training equipment will help athletes achieve their goals.
