[2] The first events resembling the modern shot put likely occurred in the Middle Ages when soldiers held competitions in which they hurled cannonballs.

Shot put competitions were first recorded in early 19th century Scotland, and were a part of the British Amateur Championships beginning in 1866.

With all putting styles, the goal is to release the shot with maximum forward velocity at an angle of slightly less than forty-five degrees.

They would typically adopt a specific type of crouch, involving their bent right leg, in order to begin the throw from a more beneficial posture whilst also isometrically preloading their muscles.

The positioning of their bodyweight over their bent leg, which pushes upwards with equal force, generates a preparatory isometric press.

[8] In 1972 Aleksandr Baryshnikov set his first USSR record using a new putting style, the spin ("круговой мах" in Russian), invented by his coach Viktor Alexeyev.

In 1976 Baryshnikov went on to set a world record of 22.00 m (72.18 ft) with his spin style, and was the first shot putter to cross the 22-meter mark.

Finally, the thrower reaches for the front of the circle with the left foot, twisting the hips and shoulders like in the glide, and puts the shot.

When the athlete executes the spin, the upper body is twisted hard to the right, so the imaginary lines created by the shoulders and hips are no longer parallel.

When the athlete prepares to release, the left foot is firmly planted, causing the momentum and energy generated to be conserved, pushing the shot in an upward and outward direction.

Tomasz Majewski notes that although most athletes use the spin,[14] he and some other top shot putters achieved success using this classic method (for example he became the first to defend the Olympic title in 56 years).

There are various size and weight standards for the implement that depend on the age and gender of the competitors as well as the national customs of the governing body.