how to get recruited for shot put
The Stars of The Event
The shot put is a classic display of raw power, and its history is defined by athletes who redefined the limits of human strength. The undisputed king is Ryan Crouser, who holds the outdoor world record with a monumental throw of 23.56 meters, a feat that cemented his status as the greatest of all time. Other legends include Randy Barnes, a former world record holder, and Parry O'Brien, who revolutionized the sport with his "glide" technique. In the college world, a few programs consistently dominate. The University of Arkansas and the University of Georgia are often at the top, along with schools like the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Oregon, which are known for their elite throws coaches and state-of-the-art facilities that attract the best young throwers.
Division 1
High school shot putters aspiring to compete at the Division 1 level must demonstrate a high level of proficiency. For men, a throw of 52'6" to 60'10" with the 12-pound shot is a typical recruiting range. The top-tier programs are looking for athletes closer to the 60-foot mark, with some even seeking throws beyond that for scholarship consideration. For women, a competitive range with the high school shot put is between 42'5" and 56'0". These marks represent the level of performance needed to be a serious candidate for a D1 roster spot, with the higher marks often securing a scholarship.
Division 2
Division 2 schools also have very competitive track and field programs, and their recruiting standards for the shot put are a little more accessible than D1. For male throwers, a competitive range is typically between 48'6" and 58'2". Hitting these marks puts you on the radar of D2 coaches and gives you a strong chance to earn a roster spot or a scholarship. For female athletes, the target range for D2 schools is between 38'8" and 50'0". Achieving a throw within this range demonstrates the potential and ability that D2 programs are looking for.