Track and Field Throwing Equipment Checklist

Not sure what your thrower needs for shot put, discus, javelin, hammer, or weight throw?

Use this checklist to confirm the right implement, avoid common buying mistakes, and pack smarter for practice and meet day.

Start Here Before Buying Anything

The easiest mistake is buying the wrong implement weight. Before ordering a shot, discus, javelin, hammer, or weight throw implement, confirm the correct event, competition level, athlete category, and age division.

Find the Correct Implement

Use the CoachXPro Throwing Implement Weight Finder to confirm the likely correct implement weight before buying or training.

Use the Implement Finder

Understand Throw Flight

Use the Throw Flight Lab to explore how release angle, speed, height, wind, rim weight, javelin point control, and hammer radius affect throwing distance.

Try the Throw Flight Lab

Core Throwing Equipment Checklist

This is the basic gear most throwers, parents, and coaches should think through before practice, competition, or buying equipment.

Implements

  • Correct shot put weight

  • Correct discus weight

  • Correct javelin weight, if applicable

  • Correct hammer weight, if applicable

  • Correct indoor weight throw implement, if applicable

  • Practice implement and competition implement, if different</li>

Shoes

  • Rotational throwing shoes for discus, rotational shot, hammer, or weight throw

  • Glide-friendly throwing shoes for glide shot put

  • Javelin spikes for javelin throwers

  • Backup shoes for wet or muddy conditions

Grip + Hand Gear

  • Athletic tape

  • Wrist tape

  • Finger tape

  • Chalk, if allowed

  • Towel for drying hands and implements

  • Gloves for hammer or weight throw practice, if used

Practice + Meet Gear

  • Water bottle

  • Warm-up clothes

  • Rain jacket or poncho

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat or sunglasses

  • Small towel

  • Notebook or phone notes for marks and cues</li>

Event-Specific Equipment Notes

Shot Put

Shot put buying starts with the correct weight. After that, consider material, surface feel, indoor/outdoor use, and whether the athlete needs a beginner-friendly practice shot or a competition-ready shot.

Confirm Shot Put Weight

Discus

Discus buying depends on weight, rim weight, athlete level, release consistency, and budget.

Higher rim-weight discuses can offer more flight potential for advanced throwers, but they are not automatically better for beginners.

<a href="/discus-rim-weight-explained">Learn About Discus Rim Weight</a>

Javelin

Javelin buying depends on weight, athlete level, typical wind conditions, point control, and whether the athlete needs a beginner, general, headwind, or tailwind-style javelin.

<a href="/how-wind-affects-javelin-throw">Learn About Javelin Wind</a>

Hammer + Weight Throw

Hammer and weight throw equipment should be selected carefully based on the athlete’s division, age group, training environment, safety rules, and whether the event is offered at the meet.

<a href="/hammer-throw-radius-explained">Learn About Hammer Radius</a>

Thrower Meet-Day Bag Checklist

Throws are often delayed, moved, or affected by weather. Pack like the athlete may be outside for hours.

Must-Haves

  • Competition shoesBackup socks

  • Water bottle

  • Small towel

  • Athletic tape

  • Warm-up layers

  • Event schedule

  • Meet location and check-in information

Weather Gear

  • Rain jacket or poncho

  • Extra hoodie or warm layer

  • Gloves or hand warmers for cold meets

  • Hat or sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Plastic bag for wet clothes or shoes

Performance Extras

  • Notebook or cue card

  • Phone tripod for video review, if allowed

  • Snacks

  • Electrolytes

  • Foam roller or mobility ball

  • Measuring tape for practice, if useful

Parent Reminders

  • Confirm event start time

  • Confirm implement rules

  • Check whether personal implements are allowed

  • Know where the throwing area is located

  • Bring weather-appropriate seating

  • Do not assume the ring or runway is close to the track</li>

Common Throwing Equipment Buying Mistakes

Buying the Wrong Implement Weight

This is the biggest mistake. Implement weight changes by event, age group, competition level, and athlete category. Confirm the correct weight before ordering.

Check Implement Weight

Buying Too Advanced of a Discus

A high rim-weight discus can be great for advanced throwers, but it can punish beginners who lack clean spin, release consistency, or discus control.

<a href="/discus-rim-weight-explained">Understand Rim Weight</a>

Using the Wrong Shoes

Javelin athletes usually need javelin spikes, while shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw athletes often need throwing shoes. Running spikes are not the same thing.

<a href="/best-throwing-shoes-track-and-field">Compare Throwing Shoes</a>

Ignoring Meet Rules

Some meets provide implements. Some allow personal implements only if checked in. Some events are not offered in every state or division. Always read the meet packet.

Explore Throws Resources

Want the Printable Thrower Equipment Cheat Sheet?

Save this checklist as a quick reference for practice, meet day, and equipment shopping.

The printable version can include implement weight notes, event-specific buying tips, and a simple packing checklist for athletes and parents.

Request the Printable Checklist

<a href="/free-thrower-equipment-cheat-sheet">Download the Free Checklist</a>

Related Throwing Tools and Guides

Throwing Equipment Checklist FAQ

  • Most throwers need the correct implement, event-appropriate shoes, athletic tape, a towel, water, warm-up clothes, and meet-day gear. The exact equipment depends on whether the athlete throws shot put, discus, javelin, hammer, or weight throw.

  • Use the CoachXPro Throwing Implement Weight Finder to confirm the correct implement by event, competition level, athlete category, and age division.

  • Usually, yes. Shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw athletes often use throwing shoes.

    Javelin throwers usually use javelin spikes. Running spikes are not the same as throwing shoes.

  • Not always. Beginners usually need the correct weight, safe equipment, and something they can control.

    Advanced competition implements can help experienced athletes, but they may be harder for beginners to use well.

  • Throwers should bring competition shoes, water, tape, a towel, warm-up layers, weather gear, snacks, and any personal implements allowed by the meet. Always check the meet packet before bringing implements.

  • It depends on the meet. Some meets allow personal implements after inspection. Some provide all implements.

    Always check the meet packet or ask the meet director.