Indoor Shot Put Guide: Hardshell, Tungsten, and Softshell
Indoor Shot Put Guide: Hardshell, Tungsten, and Softshell
Indoor season means a different shot. A standard iron or steel implement damages gym floors and is not allowed at indoor facilities, so every indoor putter needs an indoor-specific shot. This guide covers the three types: hardshell, tungsten, and softshell shots.
Recommendations from Coach Scott Cappos, Big Ten Coach for 25 years at Iowa and Nebraska.
Quick Answer
Choose a hardshell indoor shot put. It is the competition standard, the most durable option, and NFHS and NCAA legal. The indoor shot put weight matches the outdoor: 4 kg for high school girls and college women, 12 lb for high school boys, and 16 lb for college men.
Tungsten indoor shots match the diameter of your outdoor shot for a more consistent feel, but their high cost makes them impractical for most athletes.
Softshell shots are designed for training on surfaces that require a low-impact landing. Because the shell can deform on impact and the plug may loosen over time, they are not recommended for competition and are not covered by our warranty.
Indoor Shot Put Weight Diameter Chart
How Heavy is Shot Put?
- 4 kilos for high school girls
- 12 pounds for high school boys
- 4 kilos for college women
- 16 pound for college men
Indoor Shot Put Diameter
Because a protective synthetic material adds size, both NFHS and NCAA allow a larger maximum indoor diameter than an outdoor shot of the same weight. Under NCAA rules the indoor maximum is 15 mm larger than the outdoor maximum, which works out to 145 mm for the men's 16 lb shot and 125 mm for the women's 4 kg shot. Always verify the current specifications with your federation before you buy.
Tungsten runs smaller because the dense fill reaches weight in a more compact ball, closer to your outdoor shot. Hardshell runs a little larger. Both stay within the maximum indoor diameter allowed.
| Weight | Hardshell | Tungsten | Max Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 113 mm | 100–109 mm | 125 mm |
| 12 lb | 125 mm | 113–120 mm | 145 mm |
| 16 lb | 135 mm | 120–129 mm | 145 mm |
Diameters shown are for indoor shot puts. Maximum allowable diameter varies by governing body.
What is a shot put and Why Indoor Shots Exist
Outdoor shot puts can damage gym floors. Indoor shot puts are designed for safe use on indoor surfaces and are required for NFHS and NCAA indoor competition.
The Rule, in Plain Terms
Both NCAA and NFHS rules require an indoor shot put to have a durable outer shell filled with lead or another suitable material. The implement must remain perfectly spherical with a smooth, uninterrupted surface. The indoor shot put weight
Because a protective synthetic material adds size, both NFHS and NCAA allow a larger maximum indoor diameter than an outdoor shot of the same weight. Under NCAA rules the indoor maximum is 15 mm larger than the outdoor maximum, which works out to 145 mm for the men's 16 lb shot and 125 mm for the women's 4 kg shot. Always verify the current specifications with your federation before you buy.
The Three Types
Indoor Hardshell Shot Put Most Popular
A thick, impact-resistant shell filled to official competition weight. The rigid shell maintains its exact diameter throw after throw for consistent performance and NFHS and NCAA legality. We use the thickest shell wall available for maximum durability and crack resistance. Available in 4 kg, 12 lb, and 16 lb, with free custom color options.
Best for: Nearly every indoor thrower
Indoor Tungsten Shot Put
Dense tungsten fill allows the ball to closely match the diameter of your outdoor competition shot, keeping hand position, neck placement, and release feel nearly identical. It is the premium indoor option. The drawback is cost: rising tungsten prices have made these shot puts significantly more expensive.
Best for: Elite throwers, budget permitting
Indoor Softshell Shot Put
The softshell indoor shot is designed for training on surfaces that require a low-impact landing. Its outer shell compresses on impact, which can gradually loosen the fill plug and affect the shot's shape over time. For that reason, softshell shots are intended for training only, are not covered by our warranty, and are not as durable as a hardshell indoor shot.
Best for: Soft-surface training only
Which One Should You Buy?
The hardshell indoor shot put is the standard choice and the best value for nearly every athlete. It is durable, competition-ready, and used by the vast majority of high school and college throwers.
A tungsten indoor shot matches the diameter of your outdoor shot for the most consistent feel, but its high cost makes it impractical for most athletes.
Softshell shots are designed for training on surfaces that require a low-impact landing. They are intended for training, not a long-term competition shot, and are not covered by our warranty.
For nearly every athlete and program, a hardshell indoor shot put is the right choice.
Coaching Insight from Throws Pro
Order your indoor shot put before you need it. During the indoor season, lead times can extend to 5 to 7 business days. As a bonus, Throws Pro offers free custom color options to match your team's colors or your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an indoor shot put ball made of?
A competition indoor shot is a hardshell ball filled to weight, sized, and finished so it can be thrown inside without damaging a gym or fieldhouse floor. Tungsten and softshell versions also exist, but hardshell is the standard.
Are tungsten indoor shots worth it right now?
Tungsten is the premium option because it matches the diameter of your outdoor shot, so training carries over to meet day. The catch is cost. Rising tungsten prices have made it impractical for most programs, so a hardshell is the practical buy.
What are softshell indoor shots good for?
Softshell indoor shots are training implements designed for surfaces that require a softer landing. Both NFHS and NCAA allow a larger maximum diameter for synthetic-covered indoor shots, making compliant softshell models suitable for indoor training. They are not covered by our warranty because the softer material compresses on impact, which can gradually loosen the fill plug and reduce long-term durability.
Are softshell shots legal for competition?
Check your current rule book, as specifications vary by state and federation.
How long does a hardshell indoor shot last?
A hardshell indoor shot put provides the best protection against cracking and is built to withstand years of normal use. Thin-shelled budget hardshell shots are more likely to crack over time, which is why Throws Pro uses the thickest shell wall available for maximum durability.
Indoor Shot Put Ball
A hardshell indoor shot put provides the best protection against cracking and is built to withstand years of normal use. Thin-shelled budget hardshell shots are more likely to crack over time, which is why Throws Pro uses the thickest shell wall available for maximum durability.
Keep Reading
For outdoor shots and the full material breakdown, see the Shot Put Buying Guide. Throwing the weight indoors too? Start with the Indoor Weight Throw Buying Guide.
Working on your delivery? Break down both shot put styles with our glide shot put technique and rotational shot put technique guides.
Not sure which indoor shot fits your athlete?
Contact us: sales@throwspro.com or call (402) 318-1070.
