Parent's Starter Guide: Beginner Throwing Equipment Needs

Coach Scott Cappos
Coach Scott Cappos
Former Big Ten champion thrower and a coach you can trust.
Big Ten Coach for 25 Years · University of Iowa · University of Nebraska

Parents and Beginners Guide to Throwing Equipment

You don't need to know a thing about throwing to get your athlete started. After 25 years coaching at the highest college level, I've boiled the first purchase down to the essentials. For each event I've picked the one implement I'd put in a first-year thrower's hands, plus the accessory I'd pair with it. Buy these and your athlete is ready for their first season; nothing more, nothing they don't need yet.

How to read this guide: Each event has one blue “Best for Beginners” implement — where I start every new athlete — and a green accessory to go with it. Pick the weight your athlete throws right on the product page.
Ready to step up as they progress? See my full Coach Cappos Recommends guide → for the top choices at every level.

Shot Put

Which weight? High school girls & college women throw the 4 kilo (8.8 lb). High school boys throw the 12 pound. Youth and summer-meet weights vary by age — choose the weight right on the product page.
Lathe Turned Iron Shot Put
Best for Beginners

Lathe Turned Iron Shot Put

The shot I put in every first-year thrower's hand. Precision lathe-turned iron, built to exact competition-legal specs — durable, well-balanced, and a great value. Just pick your athlete's weight on the product page.

Gear to Go With It
Shot Put Wrist Wrap
Recommended Accessory

Thrower X Wrist Wrap — $20

A supported wrist means cleaner technique and fewer tweaks while your athlete learns to put. Cheap insurance, and the one accessory I'd add on day one.

Discus

Which weight? High school girls & middle school throw the 1 kilo. High school boys throw the 1.6 kilo. A low rim weight like this 68% is the most forgiving — the best place for a beginner to start.
Thrower X 68 Low Rim Weight Discus
Best for Beginners

Thrower X 68 (Low Rim Weight)

Center-balanced with a low 68% rim weight, so it flies flat and forgiving while your athlete learns to release it clean. The easiest discus to learn on — start here in both 1k and 1.6k.

Gear to Go With It
Discus and Shot Put Dual Carrier
Recommended Accessory

Dual Carrier — $23

A two-sided carry bag that holds up to 4 discs or 2 shots. Keeps the gear together and off the trunk floor — every thrower ends up needing one.

Hammer

About the event. The hammer is the outdoor spring event — a ball on a wire. Your athlete's weight is set by age and level, so check with the coach. The same glove below works for the indoor weight throw, too.
Lathe Turned Hammer
Best for Beginners

Lathe Turned Hammer

A machined, properly balanced lathe-turned hammer beats a cheap cast one every time. A reliable competition hammer a beginner can grow with — available from youth weights on up.

Gear to Go With It — Pick a Glove
Thrower X Leather Hammer Glove
Recommended Accessory

Thrower X Leather Glove — $59

My premium glove, made in the USA. A precision leather fit and the grip protection every hammer and weight thrower needs from the very first day.

Soft Leather Hammer Glove
Budget Option

Soft Leather Glove — $39

The budget-friendly pick. Real soft leather with a velcro strap — protects the hand and does the job at a starter price.

Indoor Weight Throw

About the event. The indoor weight throw is the winter version of the hammer — a heavier plastic ball with a harness and handle, thrown without a wire. Your athlete's weight is set by age and level, so check with the coach. The hammer glove above does double duty here.
Standard Indoor Weight
Best for Beginners

Standard Indoor Weight

NFHS, NCAA, and USATF legal at a starter price. Everything a first-year weight thrower needs for the indoor season — a thicker shell for durability and a smooth, dynamic swivel.

Gear to Go With It — Pick a Glove
Thrower X Leather Hammer Glove
Recommended Accessory

Thrower X Leather Glove — $59

The same premium made-in-the-USA glove used for hammer. One glove covers both events, so it's one less thing to buy twice.

Soft Leather Hammer Glove
Budget Option

Soft Leather Glove — $39

Same budget-friendly soft leather glove from the hammer section — works just as well for the indoor weight throw.

Javelin

Which weight? High school girls & women throw the 600 gram. High school boys & men throw the 800 gram. A beginner-rated flex is essential — too stiff and a new thrower can't make it land point-first.
Thrower X 40m 600g Javelin
Best for Beginners · 600g Girls & Women

Thrower X 40m (600 Gram)

Built for beginning throwers. The flex is matched to a developing athlete and tuned to land point-first. Lightweight aluminum with a universal steel tip — the right first 600g javelin.

Thrower X 60m 800g Javelin
Best for Beginners · 800g Boys & Men

Thrower X 60m (800 Gram)

Durable aluminum alloy built for beginner-to-intermediate boys and men. A forgiving flex for an athlete still refining technique — the first 800g javelin I'd buy.

Gear to Go With It
Javelin Training Balls
Recommended Accessory

Javelin Training Balls — sets from $85

Weighted throwing balls in 600g and 800g sets — the safe, low-impact way to build the throwing motion indoors or in the yard before the javelin ever leaves the ground.


Not sure where to start? Ask Coach Cappos.

Tell me your athlete's age, level, and event, and I'll point you to exactly the right setup. It's what I'm here for.

Email scott@throwspro.com

or call 402-318-1070

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