The 'glide technique' is used in which athletic event?

The "glide technique" is one of the two main techniques used in the shot put. In this technique, the athlete starts at the back of the throwing circle, facing away from the direction of the throw. They then move (glide) backwards across the circle in a straight line by kicking with one leg, and finally turn and push the shot forward with great force.

The glide technique is also called the "O'Brien technique", after the American athlete Parry O'Brien, who developed it in the early 1950s. He won Olympic gold medals in 1952 and 1956 and set many world records using it.

The other main technique is the "rotational technique" (spin), in which the athlete spins around in the circle, like a discus thrower, before releasing the shot. It was developed in the 1970s and is now used by many top male throwers, while many women and some men still use the glide.

Shot put rules and equipment:

The shot is a heavy metal ball. It weighs 7.26 kg (16 lb) for men and 4 kg for women.

It is thrown from a circle 2.135 m (7 feet) in diameter, with a curved "stop board" at the front.

The shot must be "put" (pushed) from the shoulder with one hand, not thrown with the arm swinging behind the body.

The athlete must not step out of the circle before the shot lands, and must leave from the back half of the circle.

The throw must land inside a 34.92-degree sector.

India and shot put:

Tajinderpal Singh Toor holds the Asian record and won gold at the 2018 and 2022 Asian Games.

Other famous techniques in athletics:

• Fosbury Flop: in high jump, invented by Dick Fosbury (USA), who won gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics with it.
• Hitch-kick and hang: techniques in long jump.

Why not the other options?

• ✗High jump uses the Fosbury Flop.
• ✗Pole vault uses a flexible pole to clear a bar.
• ✗Long jump uses the hitch-kick and hang techniques.