Standards Engine › Shot put
Shot put scholarships in the USA: what marks do you need?
Throwers are recruited heavily in the US, where most programmes have dedicated throws coaches and athletes compete in shot put, discus, hammer and the indoor weight throw.
Shot put Standards Engine
Enter your shot put PB and see the US college level you could compete at, in seconds. Times are only one part of what coaches look at.
This shows the level your times suggest you could compete at. Your overall scholarship package is a combination of multiple factors: your second events, your grades, your attitude and how you come across during the recruitment process, and how long you have before you would start. Our free assessment looks at all of this.
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Shot put standards by level
Each column shows the level of programme a mark suggests you could potentially compete at. Your overall scholarship package at any level is a combination of multiple factors, not just your times.
| D1 top | D1 large | D1 mid major | D2 large | D2 small | NAIA | JUCO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 18.00m | 16.50m | 15.50m | 15.80m | 14.50m | 13.80m | 13.40m |
| Women | 15.50m | 14.00m | 13.00m | 13.30m | 12.20m | 11.40m | 11.00m |
Outdoor, fully automatic timing; metres, senior implements. Guides, not guarantees. See standards for every event →
What US coaches look for in a shot put recruit
- Your PB and how recent it is. A season's best from this year counts for more than an older mark.
- Senior implements. Coaches compare marks with the senior shot (7.26kg men, 4kg women).
- Multiple throws. Athletes who can score in two or three throws events are especially valuable.
- Your trajectory. How much you have improved over the last one to two seasons, and your training age. A fast-improving athlete can be recruited above their current mark.
Common second events: discus, hammer and weight throw.
Frequently asked questions
What shot put do you need for a scholarship?
As a guide, men around 15.50m and women around 13.00m (senior implements) are in range for mid-major Division I programmes. Your overall scholarship package is a combination of factors, including grades, attitude, second events and timing.
Can I get recruited if my mark is just outside the standard?
Often, yes. Coaches recruit on trajectory, range and potential as well as current marks, and many athletes improve significantly in their first US season. A free assessment will tell you where you realistically stand.
Want to know where your shot put could take you?
We'll look at your PBs, grades and goals and tell you honestly where you could compete.
Get your free assessmentOpen the Standards Engine