To qualify, competitors make 3 throws. Those who have made the best 8 throws make 3 more attempts. When the competition has 8 competitors or lesser, they are allowed 6 throws each. In each international competition at least 2 judges record the attempts and verify the results at the end of each round.

A white flag indicates that the throw is good while a red flag indicates that it was a foul. (if the throw is out of the landing area, it the athlete leaves the throwing circle before the shot lands or it the athlete's foot touches the top of the stopboard.