Womens horseshoe setup distance

Distance According to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, the proper distance between horseshoe stakes is 40 feet. Stakes Stakes should stick out of the ground no more than 15 inches and no less than 14 inches, with a 3-inch lean toward each other, says the NHPA.

Pit The pit is the area that surrounds the stakes and should be from 43 and 72 inches long and 31 to 36 inches wide, according to the NHPA. Pitching On each sides of a pit is a pitching platform with two foul lines, one at 37 feet for men one at 27 feet for women.

The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association states that men throw from no closer than 37 feet, while in women's tournaments, the competitors pitch from 27 feet. Those under age 18 also throw from 27 feet away. Each player gets two horseshoes. The first player pitches both shoes, one at a time, and then the other player pitchers her two horseshoes. After all four horseshoes have been thrown, you have completed one inning.

Walk to the stake and score the shoes for that inning. The pitching order switches after every inning. In the intervening millennia, horseshoe pitching has become organized. Today there are standard dimensions for an official horseshoe court. The NHPA regulations for court specifications, in fact, run to numerous pages. They cover everything from lighting to safety to temporary court installations and multi-court complexes. However, the basic requirements are relatively uncomplicated. The simplest court should consist of:.

From there, several elaborations are possible. For instance, you could mark a second set of foul lines just 27 feet from the stakes. These shorter courts are to accommodate pitchers under 18 years old, women, and men over age A basic improvement is to create a horseshoe pit, instead of merely pounding in the stakes. At minimum, you can loosen the dirt around the stakes to a depth of 2 to 4 inches. This will help keep stakes from bouncing when they hit the ground. Want to go further and create a do-it-yourself backyard horseshoe pit that will be the envy of the neighborhood?

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to build a horseshoe pit. Start by picking a spot for your court. Ideally, it will be oriented north-south. The minimum length required is determined by the distance between the stakes. Plan on four or so feet extra at each end for a total of 48 feet. The court dimensions also call for it to be six feet wide as well. And, ideally, there should be room for spectators to watch from the sides of the pit.

Tossed horseshoes that miss the metal stakes can bounce and roll surprising distances. So avoid putting people, pets, delicate plants, or breakable furnishings close behind either stake. Also, consider overhead clearance. Make sure there are no tree limbs, wires, or other objects less than 12 feet above the playing area. This will provide room for arcing shoes.

Instead, get a set purpose-made for pitching from any sporting goods store. The four shoes will be painted in two different colors to help contestants distinguish their shoes. The stakes are made of soft steel or iron. They should be one inch in diameter and 36 inches long.