The study of the physical properties of ductile solids subjected to shock wave loading is undertaken to understand how the thermodynamic conditions and strain rate affect material response. This article presents a description of a range of possible experimental techniques to quantify the structure/property effects of planar shock waves on ductile materials (metals and alloys) due to the wave propagation through the material. The techniques include explosive-driven shock-loading methods, shock-loading methods using exploding foil and laser-driven impactors, gas/powder launcher-driven shock loading methods, and radiation-driven shock-loading methods. Design parameters for shock recovery fixtures, spallation fixtures, and the flyer-plate experiment, are also discussed.