Looking for any new or strange shot put techniques or drills? Make a stop here! This is the technique of a traditional shot put sport coming from Crete, the largest island of Greece. I never knew of its existence until I started participating in Greek masters athletics competitions. In our official events, the thrower stands on elevated ground or box of 35cm height more or less (there is not any rule that defines the exact height) with his back facing the throwing sector. The thrower performs a backwards jump, turns his body in the air and releases the shot. Here you see just practicing shots standing on 10cm elevated ground. There are not much of media referring to “Cretan shot put” (when said in Greek it sounds like "kritiko voli") but you can use this link to see more images and get a better idea of the sport.
https://www.google.gr/search?q=%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%B7%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C+%CE%B2%CF%8C%CE%BB%CE%B9&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjmxrfz_M3QAhXFSBQKHQ-nBw8Q_AUICCgB&biw=1263&bih=866
Generally, the result you get by throwing with this technique (using the 35cm height box) is approximately the same with the result you get when performing the classical shot put technique. As a M45 athlete, my personal best in shot put is 13.30 when at the same time, my personal best in "Cretan shot put" is 13.50.
The technique is an excellent exersice that you can do beside your regular shot put training. It helps you focus on strengthening your legs and gives you a great body sence when the shot flies well.
Me, in a "Cretan shot put" attempt
Me, in a "Cretan shot put" attempt
