As I mentioned on the Teaching Page, putting technique should be broken down into two different areas - 'Stroke Mechanics' and 'Stroke Execution'.
I am going to give you the three of my favourite drills to improve your putting, one is Stroke Mechanics, one is Stroke Execution and another combines a bit of both.
Putting Drill 1
Left Arm Only Drill (Stroke Mechanics)
Keeping the putter in lag on the through swing will keep the putter face more 'stable', and allow the putter to naturally rotate during the stroke. To properly achieve this it is important to think that the main power source of the stroke is the left shoulder. To feel that the left shoulder controls the stroke, try the following drill.
- Place a ball one metre from the hole on a relatively straight putt.
- Take your address position as normal and once settled take your right hand off the putter and onto your left forearm as shown below.
- Make your stroke feeling that the left shoulder starts the backswing and through swing.
- If you are struggling to feel this try closing your eyes, after setting up, and picture the motion of your left shoulder in your mind, as you make the stroke.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times.
- Now put your right hand back in its normal position and feel the way the putter is pulled through, as you make your stroke.
Happy Practicing!
Putting Drill 2
Three Ball Drill (Stroke Mechanics and Execution)
A natural, consistent rhythm in your stroke will greatly improve your distance control and roll quality. In this drill we will work to create a repeatable stroke, one which should have the same result on each occasion. The idea is that firstly we practice how we should finish our stroke, there must be no ' early movement ‘ and each stroke needs to have a controlled start and finish position, secondly the rhythm needs to be consistent, to help your motor skills judge the length of stroke required.
- Place three balls 40cm from the edge of the green in a row as below.
- Now make the putt, making your backswing to the edge of the green, hold you follow through position, and do not look up to see where the ball has gone.
- Immediately move on to the second ball, still without looking up to see where the first ball has gone, and repeat the process.
- After the third ball has been struck, and the follow through held for three seconds, you may look to see where the balls are. They should finish the same distance away from you.
- Repeat the whole routine at least five times. After the second or third repetition you will start to feel a more consistent stroke and have good awareness of your distance.
Note: This exercise can also be used as your own 'stimpmetre' to gauge the pace of the greens before your round.
Happy Practicing!
Putting Drill 3
High Side Drill (Stroke Execution)
Most putts are missed on the low side by most golfers, this can be due to a number of factors ranging from poor imagery, and insufficient feel skills, to bad analysis of good green reading, and ill disciplined pre shot routines. To encourage, firstly, better visualisation, and commitment to that visualisation, here is the simplest of drills.
- Find a hole on the green with a reasonable slope around it.
- Place a golf ball immediately in front of the hole in a straight line between you and the hole.
- Now try to hole the putt, this can only be achieved on the high side of the ball at the front of the hole..
You will be able to learn that the true middle of the hole is now on the line that the ball takes to the hole, rather than the line directly between yourself and the hole.
Try to picture where this point is before taking your putt and this will start to make a difference to your line imagery and commitment to it.
Happy Practicing!
|
Putting Drills 
