When approaching the ball, squat down. This will help see if the ball is going to be traveling uphill or downhill, and also if it has any left or right breaks in its path the hole. [1] X Research source
Choosing a spot to aim at closer can help keep the ball more on the line compared to aiming somewhere farther. [2] X Research source
Right-handed: Take your right hand and place it at the bottom of the grip, and have your thumb pointing down towards the bottom of the putter. Wrap your left hand above the right, and allow a bit of overlapping. [4] X Research source Left-handed: Take your left hand and place it at the bottom of the grip, and have your thumb pointing down towards the bottom of the putter. Wrap your right hand above the left, and allow a bit of overlapping. Make sure your thumbs are aligned. Keep your grip neutral. Avoid strong or weak grips.
Make sure you bend your knees slightly. Stiff legs will give you less freedom of movement. Another way to help your posture while practicing is to find the ideal distance to stand from the ball. Professional golfers stand with their toes, on average, 2. 5 putter head lengths from the ball. Try anywhere from 2 to 2. 75 lengths when practicing to find the most comfortable distance for you.
A helpful strategy to help with squaring the shoulders is to put either an alignment stick or a golf club across your shoulders. This technique will give immediate feedback on where exactly your shoulders are aiming. [6] X Research source
A helpful strategy to help with squaring the feet is similar to the strategy for squaring the shoulders. Lay either an alignment stick or a golf club on the ground in front of your toes so that it tells you where exactly your feet are aiming. [7] X Research source
If you aren’t sure about your posture, imagine dropping a ball from between your eyes straight down. It should land directly on top of the ball you want to putt. Of course, don’t actually do this during a round. [8] X Research source
Using the line on the ball and the putter helps with making sure the face of the putter is square and in line with the ball and your body. [9] X Research source
Keep your shoulders level and wrists firm. When you swing, make sure that all the motion is in your arms. Keeping your shoulders and wrists from moving will give you greater control and accuracy. [12] X Research source The speed and distance of your backswing and follow-through should be equal. Pulling your follow through short or long will cause you to lose control of the putt. [13] X Research source A wider stance will give you a longer backswing. The farther away you are from the hole, the wider your swing should be.
Once you are standing over the ball, you are ready to putt the ball. The speed that you move the putter and also distance in both the backswing and follow through should be the same.
Keep in mind the lowest spot on the green is where the water would pool.
One way to get a closer look at this part of the green is to stand between your ball and the hole so you can get closer to the area you want to examine.
If you can’t find a natural horizon in the distance, use the brim of your cap or visor. Even more effective can be curling your hands around your face, fingers above your eyebrows, which will help block out your peripheral vision.
The way edge that the ball will roll into is dependent on a variety of factors, particularly the lay of the green. Use the sloping of the green to inform your prediction of how the ball should fall into cup.
This is a good tip to help with the basic motion of putting, but this should really only be a helpful reminder.
If you go too far, you can always watch the roll afterward to get a quick look at the slope of the green beyond the hole. If you come up short, you’ll have to check that last bit of the green again without the benefit of watching the ball travel along it.
