On the surface, it appears that putting ought to be dead easy compared to the rest of your golf game. You’re only trying to move the ball a couple of yards in most cases and putting looks like a simple movement. But for many players, putting is a source of endless frustration. Successful putting technique requires a smooth and precise movement and can only be obtained with consistent practice.
There is really no such thing as a perfect putting technique. Ultimately, the perfect putting technique is the one that works for you consistently. Even though there are limitless variations, most players rely on one of the three following techniques: the orthodox grip, the Langer grip, and the anti-yip grip.
A traditional putting technique is based on a grip with your palms facing each other. Your goal is to have your hands operating as one unit, not independently. Be as relaxed and free from tension as you can. Position the golf ball toward the front of your stance. You absolutely must keep your eyes on the ball. As you putt, your hands’ only job is to hold the club. Think of a pendulum influenced only by your shoulders. Together, your shoulders and arms outline a triangle. Maintain that triangle right through your swing, from the backswing to the follow-through. You want the ball to roll without leaving the ground, so swing up and through the ball. Hold your follow-through and don’t look up too soon, but keep your eyes toward the ground.
Another popular putting swing is the anti-yip putting technique. What in the world are the yips? The “yips” is the name given to involuntary muscular movements that can be detrimental to your stroke. In the case of putting, it’s usually something your left wrist is doing that’s undesirable. An anti-yip putting technique is a great way to deal with this problem. To try it, grip your putter with your left hand located below the right-hand. Put your wrist against the shaft of the putter. This putting technique also helps by dropping your left shoulder. Remember that the motion of your putting stroke comes from your shoulders, not your arms or wrists, requiring practice to become acceptable.
Another popular putting technique is known as the Langer grip. This technique was developed by Bernhard Langer. The Langer grip goes even further than the anti-yip putting technique. As with the anti-yip method, begin by gripping the putter with your left hand lower than your right. But here’s the difference: you actually grasp your left wrist with the fingers of your right hand. Maintain a light grip pressure and eliminate as much tension as possible. The Langer putting technique tends to work better for short putts.
Here are a few more tips for better putting: make sure that you start out with your eyes steady over the golf ball. Keep your eye line parallel to the target line. Maintain a stable, balanced stance. In your mind’s eye, see the putter as an extended part of your forearms. You’re looking for a stroke, not necessarily a hit. Your putter is swinging and the golf ball just happens to be in the way.
Many players struggle with the problem of looking up too soon. Problem is, when your head moves, your body moves with it. Do you consider yourself to be a disciplined golfer? Then try this: on your next putt, keep looking at the ground until you hear the sound of the ball dropping in the hole.
Justin Flowers creates articles regarding sports, health, and computing. If you want to know more about the wonderful game of golf, please visit his web site http://www.free-golf-stuff.com which contains advice regarding Golf Swing, and other matters
