Putting Follow Through: Have you ever been ready to putt and felt your heart beat faster? Then, you watch as the ball misses or stops too soon. You’re not alone in this. For many, putting feels hard, leading to stressful moments on the green. However, there’s great news: you don’t need magic for consistent putting, just the right techniques.
PGA pro Nick Drane says a steady putting stroke greatly helps golfer’s scores. Many believe you must speed up the putter when hitting the ball, but Drane disagrees. He says to keep the putter head moving at a steady speed for smooth strokes and good distance control1. It’s important to make your backswing and follow-through the same length to keep your putt on course1. He also recommends holding the putter lightly to avoid speeding up or jerky moves.
Having a wide stance and focusing on basic principles work, no matter how you grip. By using your feet to measure, you can have a stable stroke that works for putts of all distances1. No matter which putter you prefer, practicing these essentials can improve your putting and your overall game.
Key Takeaways
- Maintaining a consistent putting stroke is essential for better golf performance.
- A constant putter head speed is more effective than accelerating through impact1.
- Matching backswing and follow-through length improves distance control1.
- Light grip pressure prevents unnecessary acceleration and aids in a smooth stroke.
- Using your feet as a reference can help maintain a balanced and consistent stroke length1.
The Science Behind Consistent Putting
Every golfer aiming to upgrade their game needs to grasp putting mechanics. The angle of the putter face at impact governs the ball’s initial direction, contributing to 83% of it2. To control distance well, one must master follow-through, keep steady, and maintain light grip pressure.
Understanding Putting Mechanics
Diverse types of putters, like conventional, belly, and long putters, require specific handling3. All types gain from maintaining a consistent tempo. Studies suggest aiming for a 2-to-1 backswing to impact time ratio for effective strokes2. Also, ensuring stable body and gentle grip can hugely impact your putt success3.
Impact of Follow Through Technique on Distance Control
Follow through is key for better distance control. Maintaining the finish position when putting enhances consistency and feel2. The S.A.M. PuttLab offers insights into stroke elements invisible to the eye, aiding quick skill enhancement2. Envisioning the putter head stopping four inches ahead prevents recoil, ensuring smoother control as advised by Peter Kostis2.
Amateurs often struggle with left swing paths, causing missed putts. Consistent mechanics and controlled techniques are essential for improvement2. Focus and repetition on follow-through can substantially boost putting stroke consistency2.
Achieving a consistent roll and accurate line boosts putt stroke confidence. Knowing the science behind these methods can change an average golfer into a skilled one.
| Type of Putter | Shaft Length | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Putters | 28-35 inches | General use by both professionals and amateurs |
| Belly Putters | 40-45 inches | Players needing additional stability |
| Long Putters | 46-55 inches | Individuals preferring an upright stance |
Putting Follow Through: Key Techniques and Drills
Improving your putting follow-through can really up your game. Learning drills like the Tee Peg Drill, Three-Ball Window Drill, and using your feet for stroke length are key. Each one helps hone your performance on the green.
The Tee Peg Drill
Nick Drane, a golf pro, suggests the Tee Peg Drill to better your distance calls. You place tee pegs at distances of 10ft, 20ft, and 30ft. Then, you putt towards these markers. This teaches you how each putt travels and helps control your power.3
Keeping your putter head speed steady in this drill makes for smoother strokes. This consistency is a must for successful putting.
Three-Ball Window Drill
The Three-Ball Window Drill keeps your clubface straight during impact, making your putts roll straighter. You set up three balls in a triangle. Your goal is to stroke the ball within this setup. It fine-tunes your clubface alignment and stroke regularity.
Regular practice of this drill ensures your putting stays strong, no matter the conditions.
Using Your Feet for Stroke Length
Using your feet for gauging stroke length also boosts your game. Practicing with joined feet and then on one foot isolates your upper body. This minimizes wrong shoulder movements and furthers correct ones.4 Reddit users say mimicking natural actions like a ‘towel snap’ and shifting to a slight shoulder turn helps tons.
By adding these drills to your practice, your putting will surely improve. They give you the needed skills to finesse your follow-through and drop your scores.