Drills and Techniques to Improve Your Putting

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Short Game Mastery

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Quick Answer

• Lock down your tempo and stroke path for consistent results.
• Run drills that mimic real course pressure and demand precision.
• Build a rock-solid pre-putt routine that boosts your confidence on every single shot.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who are tired of three-putts and want to shave strokes off their score by owning the greens.
• Players who struggle with inconsistent distance control and want a clear path to improvement.

What to Check First

• Grip: Make sure it’s relaxed and consistent. Too much tension kills feel. Seriously, I used to grip mine like I was trying to strangle a badger.
• Stance: Get yourself balanced and stable. Your weight should be even, and your shoulders should be square to your target line.
• Ball Position: Confirm the ball is in the right spot relative to your stance. Usually, it’s just forward of center. This is crucial for a clean strike.
• Alignment: Are your putter face and body aimed where you want the ball to go? This is non-negotiable.

Step-by-Step Plan to Improve Your Putting

Alright, let’s get this short game dialed in.

1. Action: Perform a grip check.

What to look for: Even pressure across your hands, a neutral hand position. No death grips allowed.
Mistake to avoid: Gripping the putter too tightly. This makes your wrists rigid and your stroke choppy. It’s a surefire way to lose feel.

2. Action: Establish a consistent pre-putt routine.

What to look for: A repeatable sequence of reading the green, taking practice strokes, and setting up to the ball.
Mistake to avoid: Rushing your routine. Take your time and commit to each putt. Confidence comes from preparation.

3. Action: Practice the “clock drill.”

What to look for: Consistent distance control from various points around a hole (e.g., 3, 6, 9 feet). The goal is to get the ball within a club-head’s length of the hole every time.
Mistake to avoid: Not varying the putts or focusing only on making them. The real win here is feel for distance.

4. Action: Work on your tempo with the “ladder drill.”

What to look for: Smooth acceleration through the ball and a consistent backswing-to-follow-through ratio. Think of it as a pendulum.
Mistake to avoid: An abrupt stop after impact. Your stroke should feel fluid and continuous.

5. Action: Use alignment aids.

What to look for: Your putter face is square to your target line at address and remains so through impact. This gives you a solid reference point.
Mistake to avoid: Relying solely on your eyes to aim. Aids provide objective feedback, which is gold.

6. Action: Practice putting from different lies.

What to look for: Adjusting your stroke slightly for uphill, downhill, or sidehill putts. Each requires a different touch.
Mistake to avoid: Using the same stroke for every situation. Different slopes demand different approaches and adjustments.

7. Action: Focus on your follow-through.

What to look for: A full, balanced finish with the putter head held high. This ensures you’re not decelerating.
Mistake to avoid: Cutting your stroke short. A good follow-through is a sign of a good stroke.

How Can I Improve My Putting? Drills and Techniques

Getting better on the greens is all about smart practice and attention to detail. It’s not just about banging balls; it’s about building a repeatable motion.

• Mistake: Inconsistent tempo.

Why it matters: This is a major killer of distance control. If your backswing is short and your follow-through is long (or vice versa), you’ll never get the speed right. Your putts will either fly past the hole or die halfway there.
Fix: Use a metronome app set to a slow beat (like 60 bpm) or count “one-two” for your backswing and “three” for the putt. Focus on a smooth, even motion. The goal is consistency, not speed.

• Mistake: Over-active hands.

Why it matters: Your hands can easily break down your stroke path, leading to off-line putts. The putter head should feel like it’s being swung by your shoulders, not flicked by your wrists.
Fix: Focus on a pendulum motion using your shoulders. Keep your wrists firm but not locked. Imagine your forearms and shoulders are connected and moving as one unit. Try putting with a towel tucked under your armpits to keep your arms connected.

• Mistake: Poor alignment.

Why it matters: If you’re not aimed correctly before you even start your stroke, it doesn’t matter how pure your stroke is. You’re starting off-line, and the ball will never find the hole. This is a common one I see all the time.
Fix: Use alignment sticks on the practice green and check your setup against them. Always align your putter face to the target first, then your body. Don’t guess; know you’re aimed correctly.

• Mistake: Neglecting practice putts.

Why it matters: You need to feel the speed and break of the greens. Just hitting balls without purpose won’t help much. You need to learn how the ball reacts on different slopes and speeds.
Fix: Treat every practice putt like it counts. Read the break, feel the speed, and commit to the stroke. Imagine you’re playing a tournament round.

• Mistake: Not practicing putts of varying lengths.

Why it matters: Most golfers focus on short, makeable putts. But you also need to be confident with longer lag putts, which require a different feel for distance.
Fix: Dedicate time to putting from 10, 20, and even 30 feet. The goal isn’t to make them all, but to get them within a manageable distance of the hole.

• Mistake: Ignoring the mental game.

Why it matters: Putting is as much mental as it is physical. Doubt and anxiety can ruin even the best stroke.
Fix: Develop a pre-putt routine that builds confidence. Visualize the ball rolling into the hole. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Positive self-talk goes a long way.

FAQ

• What is the best way to practice putting?

The best way is to focus on consistency and feel. Practice a repeatable stroke using drills like the clock drill for distance control, and simulate on-course pressure by making each practice putt count. Smart, focused practice beats mindless repetition every time.

• How often should I practice putting?

Short, frequent sessions are far more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for 15-30 minutes a few times a week, focusing on specific drills and aspects of your stroke. Consistency is key.

• What are the most important elements of a good putting stroke?

Tempo, stroke path, and face control are the big three. A consistent tempo ensures good distance control, a stable path keeps the putter head on line towards your target, and a square face at impact is crucial for starting the ball on your intended line.

• How can I improve my putting distance control?

Practice drills that focus solely on speed and feel. The clock drill, varying your backswing length while maintaining tempo, and lag putting drills from longer distances are excellent for developing this crucial skill.

• Should I use a specific type of putter?

Putter choice is highly personal and depends on your stroke and preferences. The best putter for you is one that fits your eye, feels comfortable in your hands, and promotes a consistent stroke. If you’re unsure, consult with a club fitter. Check the manual or verify with manufacturer for fitting advice.

• How do I read greens effectively?

Reading greens involves looking at the overall slope from the hole to your ball, the grain of the grass, and any subtle breaks. Walk around the putt, get down low, and visualize the ball’s path. Practice makes perfect here.

• What is the ideal ball position for putting?

For most golfers, the ideal ball position is just forward of the center of your stance. This allows the putter to strike the ball on its upswing or at the bottom of the arc, promoting a smoother roll. Experiment to find what works best for your stroke.

Sources:

• Improve Your Putting Game: Drills and Techniques