We have looked at posture and how to grip your putter, now we can finish off our putting biomechanics series with a number of ideas to help you roll the ball more efficiently.
The position of the ball is vitally important if we want to get it rolling end over end achieving true roll as quickly as possible. If we can place the ball two inches in front of our sternum, the putter will naturally make contact as it is rising through the impact zone, from a low position to a slightly higher position.
If the ball is played too far forward we will more than likely end up chipping it, or too far back in the stance will encourage you to hit down on the ball imparting backspin.
Pace control is also vital, as it really controls the amount of break we build into a putt.
To ensure we get the putter head constantly accelerating through the impact area, we need to make sure that the backswing is slightly shorter than the through swing. A stroke that has the relationship of back 40% and then through 60% will keep the acceleration smooth.
Many people struggle with their distance control because they take the putter too far back and decelerate into the ball.
The cause of many missed putts is looking up too quickly and letting our eyes beat the strike of the putter. This alters the body shape, and pushed and pulled putts occur.
To ensure we keep our head and body still during the stroke there are a couple of simple drills we can give to our students.
The old Faldo routine of listening for the ball to drop is still good and also placing the ball on an old cd in the middle with maybe a face drawn on or some writing, and asking your student to stay looking at this until after the ball has gone, is a great way of staying still through the stroke.
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