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It really seems like putting ought to be the easiest part of playing golf. You're only trying to move the ball a couple of yards in most cases and the putting swing looks like a piece of cake. But for many players, putting is a source of endless frustration. Successful putting technique requires a smooth and precise movement and can only be achieved with repetitive training.
There is really no agreement on a perfect putting technique. When all is said and done, the perfect putting technique is the swing that puts the ball in the cup every time. Even though there are limitless variations, most players rely on one of these techniques: the Langer grip, the anti-yip grip, or of course, the orthodox grip.
A conventional 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 somewhat forward your stance. It's imperative to keep your eyes on the ball. As you putt, your hands' only job is to hold the club. Picture a pendulum controlled only by your shoulders. Visualize a triangle being formed by your arms and shoulders. Maintain that triangle all the way 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 let your eyes lift too soon, but keep looking at the ground.
Now let's take a look at the anti-yip putting technique. What in heaven's name are the yips? The "yips" is the name given to involuntary muscular movements that can be detrimental to your stroke. When you're 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 practice, grip your putter with your left hand located below the right-hand. Place your wrist alongside the shaft of the club. The anti-yip putting technique has the added benefit of making your left shoulder lower. Remember that the movement of your putting stroke should be controlled by your shoulders, not your arms or wrists, requiring practice to become acceptable.
Another popular putting technique is known as the Langer grip. It was developed by Bernhard Langer. The Langer grip goes even further than the anti-yip putting technique. It starts the same way: grip the putter with your left hand farther down the shaft than your right. But this time, you actually grasp your left wrist with the fingers of your right hand. Maintain a light grip pressure and relax as much as possible. The Langer putting technique is most successful when you're making the shorter putts.
Here are a few more tips for better putting: make sure that when you begin your eyes are directly over the golf ball. Keep your eye line parallel to the target line. Establish a steady, well-balanced stance. In your mind's eye, see the putter as an extended part of your forearms. What you're trying to achieve is a stroke, not necessarily a hit. The putter is swinging and the golf ball just happens to be in the way.
A lot of players have trouble keeping their eyes on the ball. This is bad for your putting technique because when you turn your head, your body turns at the same time. Do you consider yourself to be a disciplined golfer? Test yourself with this: on your next putt, try keeping your head down until you hear the satisfying plop of the ball dropping in the hole.
Justin Flowers
.
There is really no agreement on a perfect putting technique. When all is said and done, the perfect putting technique is the swing that puts the ball in the cup every time. Even though there are limitless variations, most players rely on one of these techniques: the Langer grip, the anti-yip grip, or of course, the orthodox grip.
A conventional 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 somewhat forward your stance. It's imperative to keep your eyes on the ball. As you putt, your hands' only job is to hold the club. Picture a pendulum controlled only by your shoulders. Visualize a triangle being formed by your arms and shoulders. Maintain that triangle all the way 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 let your eyes lift too soon, but keep looking at the ground.
Now let's take a look at the anti-yip putting technique. What in heaven's name are the yips? The "yips" is the name given to involuntary muscular movements that can be detrimental to your stroke. When you're 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 practice, grip your putter with your left hand located below the right-hand. Place your wrist alongside the shaft of the club. The anti-yip putting technique has the added benefit of making your left shoulder lower. Remember that the movement of your putting stroke should be controlled by your shoulders, not your arms or wrists, requiring practice to become acceptable.
Another popular putting technique is known as the Langer grip. It was developed by Bernhard Langer. The Langer grip goes even further than the anti-yip putting technique. It starts the same way: grip the putter with your left hand farther down the shaft than your right. But this time, you actually grasp your left wrist with the fingers of your right hand. Maintain a light grip pressure and relax as much as possible. The Langer putting technique is most successful when you're making the shorter putts.
Here are a few more tips for better putting: make sure that when you begin your eyes are directly over the golf ball. Keep your eye line parallel to the target line. Establish a steady, well-balanced stance. In your mind's eye, see the putter as an extended part of your forearms. What you're trying to achieve is a stroke, not necessarily a hit. The putter is swinging and the golf ball just happens to be in the way.
A lot of players have trouble keeping their eyes on the ball. This is bad for your putting technique because when you turn your head, your body turns at the same time. Do you consider yourself to be a disciplined golfer? Test yourself with this: on your next putt, try keeping your head down until you hear the satisfying plop of the ball dropping in the hole.
Justin Flowers
.
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