Putting Strokes Fundamentals. It is very difficult to hit a putt from more than 100 yards. That is why it is crucial to learn the putting stroke fundamentals. There are two main strokes in putting. The stroke that starts at the top of your backswing and finishes at the bottom of your forward putt is called the draw. The backstroke is the start of your downswing and the finish of your upswing.
With correct putting stroke fundamentals, you can make any putt from short range into a long one. In fact, sometimes you have to reach out for the ball with an under-the-tumbler stroke to hit a putt. This requires perfect timing and position. A number of factors influence the placement of the golf ball when you stroke it.
Your putting stroke fundamentals begins with your alignment. You need to keep your shoulders turned at a forty-five degree angle to the target line while maintaining good head-room. If you allow your shoulders to turn too far inboard then you will have a difficult time getting the ball in. Your alignment should mirror the golf ball so that your shoulders, hips and knees will turn just right into the path of the putt.
Another important aspect of putting is hip rotation. This involves turning your hips once you have taken the putt. The simplest putting drill to develop good hip rotation is to simply place your hands behind your left ear and let your hips fall naturally. Maintain your feet shoulder width apart. This is the proper alignment for a successful putt.
Your position and posture are just as important as your alignment. Keep your shoulders squared with the golf ball position. Your arms should be relaxed and fully extended and your hands just above your left ear should be pointing towards the sky.
A vital putting drill that many golfers do not use enough is to develop power with their legs and lower bodies. To accomplish this you will want to start by standing in one spot as wide as possible and making an explosive move with your legs. Then, rotate your trunk while staying in a straight line with your line of site. By developing the power in your legs you can increase the distance that you hit your putts.
A critical putting grip that most players do not take the time to learn and practice is the inside-out putting grip. Developing an inside-out grip requires that you maintain a slight bend in your knees while holding the putter head between your chin and index finger. This creates enough putting pressure that your putter head makes contact with the ball during the backswing. If you maintain the correct grip pressure your putt will start out on the correct path. You will be able to increase the distance of your putt as it begins its roll downward the shaft of the putter.
The putting fundamentals discussed above are just some of the more important techniques for increasing putting distance. If you take the time to train yourself properly and build up your putting stroke, chances are you will become a better golfer overall. Just remember to train often, and keep your eye’s quiet, and you’ll soon start to see improved putting figures.
To develop a good stroke, it’s essential that you maintain your setup position at the right angles. Your arms, wrists, and shoulders should all be locked. Make sure your feet are set at the target line and that your body is straight with your spine upright. Don’t cross your feet or contract your muscles. A lot of amateur golfers try to do this during their strokes.
When you’re getting ready to address the ball, take the proper putting stroke. With the ball positioned correctly, you can then move the ball in whatever direction feels most comfortable. Your goal should be to hit the ball straight down the putting green. Most clubs won’t give you any direction for doing this. But you need to move the ball in one direction if you want to hit the hole.
One easy putting stroke drill to develop strong shoulders and arms begins with a simple arm extension exercise. Place your hands at your sides and extend your elbows as far as they will go, keeping your forearms on the ground. Now lift your shoulders as high as you can and hold them for as long as possible. This will help develop a powerful starting grip.