Bob in Indiana, I have been told all my golfing life to swing straight back and straight through. I have been a terrible putter all my life, Always struggled with contact, line, and distance control. This stroke tip has freed up my putting stroke, and I am convinced this will make a difference in my putting game. Now to practice undoing what I was taught before.
The problem isn't so much with techniques. Thinking about the technique too much is what is hurting you. You need to develop feel and get out of your own head. This is the biggest problem people have with all the golf clubs. When you think too mechanical or use your thinking mind too much then you can't putt. You need to engage your instincts and subconscious. Stay present in the moment. Be one with the ball. If you toss a ball to a friend do you think about all the mechanics while doing it? Of you do, you probably can't aim that well either. You just do it. Of course figuring out good techniques help, bit if you can't switch to your instincts when it's time swing the club, you are toast. My guess is that you probably use a mallet putter too. This isn't good for feel, especially longer distance. Using a blade putter will help you control distance better. The less metal between you and the ball, the better. Extra weight throws off your natural feel.
I normally use my shoulders to guide my putt swing and my arms are pretty much locked in place but I’m still going to attempt this. Thank you for the analysis.
Our pleasure. You may find it helpful to read The Bad Lie where I have an entire chapter on putting where this is covered in detail. Here is the Amazon link if interested www.badliegolfbook.com/
Orange County CA. Great vid love the tips. Just changed from a exo 7 mallet to a scotty with a plumbers neck trying to figure the best way to sink puts. Will be sure to give these tips a try.
You got it! Here is another good putting video where I share a putting tip I learned from a former US Open Champion th-cam.com/video/kSBse_HOFB0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sfE7zBzD8rouWQZM
Todd, what I found as I practiced this drill today at my practice facility is that when I made the initial 1-2 inches of the backstroke move straight back and then "automatically" the putter will move on and inside arc as demonstrated in the drill. Then I focused on making the forward stroke down the line. I was able to stroke a number of putts right on my intended starting line. Using this technique resulted in improved consistency with my line and distance control. Thanks
Todd, I agree that many folks have a natural inside takeaway putting stroke. I think you may be over-exagerating lengthening your left arm to attempt a more straight- back pendulum motion. If that lengthening on a takeaway is true, then the right arm must lengthen on the follow thru to trace a square face down the target line beyond the point of impact, regardless if your stroke was inside to square or square to square. I know my personal stroke is slightly inside-square-inside but I work to ensure the putter face is square in an "impact zone" prior to contact with the ball and immediately post- impact. Striking the ball exactly square at the exact moment of contact from any arc is exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, because ball compression is so minimal when putting and ground friction quickly cancels almost all side spin, a fade or draw is not an issue. A slightly open or closed face starting the golfball offline is more likely when swinging on any arc through the ball. I don't know which requires more fine motor skills: trying to keep the putter face square to the target line with an inside-square-inside arc stroke, or trying to square the putter face at impact and beyond from an inside arc stroke. All I know for certain is I don't want an outside-in stroke of any kind, ha!
I like putting on a slight arc. That said, I put like Billy Casper just not as wristy. Vertical hinging. The ball holds it's line SO well. Your second putt is why I like vertical hinging. The club face is always pointed toward the hole. Less misses to the left and right. My misses are either slightly short or long as the toe doesn't flare open on the backswing. Good tips.
We are on the same page. A slight wrist hinge and hold is money for putting IMO. Have you seen this other video we did on putting? th-cam.com/video/g-JTNT_aVUQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RMqgIO9sZD3CLzrW
Todd you legend. I watched this video before playing 18 today. It honestly turned my 3 putts into 2 putts and my 2 putts into 1 putts. I had sort of felt the need to bring the putter inside a little on the backswing but didn't know exactly how or why. Top notch content sir.
Another great vlog Todd! The bad lie on my Christmas list 🌲! I love the fact you have a simple teaching ethos re all aspects of swing, no need to go anywhere else! VLGS, chipping, rhythm, putting, just perfect! Simon, Southampton, England
David from WV...how about a video on getting control of the speed/pace of the ball when putting? I struggle w/ getting it close to the hole....I'm either short or long...thanks!
You promote different hybrid chippers. Dune, Yuma, and Mul. Do they all do the same thing? Which one is better? Which one is used farther away from the green.
Todd, I have always used a slight arc putting. However, when I practice on my flat practice green in my home I drill putts from 6’ but when I go to 8 feet i constantly pull the putt 1-2 inches to the left. Should the swing thru be straight down the line or continuing to arc?
Todd, bought your book in digital and print several times. I've went from a 15 to a 7 hcp in 2 years. I can NOT, for the life of me, READ PUTTS! I've been exploring the Aim Point system... Q: What is YOUR system to read putts?? Thank you!!!
Thanks for the kind words and great to hear the Vertical Line System is producing results for you. We teach a modified Aim Point process that seems to work well. Also, be sure to find a spot you want the ball to roll over as it is in path to the cup.
Your question assumes you have already trained yourself to hit a perfectly straight putt if you have perfect direction setup (maybe using aiming guide on a practice green). Unless you have tested this, it will not be possible to know for sure if you are suffering alignment issues or stroke mechanics. Seeing the line of the ball is usually much easier than a repeatable, perfect stroke for putts at 10 feet or greater. Of course, above I am talking about alignment for a perfectly flat putt. Reading breaks, upslope, downslope, grain, etc. is a whole other matter and the most difficult of all putting challenges. Once you are over the ball, alignment has already been set. If not, get out of your stance and start over. Just make sure your club face is actually 90 degrees to the alignment that you have set for yourself. Close your less dominant eye briefly to verify this as you look down. Glancing at the ball might help, but this is mostly for feeling the distance. You can try the ball alignment method with line drawn on the ball. I have heard that over half of pros use this now depending on the putt. Some people use ball markers that have a straight line that you can line up first in a manner that you know is correct, then have the ball line match this. You are allowed to use your putter shaft to hold in the air horizontally to help verify the alignment. Step back about 5 or 6 feet. Hold the putter face side in your hand and point the handle toward toward the cup with the ball also viewed along the shaft. Make sure the ball line matches the direction of the shaft pointing at the cup. Playing pool a lot also helps because it trains your eyes regarding very precise straight lines and forces you to overcome/adjust for the visual parallax affect.
Seve Ballesteros says in his video that for short putts he employs the straight-back-straight-through method, whereas for longer putts he lets the clubhead swing back in and out, and also uses his wrists to generate power.
What most golfers don’t pay attention to is “Toe Flow”.. all putters will have some amount of it either very low to high. The less toe flow = a less arching stroke.. high flow = a more arching stroke. Basically.. if you are more comfortable having a more mechanical, straighter stroke with your putter swing.. try going for a face balanced putter coupled with a larger grip.
Check your face at address and make sure it is square not closed at set up. We have some great videos on this and also a full chapter on putting in my book The Bad Lie which you can find on Amazon
Put a 2x4 flat on the floor, put your toes against it and putter on the opposite side. Move putter from side to side letting the putter touch 2x4 while making a putting stroke. The 2x4 will not allow the putter to arc thus creating a straight back and through stroke. Practice daily and enjoy.
If you want to prove all this to yourself, build yourself a wooden putter with a square shaft and a wooden blade. I did. The blade has to be offset a little like golf rules state. Now position yourself on a stairstep. Ride the square putter shaft on the step edge above the step the ball sits on. And get set for the surprise of the world. Your putter blade will both arc, and it will appear to open and close. WAIT BUT IT CAN"T, my shaft is square and it can't physically rotate on the straight stair step plane. Here is the answer. Your blade is rotating and moving relative to the target but not the fixed plane it is riding on. I just gave you the SECRET that every single touring pro knows. The people at "THE PUTTING ARC" know this too because they SELL a clip on device for the shaft to illustrate the same thing. There is also a new putting board device out there which shows the same thing. This is why ALL touring pros use a big flat topped grip. It makes holding a single plane easier. But remember... You have to incorporate a RELEASE (swing) in order to get consistent. Ben Crenshaw was right. And that calls for his ultra light grip. This is why you see some pros even almost getting their right hand off the club. Like Mickelson. Another hint. You are holding the putter shaft PERPENDICULAR to plane it rides on, even though to your eye it appears to open and close. You are fooled because it is opening and closing to the target but not the plane you are on. This is why few people in the world can make a living with golf.
People don't apply common sense. You miss long putts and blame it on a bad read or speed issue. Then you miss short putts and wonder why. The why is because you have a piss poor stroke. Few people can actually start the ball out on their intended line. That is why you miss short putts. And you must do what I say above to get that straightened out. Touring pros work endlessly to eliminate blade rotation on the tilted plane. It is especially bad through impact. One must learn to go UNDER and not around CC. And this really comes from a deep understanding of what the tilted plane really is. Now the plane above training device actually shows you that. Or the wooden putter I tell you to build will too. Some touring pros use a LONG PUTTER in practice for the same reason. You lock the rotation out with your left hand and arm. They use it for practice putting only. I used that as well at the advice of an actual touring pro. He used it one hour per day in practice. He learned that trick from his college golf coach when his putting went sour and he returned "home" for advice to get back on track. He will tell you... "you have to get all the rotation out". Observed rotation RELATIVE TO THE TARGET is OK. It's the rotation relative to the tilted plane the shaft is travelling on which you must eliminate.
Bob in Indiana, I have been told all my golfing life to swing straight back and straight through. I have been a terrible putter all my life, Always struggled with contact, line, and distance control. This stroke tip has freed up my putting stroke, and I am convinced this will make a difference in my putting game. Now to practice undoing what I was taught before.
Bob, this is a breakthrough, awesome. We cover this in detail in our book THE BAD LIE which you can find on Amazon if you would like to learn more.
The problem isn't so much with techniques. Thinking about the technique too much is what is hurting you. You need to develop feel and get out of your own head. This is the biggest problem people have with all the golf clubs. When you think too mechanical or use your thinking mind too much then you can't putt. You need to engage your instincts and subconscious. Stay present in the moment. Be one with the ball. If you toss a ball to a friend do you think about all the mechanics while doing it? Of you do, you probably can't aim that well either. You just do it. Of course figuring out good techniques help, bit if you can't switch to your instincts when it's time swing the club, you are toast. My guess is that you probably use a mallet putter too. This isn't good for feel, especially longer distance. Using a blade putter will help you control distance better. The less metal between you and the ball, the better. Extra weight throws off your natural feel.
That hands together drill is 🔥!
Let's go...more great drills in my book, The Bad Lie. See here if interested www.badliegolfbook.com/
Thanks from Tavares, FL
Our pleasure! Did you catch this video on putting that we did th-cam.com/video/zYp1sbrKB4k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=YIWurxQEkIJcFpJW
I normally use my shoulders to guide my putt swing and my arms are pretty much locked in place but I’m still going to attempt this. Thank you for the analysis.
Our pleasure. You may find it helpful to read The Bad Lie where I have an entire chapter on putting where this is covered in detail. Here is the Amazon link if interested www.badliegolfbook.com/
Northeast Texas Player. I'm lovin this instructional video. Gonna try in the kitchen with the cup.
No way I'm waiting to get on the course.
Making it work...thanks!
Orange County CA. Great vid love the tips. Just changed from a exo 7 mallet to a scotty with a plumbers neck trying to figure the best way to sink puts. Will be sure to give these tips a try.
You got it! Here is another good putting video where I share a putting tip I learned from a former US Open Champion th-cam.com/video/kSBse_HOFB0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sfE7zBzD8rouWQZM
Todd, what I found as I practiced this drill today at my practice facility is that when I made the initial 1-2 inches of the backstroke move straight back and then "automatically" the putter will move on and inside arc as demonstrated in the drill. Then I focused on making the forward stroke down the line. I was able to stroke a number of putts right on my intended starting line. Using this technique resulted in improved consistency with my line and distance control. Thanks
Boom!! Learning and improving. Nice work. 👊
Todd, I agree that many folks have a natural inside takeaway putting stroke. I think you may be over-exagerating lengthening your left arm to attempt a more straight- back pendulum motion. If that lengthening on a takeaway is true, then the right arm must lengthen on the follow thru to trace a square face down the target line beyond the point of impact, regardless if your stroke was inside to square or square to square. I know my personal stroke is slightly inside-square-inside but I work to ensure the putter face is square in an "impact zone" prior to contact with the ball and immediately post- impact. Striking the ball exactly square at the exact moment of contact from any arc is exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, because ball compression is so minimal when putting and ground friction quickly cancels almost all side spin, a fade or draw is not an issue. A slightly open or closed face starting the golfball offline is more likely when swinging on any arc through the ball. I don't know which requires more fine motor skills: trying to keep the putter face square to the target line with an inside-square-inside arc stroke, or trying to square the putter face at impact and beyond from an inside arc stroke. All I know for certain is I don't want an outside-in stroke of any kind, ha!
Truth here ☝️
I like putting on a slight arc. That said, I put like Billy Casper just not as wristy. Vertical hinging. The ball holds it's line SO well. Your second putt is why I like vertical hinging. The club face is always pointed toward the hole. Less misses to the left and right. My misses are either slightly short or long as the toe doesn't flare open on the backswing. Good tips.
We are on the same page. A slight wrist hinge and hold is money for putting IMO. Have you seen this other video we did on putting? th-cam.com/video/g-JTNT_aVUQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RMqgIO9sZD3CLzrW
Todd you legend. I watched this video before playing 18 today.
It honestly turned my 3 putts into 2 putts and my 2 putts into 1 putts.
I had sort of felt the need to bring the putter inside a little on the backswing but didn't know exactly how or why.
Top notch content sir.
Thank you! Nothing better than sharing what we have learned with our fellow golfers 👊
love the videos from Iran
Hope it helps your game...thanks. Have you seen our book www.badliegolfbook.com/
Thanks! I’m from Baltimore
Our pleasure...we are committed to helping our fellow golfers enjoy this great game. Are you a subscriber?
Another great vlog Todd! The bad lie on my Christmas list 🌲! I love the fact you have a simple teaching ethos re all aspects of swing, no need to go anywhere else! VLGS, chipping, rhythm, putting, just perfect! Simon, Southampton, England
Thanks Simon. Be sure to let us know if you enjoy the book. 👊
Great video and instructions as always Coach Todd
Here for you man!
@@USGOLFTVshow very much appreciated
David from WV...how about a video on getting control of the speed/pace of the ball when putting? I struggle w/ getting it close to the hole....I'm either short or long...thanks!
We have it on the list. Thank you.
Love your videos, I from Canton,Ga . Would love some more advice on hitting in the fairway and short game tips, thanks in advance
Chuck, are you a subscriber? Here is a good place to start th-cam.com/video/jto57BIod3I/w-d-xo.html
Nice tip. I'm new to your channel. From sunny, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Welcome John, we're happy to have you! Hope you subscribed!
Currently reading The Bad Lie. Haven’t made it to the putting section yet so this is a nice preview!
Awesome! Are you enjoying the book?
Todd looks like your arms are bent what do you mean by lengthen your arms should he keep them straight etc. kindly advise thanks for your help Jack
Thanks Todd. Got the concept. What do you feel as your power source to accomplish this stroke?
Personally feel it in the trail shoulder, however it is a combination of the shoulders, arms and hands.
I am still using the putter I got for Xmas 1965. Technology has changed every other club in my bag. Should I get a new putter?
Only if you do not feel like you are not putting as well as you should. A putter is certainly a personal thing, up to the individual. Good question.
You promote different hybrid chippers.
Dune, Yuma, and Mul. Do they all do the same thing? Which one is better? Which one is used farther away from the green.
Yuma will give you the most options around the green. Good question...
You’re a legend! ordering the book now, thanks for the tips. Golfing out of the south shore of Massachusetts 🤘🏼
You are too kind...hope you enjoy the book. Link here www.badliegolfbook.com/
Hi, what scotty model is that?
Should your hands be leading the putter head when you are stroking the ball or they be right on top of putter head ?
Short answer is hands should lead slightly. We did a video on this last month, see here th-cam.com/video/OnADLg5LT4Q/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_EYsDegtx5a207Ea
Todd, I have always used a slight arc putting. However, when I practice on my flat practice green in my home I drill putts from 6’ but when I go to 8 feet i constantly pull the putt 1-2 inches to the left. Should the swing thru be straight down the line or continuing to arc?
We like a stroke that is down the target line...
@@USGOLFTVshow thanks
Todd, bought your book in digital and print several times. I've went from a 15 to a 7 hcp in 2 years. I can NOT, for the life of me, READ PUTTS! I've been exploring the Aim Point system... Q: What is YOUR system to read putts?? Thank you!!!
Thanks for the kind words and great to hear the Vertical Line System is producing results for you. We teach a modified Aim Point process that seems to work well. Also, be sure to find a spot you want the ball to roll over as it is in path to the cup.
Hi I’m a lefty and a 6 handicap - I struggle seeing the line when over the ball- you have a tip I can use please thank you
Jack M aka lefty!
Hmm, this would be as close as we have for now. Watch th-cam.com/video/OnADLg5LT4Q/w-d-xo.htmlsi=NtueKNoTdZBIygLz
Your question assumes you have already trained yourself to hit a perfectly straight putt if you have perfect direction setup (maybe using aiming guide on a practice green). Unless you have tested this, it will not be possible to know for sure if you are suffering alignment issues or stroke mechanics. Seeing the line of the ball is usually much easier than a repeatable, perfect stroke for putts at 10 feet or greater. Of course, above I am talking about alignment for a perfectly flat putt. Reading breaks, upslope, downslope, grain, etc. is a whole other matter and the most difficult of all putting challenges.
Once you are over the ball, alignment has already been set. If not, get out of your stance and start over. Just make sure your club face is actually 90 degrees to the alignment that you have set for yourself. Close your less dominant eye briefly to verify this as you look down. Glancing at the ball might help, but this is mostly for feeling the distance. You can try the ball alignment method with line drawn on the ball. I have heard that over half of pros use this now depending on the putt. Some people use ball markers that have a straight line that you can line up first in a manner that you know is correct, then have the ball line match this. You are allowed to use your putter shaft to hold in the air horizontally to help verify the alignment. Step back about 5 or 6 feet. Hold the putter face side in your hand and point the handle toward toward the cup with the ball also viewed along the shaft. Make sure the ball line matches the direction of the shaft pointing at the cup.
Playing pool a lot also helps because it trains your eyes regarding very precise straight lines and forces you to overcome/adjust for the visual parallax affect.
Seve Ballesteros says in his video that for short putts he employs the straight-back-straight-through method, whereas for longer putts he lets the clubhead swing back in and out, and also uses his wrists to generate power.
Seve is a legend, would not debate with him.
What is the name of the training aid for putting and where can I buy it.
Here you go bestputtingmirror.com/?rfsn=6902476.ca6f3b
What most golfers don’t pay attention to is “Toe Flow”.. all putters will have some amount of it either very low to high. The less toe flow = a less arching stroke.. high flow = a more arching stroke.
Basically.. if you are more comfortable having a more mechanical, straighter stroke with your putter swing.. try going for a face balanced putter coupled with a larger grip.
I put cross grip and rock my shoulders. Natural arc for me
Solid method....
Agreed!
Thanks! Did you find this helpful?
I am from Ocean Shores Wa.
Great area! Still golfing this time of the year?
Between rain, as much as I can.
Out of curiosity, the training aid sets up for Right handed payers, do they offer any versions for us lefties?
@@alexvaughan6917 yes it does. Good question.
I pull a lot of putts any suggestions I just try to compensate for it
Check your face at address and make sure it is square not closed at set up. We have some great videos on this and also a full chapter on putting in my book The Bad Lie which you can find on Amazon
Put a 2x4 flat on the floor, put your toes against it and putter on the opposite side. Move putter from side to side letting the putter touch 2x4 while making a putting stroke. The 2x4 will not allow the putter to arc thus creating a straight back and through stroke. Practice daily and enjoy.
Richard pesek Fairfield califonia
Harrington Washington
Welcome 👍
When I'm putting my best. My stroke is inside to square and back inside, on an arc.
Lots of good putters move this way...thanks for posting
If I rock my putter back has seem to be more accurate and make more putts
If you want to prove all this to yourself, build yourself a wooden putter with a square shaft and a wooden blade. I did. The blade has to be offset a little like golf rules state. Now position yourself on a stairstep. Ride the square putter shaft on the step edge above the step the ball sits on. And get set for the surprise of the world. Your putter blade will both arc, and it will appear to open and close. WAIT BUT IT CAN"T, my shaft is square and it can't physically rotate on the straight stair step plane. Here is the answer. Your blade is rotating and moving relative to the target but not the fixed plane it is riding on. I just gave you the SECRET that every single touring pro knows. The people at "THE PUTTING ARC" know this too because they SELL a clip on device for the shaft to illustrate the same thing. There is also a new putting board device out there which shows the same thing. This is why ALL touring pros use a big flat topped grip. It makes holding a single plane easier. But remember... You have to incorporate a RELEASE (swing) in order to get consistent. Ben Crenshaw was right. And that calls for his ultra light grip. This is why you see some pros even almost getting their right hand off the club. Like Mickelson.
Another hint. You are holding the putter shaft PERPENDICULAR to plane it rides on, even though to your eye it appears to open and close. You are fooled because it is opening and closing to the target but not the plane you are on. This is why few people in the world can make a living with golf.
People don't apply common sense. You miss long putts and blame it on a bad read or speed issue. Then you miss short putts and wonder why. The why is because you have a piss poor stroke. Few people can actually start the ball out on their intended line. That is why you miss short putts. And you must do what I say above to get that straightened out. Touring pros work endlessly to eliminate blade rotation on the tilted plane. It is especially bad through impact. One must learn to go UNDER and not around CC. And this really comes from a deep understanding of what the tilted plane really is. Now the plane above training device actually shows you that. Or the wooden putter I tell you to build will too. Some touring pros use a LONG PUTTER in practice for the same reason. You lock the rotation out with your left hand and arm. They use it for practice putting only. I used that as well at the advice of an actual touring pro. He used it one hour per day in practice. He learned that trick from his college golf coach when his putting went sour and he returned "home" for advice to get back on track. He will tell you... "you have to get all the rotation out". Observed rotation RELATIVE TO THE TARGET is OK. It's the rotation relative to the tilted plane the shaft is travelling on which you must eliminate.
I am the first player in iraq under training maype in couple next3month i will be in compettition in dubai let the god pleasure me
a waste of time - it said it was a free tip.
So you’re saying you spent money to watch this video ? Not me. I just learned some good advice.