The foundation of a successful putting stroke is through the use of proper putting posture fundamentals. These fundamentals set you up for a consistent and repeatable putting motion, essential for accuracy and control on the greens.
In order to improve your putting posture you need to understand the key concepts involved the setup:
- Stance: Ensure a stable base with feet comfortably apart.
- Alignment: Bend from the hips to align your eyes directly over the ball.
- Arm and Hand Position: Promote a consistent stroke with limited wrist hinge.
Stance
The width of your feet should be a comfortable distance apart to give you a stable base. This stability is crucial for maintaining balance throughout the stroke. Think of taking a 'conversational stance' where you're in a relaxed position without adding stress to the legs or body. This relaxed stance will help you stay composed and focused during your putt.
Alignment
Proper posture is key to aligning your eyes directly over the ball, which is essential for accurate aim and stroke path. To achieve this, you'll need to bend from the hips, allowing the putter to touch the ground naturally. Keep your lower back straight as you bend, and allow your upper back to roll slightly. This curvature should continue through your neckline, enabling your head to drop and your eyes to look straight down onto the ball. This posture ensures that your body is in the right position to execute a smooth and controlled putting stroke.
Arm and Hand Position
Your arms should hang relaxed from your shoulders. Start by bringing your elbows in slightly so they are touching the sides of your body. This helps keep your arms connected to your torso, promoting a unified movement during the stroke. With your hands pressed together, flex your wrists so your fingers point down. This hand position limits wrist hinge and swing arc, promoting a more consistent stroke with easier putter face control. By minimizing wrist movement, you reduce the chances of introducing unwanted variables into your stroke, leading to more consistent and accurate putts.
How to Practice
Practice your putting posture by setting up in front of a mirror or using a video camera to check your alignment. Focus on maintaining a stable stance, proper hip bend, and relaxed arm and hand position. Repeat your setup and stroke until the correct posture feels natural and comfortable.
Conclusion:
Mastering your putting posture is a fundamental step towards achieving consistency and accuracy on the greens. By focusing on your stance, alignment, and arm and hand position, you can develop a repeatable putting stroke that will serve you well under any conditions. Remember to practice regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure that your posture remains effective and comfortable.