Stroke Paths
There are three generally accepted putting stroke paths. The first in-to-in, sees the putter head arc inside the ball-to-hole line either side of the ball, the face opening and closing in a manner often described as ‘barn-door’ style. Then there is square-to-square, where the putter tracks up and down the target line with the blade square to the hole throughout the stroke. Finally there is an in-to-square hybrid, favoured by several tour pros. For an action based on precision not power, it seems common sense to me that the most effective putting stroke moves square-to-square. The putter travels through the target line throughout. Your chances of success rise exponentially.
However, in developing their preferred stroke path, few golfers realise the central role played by balance and posture. In fact your balance and posture dictate the putters path, and getting these right is the true way to building a square-to square stroke. Let me show you how.
Build the correct posture for the square-to-square stroke
Here, I’m in a ‘conventional’ putting address position – a line linking the back of my head and my upper back, as illustrated by the putters shaft, is roughly midway between the vertical and horizontal. My shoulders will rotate around this angle. (See Picture)
As the shoulders turn at right angles to the spine, I must make my upper back as horizontal as possible if I am to produce a true square-to-square stroke. This time, the line between the back of my head and upper back shows I have achieved that. It may look a little uncomfortable, but it’s the only way to let your rotating shoulders take the putter up and down the ball to target line. (See Picture)
How weight distribution affects the strokes path.
Your stroke path is at the mercy of your balance. Setting your weight evenly on the toe to heel axis is the only way to promote square to square stroke path.
- However if your weight is back on your heels the putter will tend to move in-to-in.
- If your weight is on the toes, the putter will want to move outside the line.
- A right toe, left heel twisted weight distribution will promote in-to-out path for the right hander.
- A left heel, right toe weight placement encourages a cut across the ball.
Keeping it simple!
Great golf is about learning to control the ball rather than trying to develop a great swing. There is a difference!
"Coaching is in my opinion about creating an environment that facilitates learning, growth and performance within you, the golfer. This is achieved by use of a holistic approach to player development where you, the pupil, can take ownership and responsibility of your own performance through enhanced self awareness."
I teach a very economical way of swinging the golf club, after establishing a consistent set up, I believe a solid stance and an athletic posture are the foundations for a great golf swing which primarily works on a rotation of the bigger muscles and where there is no manipulation of the hands, through the hitting area.
- The grip is the steering
- The body is the engine
Tempo
One of the most important ingredients to maintain your balance is a smooth tempo. Good players appear to swing easy while producing a powerful swing. The swing appears effortless. A common swing fault for many amateurs is over swinging. Notice how easy it is to maintain your balance by making a half swing. It is important to play within your own ability and make a smooth golf swing. When you maintain a good tempo and balance throughout your swing, you greatly improve your chances of making consistent and more accurate golf shots.
