Fundamentals of Putting

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• Main Menu
• Overview
• The Mechanics of Putting
• Diagnostics and Observation
• Putter Fitting
• The Grip
• Ball Position
• Setup and Alignment
• Lock and Rock
• Swing Plane
• Rhythm
• Eye Movement
• Pre-Shot Routine
• Pre-Shot Routine Template
• Green Reading
• Wind Effects on the Green
• Practice Drills
• Rhythm Drills
• Distance Control Drills
• Eye Movement Drills
• Speed Control Drills
• Pressure Putting Drills
• Before You Play
• Linking the FOP with the Mechanics
• ASSESSMENT

Practice Drills: Eye Movement

Eye Movements

Physical Barrier:

A great way to break a student of the habit of following the putter head with his eyes is to literally block off the sight of the ball and the putter head.

Have the student line up and get ready to putt and tell you when he is ready. Now block his field of vision behind the ball with a file folder and have him putt.

Some students have difficulty even pulling the putter head back in this situation, but it is a great way to make the student aware of how much he is subconsciously “looking” for the putter.

Eyes Closed:

Ask your student to close his eyes when putting. This will elicit various reactions, but will build confidence and trust. And it will again make the student aware of how much he is or is not depending on feedback from watching the putter head. This drill allows the student to relax and let the putter head flow without concern. This drill can be used when nobody is around to block the student’s vision of the club head. It is not a preferred method as the golfer loses spatial perspective with his eyes closed.