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: Speed Control

Optimal Speed

As outlined in the Green Reading section, the optimal putting speed is extremely important to ensure that the putt does not take any last minute breaks as it approaches the hole. The ball must hit the back wall of the cup. To do this it must be traveling fast enough (about 2.3 feet per second) as if it would pass the hole by at least 12 inches if the hole was not there.

This is most effectively practiced, and is especially important on shorter putts. Your student should focus on a 2-foot putt or so and work on putting it with enough pace that it hits the back of the hole consistently. Then have him move back to different distances and try to replicate the ball hitting the hole at that specific speed. Note: This is best practiced initially on a level putting surface, but after developing confidence, the student should move on to putts that swing left or right.