When Using A Putter What Type Of Swing Should You Use?

When it comes to golf, the putter is one of the most essential clubs in a player’s bag. While other clubs allow you to reach the green, it is the putter that helps you finish the hole. However, many golfers struggle with the question of what type of swing to use when using a putter. In this article, we will explore the importance of the putter in golf and discuss the different putting techniques that can help improve your game.

Importance of Putter in Golf

The putter plays a crucial role in a golfer’s success on the green. It is used to roll the ball into the hole, making it the final stroke in completing a hole. The putter requires a different technique compared to other clubs, as its primary purpose is to control the speed and direction of the ball rather than hitting it for distance. A well-executed putt can save strokes and make a significant difference in your overall score.

Understanding the Different Putting Techniques

When using a putter, there are different techniques that you can employ to improve your accuracy and consistency. Here are a few popular putting techniques:

1. The Pendulum Stroke: This technique involves using your shoulders as the primary source of motion, creating a pendulum-like swing. The key is to keep your hands and wrists steady throughout the stroke, using your shoulders to control the movement. This technique promotes a smooth and consistent stroke, reducing the risk of jerking or twisting the putter.

2. The Arc Stroke: The arc stroke involves using a slight arc in your putting motion, which can help with alignment and consistency. In this technique, the putter moves in an arc shape, with the backswing and follow-through staying on the same path. The arc stroke is commonly used by players who prefer a natural and flowing motion.

3. The Straight Back/Straight Through Stroke: As the name suggests, this technique involves taking the putter straight back and straight through without any arc. The goal is to keep the putter on a straight line, promoting a consistent and square impact with the ball. This technique is often chosen by players who prefer a more mechanical and precise putting stroke.

It’s important to note that the best putting technique will vary for each individual golfer, and it’s important to find the technique that feels most comfortable and effective for you. Practice and experimentation will help you determine which method suits your style and produces the best results.

By understanding the importance of the putter in golf and exploring different putting techniques, you can improve your performance on the green and elevate your overall game. Remember, consistent practice and experimentation are key to finding the right swing that works for you. Happy putting

Straight Back and Straight Through (SBST)

Explanation of SBST Putting Technique

The Straight Back and Straight Through (SBST) putting technique is a popular method used by many golfers when using a putter. This technique involves keeping the putter face square to the target line throughout the entire putting stroke. Here’s a breakdown of how the SBST putting technique works:

1. Address Position: Begin by setting up to the golf ball with your eyes directly over the target line. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to the target line, creating a square stance.
2. Backswing: During the backswing, the putter moves straight back along the target line without any rotation or deviation. The arms and shoulders should work together to control the movement of the putter.
3. Impact: In the SBST technique, the putter returns to impact in the same position it started, with the face square to the target line. This helps to promote a consistent and accurate strike on the golf ball.
4. Follow-through: After impact, the putter continues straight through along the target line, mirroring the backswing. It’s important to maintain a steady and controlled tempo throughout the entire stroke.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of SBST

The SBST putting technique offers several advantages and disadvantages that golfers should consider:

Advantages:

• Consistency: The SBST technique promotes a consistent putting stroke, as the putter face remains square to the target line throughout the entire motion.
• Accuracy: By keeping the putter face square, golfers can align the putter more accurately to the target, leading to improved accuracy and fewer missed putts.
• Simple and Easy to Learn: The SBST technique is relatively simple and easy to learn, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Adjustability: Since the putter moves in a straight line, golfers using the SBST technique may find it more challenging to adjust for different slopes and breaks on the green.
• Less Feel: Some golfers prefer a putting stroke that allows for more wrist and hand action, as it provides a better feel for distance control.
• Requires Practice: While the SBST technique is relatively straightforward, it still requires practice to develop proper mechanics and consistency.

Ultimately, the choice of putting technique, including the SBST, is a matter of personal preference. Golfers should experiment with different putting methods and find the one that feels most comfortable and produces the best results for their game.

Arc Putting

Arc putting is a popular technique used by many golfers when using a putter. It involves swinging the putter in an arc-shaped motion, rather than straight back and through. This technique is based on the idea that a slight arc in the swing helps with consistent contact and control over the ball. Here is an explanation of the arc-putting technique and its advantages and disadvantages.

Explanation of Arc Putting Technique

The arc putting technique involves a few key elements to achieve a smooth and effective stroke:

The pendulum swing:

Arc putting is often described as a pendulum swing, where the putter acts as the pendulum. The motion is smooth and rhythmic, with the putter swinging back and through like a pendulum. This helps create a consistent and repeatable stroke.

Maintaining a consistent tempo:

To achieve a proper arc swing, it is important to maintain a consistent tempo throughout the stroke. A consistent tempo helps with distance control and accuracy. Practicing with a metronome or counting in your head can help establish a consistent rhythm.

Keeping your wrists firm and stable:

During an arc putting stroke, it is crucial to keep your wrists firm and stable. This helps ensure that the putter swings in a consistent path and reduces the chance of introducing unnecessary hand and wrist movements that can affect the accuracy of the putt.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Arc Putting

Arc putting has several advantages that make it a preferred technique for many golfers:

• Consistency: The arc motion helps create a repeatable stroke, resulting in more consistent contact and improved accuracy.
• Distance Control: The pendulum-like motion of arc putting promotes a smooth and controlled stroke, allowing for better distance control on the greens.
• Reduced Variability: The arc putting technique reduces the likelihood of introducing unnecessary wrist and hand movements, which can lead to less consistency and accuracy.

However, arc putting also has a few potential disadvantages:

• Less Forgiving: Arc putting requires precision and a consistent stroke path. If your stroke deviates from the arc, it can lead to missed putts.
• Personal Preference: Some golfers may find it challenging to adjust to the arc putting technique, as it requires a different feel and approach compared to other putting methods.

Overall, arc putting is a technique that can offer benefits in terms of consistency and distance control. However, it is essential to experiment and find the approach that works best for your individual game and putting style.

The Pendulum Swing

Explanation of Pendulum Swing Technique

When it comes to using a putter in golf, one popular technique is the pendulum swing. The pendulum swing is a smooth and controlled motion that mimics the swinging of a pendulum. Here’s how it works:

1. Grip the putter: Start by holding the putter with a light and relaxed grip. Your hands should be positioned slightly ahead of the ball.
2. Setup: Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, near the front foot.
3. Keeping the arms relaxed: During the pendulum swing, it’s important to keep your arms relaxed and let them swing freely. This helps maintain a smooth and consistent stroke.
4. Rock the shoulders: The key to the pendulum swing is using your shoulders as the main source of propulsion. Rock your shoulders back and forth, allowing the putter to swing along the target line.
5. Maintain a steady rhythm: The pendulum swing should have a consistent and rhythmic tempo. Avoid any jerky or abrupt movements that can throw off your accuracy.
6. Follow-through: After making contact with the ball, continue the pendulum motion with your shoulders and arms. This helps ensure a smooth and controlled stroke.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Pendulum Swing

The pendulum swing technique offers several advantages when using a putter:

1. Consistency: The pendulum swing provides a consistent and repeatable motion, which can lead to more accurate putting. By relying on the controlled movement of your shoulders, you can achieve a more consistent stroke.

2. Less wrist action: With the pendulum swing, there is minimal wrist action involved. This reduces the risk of any unwanted wrist movements that can affect the direction and pace of the putt.

3. Better distance control: The pendulum swing helps with distance control, as the smooth and consistent motion allows for a more accurate judgment of the distance to the hole. This can result in fewer three-putts and overall better scoring on the greens.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

1. Limited versatility: The pendulum swing may not be suitable for all types of putts or green conditions. Different situations may require adjustments to the swing technique, such as longer putts or uneven surfaces.

2. Lack of feel: Some golfers prefer a more hands-on approach to putting, where they can rely on the feel and touch of their hands and wrists. The pendulum swing technique may feel robotic or lacking in feedback for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

In conclusion, the pendulum swing technique can be an effective and reliable method for using a putter in golf. It offers consistency, reduced wrist action, and improved distance control. However, it may not be suitable for all situations and personal preferences.

The Lateral Movement

Explanation of Lateral Movement Technique

When it comes to using a putter, one technique that golfers often employ is lateral movement. This technique involves using a slight lateral (sideways) movement in your swing to create a smoother and more consistent stroke. Instead of just using the traditional pendulum-like motion of the arms and shoulders, the lateral movement adds a small shift of the body weight from the back foot to the front foot during the stroke.

By incorporating this lateral movement into your putting stroke, you can achieve several benefits. Firstly, it helps to promote a more stable and balanced position throughout the stroke. The weight transfer from the back foot to the front foot helps to maintain a steady base and prevent any unnecessary movement during the stroke. This stability can greatly improve your accuracy and control over the putt.

Secondly, the lateral movement adds a subtle rotation of your upper body, which can help to generate more power and distance in your putt. By engaging the larger muscles of the body, such as the core and hips, you can generate a smoother and more consistent stroke with less reliance on the smaller muscles of the arms and wrists. This can lead to improved distance control and more consistent speed in your putts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lateral Movement

Like any technique in golf, the lateral movement has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few points to consider:

Advantages:

• Improved stability and balance during the putt
• Better weight transfer and rotation for more consistent strokes
• Enhanced distance control and accuracy

Disadvantages:

• Requires practice to master the timing and coordination of the lateral movement
• Some golfers may find it difficult to incorporate into their natural putting stroke
• May not be suitable for all putting styles and preferences

It’s important to note that lateral movement is not the only technique for using a putter, and different golfers may have different preferences and styles. Some golfers may find success with a more traditional or pendulum-like stroke, while others may prefer the lateral movement or a combination of techniques. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that feels comfortable and produces consistent results for you.

To further improve your putting skills, consider seeking guidance from a golf instructor or coach who can provide personalized feedback and tips. By practicing and experimenting with different techniques, you can find the putting stroke that works best for you and improve your performance on the greens.

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Choosing the Right Putting Technique

When it comes to using a putter, there are several factors to consider in order to choose the right putting technique. These factors include the type of putter you are using, the green conditions, and your personal preference and comfort level.

Factors to Consider: Putter Type, Green Conditions, Personal Preference

When choosing the type of swing to use with your putter, there are a few different options to consider. These include:- Straight Back and Straight Through Swing: This type of swing is often recommended for golfers who prefer a more mechanical and consistent stroke. With this technique, the putter moves straight back and straight through the ball, creating a smooth and controlled stroke.- Arc Putting Stroke: This type of swing involves a slight arc in the stroke, with the putter moving slightly inside the target line on the backswing and then slightly outside the target line on the follow-through. This type of swing is often preferred by golfers who like a more natural and flowing stroke.- Open or Closed Stance: Depending on your personal preference and comfort level, you may choose to use an open or closed stance when addressing the ball. An open stance allows for a more natural arc in the putting stroke, while a closed stance can help promote a straighter stroke.

Different types of putter swings

When it comes to choosing the type of swing to use with your putter, it’s important to consider the following factors:- The type of putter you are using, as different putters may be better suited for different types of swings. For example, a face-balanced putter may be better suited for a straight back and straight-through swing, while a toe-balanced putter may be better suited for an arc stroke.- The green conditions, such as slope and speed. Some putters and swing techniques may be more effective on fast greens, while others may be better suited for slower greens.- Your personal preference and comfort level. Ultimately, the best-putting technique is the one that feels most comfortable and natural to you.

Green conditions, such as slope and speed

The condition of the green can have a significant impact on your putting technique. For example, on a fast and sloping green, a more controlled and straight back and straight through swing may be preferable to maintain control over the speed and line of the putt. On the other hand, on a slower and flatter green, a more natural and flowing arc stroke may be more effective.

Personal preference and comfort level

At the end of the day, choosing the right putting technique comes down to personal preference and comfort level. It’s important to experiment with different types of swings and find the one that feels most natural and comfortable to you. Practice and repetition will help you develop consistency and confidence with your chosen technique.

Overall, when using a putter, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of putter you are using, the green conditions, and your personal preference and comfort level. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right putting technique that will help improve your putting accuracy and overall golf game.

Conclusion

Summary of Different Putting Techniques

When it comes to using a putter, there are different techniques that golfers can employ to improve their putting performance. Some of these techniques include:

1. Pendulum Swing: This technique involves using a pendulum-like motion with the putter, allowing the arms and shoulders to control the stroke. It is a popular technique among professional golfers as it provides consistency and accuracy.

2. Arc Stroke: The arc stroke technique involves creating an arc with the putter during the swing, allowing for a smooth and natural stroke. This technique is suitable for golfers who prefer a more fluid motion.

3. Straight Back, Straight Through: This technique involves keeping the putter head on a straight line during both the backswing and follow-through. It is a simple and effective technique for golfers who struggle with consistency.

Key Takeaways for Using the Right Swing with a Putter

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when using a putter:

1. Practice: Regardless of the technique you choose, practice is essential for improving your putting skills. Regular practice will help you refine your swing, develop consistency, and build confidence on the greens.

2. Find What Works for You: Every golfer is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different techniques and find the one that feels most comfortable and natural for you.

3. Focus on Fundamentals: Whether you choose a pendulum swing, arc stroke, or straight back, straight through technique, it is essential to focus on the fundamentals of putting. This includes proper grip, alignment, posture, and maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the stroke.

By understanding the different putting techniques and practicing the right swing, you can improve your putting performance and lower your scores on the greens. Remember to stay patient, stay focused, and enjoy the process of becoming a better putter.