Most players struggle with placement fall into the trap of trying to be perfect – almost robotic. This instinct makes sense. When we’re working to master a fine movement, it’s natural to want as few moving parts as possible.
We’ve all seen putting researchers demonstrating robotic shots, and the apparel industry now offers incredible technology to measure everything from face angle to ball spin. However, despite all this innovation, overall deployment performance hasn’t improved nearly as much as you’d expect.
Why?
The answer is simple: with all data and measurements available, golfers have become less athletic and less fluid. Many players are focused on controlling every position in their shot rather than trusting the athletic movement. The solution is to embrace fluidity—develop confidence, trust, and a more athletic approach to deployment.
For this, I like to borrow some features from hardwood.
How basketball can help your performance
Growing up and into my college years, I played a lot of organized and pickup basketball. Now, working at Duke University, I am fortunate to be around one of the most successful college basketball programs in history. After countless hours of shooting basketballs and shooting hoops, I have noticed clear similarities between the two skills. At the heart of both is targeting.
Once you set your target and understand the distance, you’re free to simply shoot the basketball – or roll up the free throw.
When you roll a layup—and shoot a free throw—you should go through this checklist:
- Set a goal. It could be something right in front of your ball that you want to spin, or something in between. The important thing is that you have something to aim for.
- Be fluid during your pre-putt routine. Just like a free throw routine that basketball players go through, your shooting routine should have the same flow, timing and rhythm every time. Once you set your target, go into the shot at the same steady pace. Place the putter behind the ball, straighten the face and then set your body. Use your eyes to confirm the target.
- Let it go and trust your shot. Don’t stay on top of the ball and don’t think too much. Just act like an athlete and trust your instincts.
Once you’ve hit the ball, your work isn’t done yet. Instead of just looking at the ball, walking up and scoring it (or hitting it through the hole), ask yourself three questions:
- Did I read green correctly?
- Did I launch the ball on my target line?
- Did I hit the putt with the right speed?
When you shift your focus from mechanics and instead to objectives and reactions, placement becomes more natural. Do that and I think you’ll realize you’re going to be a shooter.
Perfect Putting Mat™ – Compact Edition
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