When it comes to putting, many amateurs take ball position for granted. They don't recognize the effect that alignment has in making putts. I want to go over a couple of golf putting tips to help you determine the proper ball position for your putting stroke.
Your posture can have a major effect on how well you putt. Your stance should be your first concern when you address the ball.
Many instructors recommend that you stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. If you feel more comfortable with a little narrower or wider stance, this will work too. The point is to have a sturdy, balanced stance that keeps you stable.
It is important to bend at your hips when you address the ball. You don't want to be bending at your back. There is a big difference and will affect your putting.
Try this exercise to get a feel for the difference. Take your shoulders and squeeze then behind you as though you were trying to touch your elbows behind your back. Now bend over the ball as if you are preparing to putt.
Doing this prevents you from using your back to bend over. You now know how it feels when you bend from your hips instead of your back.
While in this position let your arms hang naturally at your side. Bend your elbows slightly. This should feel natural and is the best way to setup to putt.
The next thing is to position your golf ball in the optimum location. The position of the ball will affect the way it rolls on the green. I have found that the best position is when the ball is directly under my eyes. This allows me to be able to peer directly down the path that I want the ball to travel when it leaves the putter.
In addition to having the ball aligned with your eyes, you need to have the ball positioned within your stance so that the face of the putter will strike the ball at the bottom of the pendulum of your swing. This is going to happen in about the middle of your stance.
Place your putter in the middle of your stance, front to back, and then place the ball directly in front of the putter. As you will see, the ball will be about 1 inch or so forward of your center position.
Your body and ball are now in the correct position to allow for a simple repeatable putting stroke.
Give these golf putting tips a try. I know you will see improvement the next time you play.
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