3 Putting Green Drills: Neck, Card and Stick
A card, a putter, and your left hand: that’s all you need for the three putting green exercises presented by the FFGolf to adjust your stance, stabilize your lower body, and coordinate your hands with your upper body.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The first exercise focuses on posture. The key point is: the neck as parallel to the floor as possible, so that the shoulders become a true pivot point. Putt with your right hand alone, and use the flat of your left hand to press the back of your neck toward the ball; then take the shot once you’ve found the right feel.
The second one works on the separation of the upper and lower parts: The upper body moves, while the lower body provides stability and maintains the alignment. Place a card just above your knees, applying very light pressure, and putt without moving it. The third person works on the radius: a a rod placed from the clubface to the sternum. After establishing your posture and grip, initiate the movement from the sternum and shoulders to connect your hands to your upper body.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Get into your putting stance, with the putter behind the ball.
- With only your right hand on the grip, place the palm of your left hand on the back of your neck and press it toward the ball.
- Once your neck is completely straight, take the putt.
- Place a card just above your knees, applying very light pressure.
- Draw while keeping the lines straight, without moving the map.
- Hold a stick from the face of the putter to your sternum, then assume your stance and grip.
- Swing as if you were using a putter, initiating the movement from your sternum and shoulders.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- A downward-tilted neck that prevents the shoulders from swinging back and forth.
- Knees that move during the putt.
- A hand movement that is disconnected from the upper body.
- Pressing too hard on the map instead of applying very light pressure.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- A few putts with the right hand, then the left hand on the back of the neck
- Series of putts with the card above the knees
- Series with the wand held from the face to the sternum
- Perform the three checks in this order
Your Questions
Why should you keep the back of your neck parallel to the ground when putting?
According to the video, this allows the shoulders to form a true pivot point, like a pendulum. Placing the flat of the left hand on the back of the neck helps you find this position.
What is the purpose of the card above the knees?
Check for separation: the upper body moves, while the lower body remains stable. If the club moves during the putt, the legs are contributing to the movement.
Where should the wand be placed for the third exercise?
It connects the putter face to the sternum. The movement then originates from the sternum and shoulders, which connects the hands to the upper body.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Patrice Amadieu). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.