Wristy Putting: The Alignment Stick Drill
Are your wrists getting the better of you on short putts? Ecole Golf breaks down the two most common hand mistakes in putting, then suggests a simple exercise used by everyone from beginners to pros: slide two chopsticks under your armpits to lock in the “Y” shape formed by your arm and the putter.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The video highlights two hand errors. The first: reaching impact with your hands in front of or behind the putter head, which remove or add loft. You break the “Y” shape formed by your arms and the putter, causing the ball to bounce or slide more over the first meter or two, and your speed control becomes inconsistent. Even among pros, the ball never rolls the entire length of the putt: at the very highest level, the ratio is about 90% roll to 10% “skid.” The second: the helping hand, which causes the clubface to point to the left or right at impact, usually always on the same side.
The exercise asks two sticks taped together about 3 cm. Slide them under your armpits, bring the putter over the top, and place your hands underneath. The “Y” stays locked in place and The shoulders become the driving force. We do a few practice swings without the ball, then a few putts without aiming at a hole, before alternating between two or three putts with the putter and two or three without it. For beginners, this exercise also serves as a posture test: if you can’t get into the right position, your back is often too straight.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Tape two practice sticks together at one end, about 3 cm.
- Slide them under your armpits, making sure they fit snugly.
- Pass the putter over the two chopsticks, with your hands underneath.
- Make sure you can position yourself without feeling too cramped; if not, lean forward a little more.
- Do a few movements without the ball, focusing on letting your shoulders lead the motion.
- Add the ball and take a few putts without aiming for a hole.
- Next, alternate between two or three putts with the chopsticks and two or three putts without them.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Let your hands move past the putter head at impact.
- Keep your hands behind the putter head and add loft.
- Give it a little nudge to close or open the flap.
- Keeping your back too straight at address.
- Play only with the short putters, without ever going back to a regular putter.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- A few moves without the ball, with the batons tucked under our armpits
- A few aimless putts to get a feel for the shoulders' movement
- Alternating: 2 or 3 putts with chopsticks, 2 or 3 without
- Beginner: Use the setup to check your posture
Your Questions
How should the sticks be placed for this exercise?
Tape them together at one end for about 3 cm, slide them under your armpits, then place the putter over the chopsticks with your hands underneath.
I can't seem to get the hang of using chopsticks—why is that?
According to the video, this often indicates that your back is too straight—you’re not leaning forward enough. The exercise actually serves as a posture test for beginners.
Do you have to make all your putts with chopsticks?
No. As with any challenging exercise, the video recommends alternating between two or three putts using the chopsticks and two or three without them.
Why do hands held in front of you make it hard to roll the ball?
They reduce the loft of the putter, while a late release adds to it. In both cases, the ball bounces or rolls more at the start, making it difficult to gauge the length of the putt.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Gabriel Anglade). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.