Improve Your Lag Putting and You Will Lower Your Score

Most people struggle with speed control more than they realize. The reason they struggle with speed control is what we call a signature backstroke. This means they always take the putterhead back close to the same distance on all putts. For example, if a player’s signature backstroke was approximately 10-12 inches, they would be forced to slow down through impact on a short (3’-5’) putt. Then on a 30’ or 40’ putt, they would be forced to add speed to the momentum of the putterhead through impact because they didn’t have enough length in the backstroke for the putterhead to create enough speed for a longer putt.

To have pendulum, or equal back and forward stroke, players have to first learn the correct length back stroke for the distance putt they are hitting.

We have found that most players have developed a backstroke that fits medium length putts (10’-15’). The key to helping people with their distance control is having them practice shortening their back stroke on short putts (3’-5’). Then practice lengthening their backstroke on longer putts (30’-40’).

For a guideline, the approximate total stroke length on a 4’ putt would be 12 ,or 6 back and 6 through. On a 40’ putt, the approximate total stroke length would be 30, or 15 back and 15 through.


4 Foot Backstroke	4 Foot Finish

40 Foot Backstroke	40 Foot Finish

The best drill we have found to practice equal back and through strokes is to place a ball marker at the center of two tees defining the stroke length with two tees.

Make a practice stroke between the frame working the two tees, then make the same stroke striking the ball. Concentrate on a smooth gradually accelerating stroke. The correct stroke length will mean that you don’t have to slow down the putterhead on short putts or force the acceleration of the putterhead on long putts. Practice these drills and you will gain greater speed control.

For more information on how the staff at Impact Golf can help your game, please call (847) 549-8678.

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