Getting better at putting is a big deal for young golfers. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about how you set up, how you swing, and how you feel the ball roll. We’ll look at some simple junior golf putting drills that can really make a difference on the green. Learning these basics helps build a strong game from the ground up, making every putt feel more manageable. Let’s get those putts dropping!
Key Takeaways
- Focus on getting your grip, stance, and stroke path right first.
- Practice drills like the gate drill and ladder drills to improve accuracy and distance.
- Build confidence with short putts and learn to read greens better.
- Develop a good feel for the ball with lag putts and different lie situations.
- Make practice fun with games and by creating your own drills.
Building A Solid Foundation
Let’s get started on building a strong putting game. It all begins with the basics, and getting these right makes everything else much easier. Think of it like building a house – you need a solid foundation before you can add the fancy stuff.
Perfecting Your Grip
Your grip is how you connect with the putter, so it needs to feel comfortable and repeatable. There isn’t one single ‘right’ way, but there are some common things that work for most people. Try to keep your hands relaxed; a death grip will just make your wrists stiff. Many junior golfers find success with a neutral grip, where your hands are positioned directly in front of each other. Some players like to overlap their fingers, others prefer to keep them side-by-side, or even have their pinky finger rest on the grip. The key is to find what feels natural and allows for a smooth stroke. Experiment a bit to see what works best for you. A good starting point is to have the putter shaft run up your lead arm.
Finding Your Stance Sweet Spot
Next up is your stance. This is where you stand over the ball. You want to feel balanced and stable. Most golfers stand with their feet about shoulder-width apart, but it can vary. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and can swing the putter without feeling off-balance. Your eyes should be directly over the ball, or maybe just slightly inside it. This helps you see the line of the putt better. Keep your knees slightly bent, and your weight pretty evenly distributed. It’s about finding a position where you feel like you can make a consistent stroke, like a statue.
Mastering Your Stroke Path
Now for the actual stroke. The goal here is a smooth, pendulum-like motion. Think about keeping your shoulders and upper body steady while your arms and the putter move. Your wrists should stay quiet. A common mistake is to try and ‘hit’ the ball or use too much wrist action. Instead, try to rock your shoulders back and forth. This keeps the putter head moving on a consistent path. Imagine a gate for the putter head to swing through. Keeping the putter face square through impact is super important for accuracy.
A good putting stroke feels like a natural swing, not a jab or a hit. Focus on a smooth tempo and letting the putter do the work.
Putting Drills For Accuracy
Alright, let’s talk about getting those putts to drop! Accuracy is key on the green, and luckily, there are some super effective drills to help you nail it. We’re going to focus on making sure your putts go where you aim them, every single time.
The Gate Drill Challenge
This is a classic for a reason. You set up two tees just a little wider than your putter head, right in front of the ball. The goal is to send your putt through this ‘gate’ without touching the tees. It forces you to really focus on your stroke path and making sure the putter face is square at impact. Start close to the hole and work your way back. It’s a simple way to improve your putting speed control with six effective drills.
Ladder Drills For Distance Control
Distance control is just as important as direction. For this drill, you’ll set up a series of balls at increasing distances from the hole – say, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 feet. Your objective is to get each putt to stop within a certain zone around the hole, maybe a three-foot circle. If you miss the zone, you have to do it again! This really helps you feel the different speeds needed for different lengths of putts.
The Clock Drill Consistency
This one is great for working on putts from all around the hole. Imagine a clock face with the hole in the center. Place balls at different ‘hour’ marks, maybe at 3, 6, 9, and 12 feet away. Then, putt each ball, trying to get it to stop within a foot or two of the hole.
This drill is fantastic for building confidence on those shorter putts that can sometimes be the trickiest. It’s all about repetition and getting comfortable with the feel of the stroke from various angles.
The real secret is consistent practice. Don’t just go through the motions; really focus on what you’re trying to achieve with each stroke. You’ll see a big difference in your accuracy before you know it!
Boosting Confidence On The Green
Short Putt Success Secrets
Getting those short putts to drop is all about routine and commitment. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about believing you will make it. Start by setting up the same way every time. Your grip should feel comfortable, your eyes over the ball, and your shoulders relaxed. Commit to your line and stroke. Don’t second-guess yourself over those 3-footers. Practice them until they feel automatic. Think about making a smooth, pendulum-like motion with your shoulders, keeping your wrists quiet. It’s the little things that add up to big confidence.
Navigating Breaking Putts
Reading greens can feel like a puzzle sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be so tricky. When you’re facing a putt with a curve, take a moment to really look at it from both sides of the hole if you can. See how the land slopes? That’s where the break comes from. Try to visualize the path the ball will take, like a little arc. A good way to practice this is using the Gate Drill – set up two tees just wider than your putter head, a little in front of the ball, on the line you want to start the putt. This helps you get the ball rolling on your intended line, which is half the battle with breaking putts.
Making More Putts Under Pressure
Pressure is a funny thing in golf. It can make simple putts feel like a mile long. The best way to handle it is to practice with pressure. Try playing a game where you have to make a certain number of putts in a row from different distances. If you miss, you start over. This simulates those clutch moments on the course. Another trick is to have a pre-putt routine that you stick to, no matter what. It gives you something familiar to focus on when nerves start to creep in. Remember, every golfer feels it, but you can learn to use it to your advantage.
Developing Feel And Touch
Lag Putting Like A Pro
Getting the ball close on long putts is a real skill, and it all comes down to feel. You don’t want to be trying to ram it in from 50 feet; instead, focus on getting it within a few feet of the hole. Think about the speed of the greens. Are they fast and slick, or a bit slower and more receptive? Adjust your stroke length accordingly. A good way to practice this is to pick a spot on the green about 30-40 feet away and try to get your ball to stop within a 3-foot circle around that spot. It’s all about controlling the pace, not just the direction. Practice makes perfect when it comes to lag putting.
Reading Greens With Ease
Reading greens can feel like a mystery sometimes, but it’s really about observation and a little bit of logic. Look at the overall slope of the green, but also pay attention to the subtle breaks around the hole. Is the ball going to break left, right, or maybe even uphill or downhill? You can get a feel for this by walking around the hole and even tapping the ground with your putter. Sometimes, just watching your playing partners’ putts can give you clues about how the ball is rolling. It’s like solving a puzzle, and the more you practice, the better you’ll get at seeing the breaks. Try the 4 Tee Drill to get a feel for different slopes.
Putting From Different Lies
Sometimes you’ll find your ball sitting in a less-than-ideal spot on the green, maybe a little downhill or even in a divot. Don’t let it throw you off! The key here is to adjust your setup. If it’s downhill, you might need to stand a little closer to the ball and use a slightly softer grip. If it’s uphill, you might need to stand a bit further away and take a slightly bigger swing. The goal is still to get the ball to the hole, but you have to account for how the lie will affect the roll. It’s about adapting your stroke to the situation.
Fun Ways To Practice
Let’s be honest, sometimes practicing can feel like a chore, right? But it doesn’t have to be! Making practice enjoyable is a big part of sticking with it and actually getting better. When you’re having fun, you’re more likely to put in the time, and that’s where the magic happens. Turning drills into games is a fantastic way to keep your motivation high.
Putting Games For Friends
Grab a couple of buddies and turn your practice session into a friendly competition. You can set up mini-putting courses on the practice green, or even just play a simple stroke play game. Another idea is to play a "best ball" format where you each putt from the same spot, and the lowest score counts. It’s a great way to work on your game while enjoying some social time. You might even find yourself playing better under a little friendly pressure, just like you would on the course. Check out some ideas for improving your short game here.
Creating Your Own Drills
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Think about what aspects of your putting you want to work on most. Maybe you struggle with short putts? Set up a series of putts from 3 to 5 feet and try to make them all. Or perhaps distance control is your issue? Try the ladder drill, where you putt balls to different distances and try to get them within a certain circle. The key is to make the drills challenging but achievable. You can even use tees to mark specific spots or create your own
Keep Practicing, Keep Improving!
So there you have it, some solid ways to help your young golfer get better on the greens. Remember, putting is a big part of the game, and getting these drills down can really make a difference. Don’t expect miracles overnight, but with a little patience and consistent practice, you’ll see those putts start dropping. Keep it fun, celebrate the good strokes, and before you know it, your junior golfer will be sinking putts like a pro. Happy putting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the right grip on the putter?
Start by making sure your hands are placed comfortably on the club. Your left hand (for right-handed players) should be on top, and your right hand should be below it. The grip should feel firm but not too tight, like holding a bird – you don’t want to squeeze it to death!
What’s the best way to stand over the ball?
Stand so your eyes are directly over the ball. Your feet should be about as wide as your shoulders, with a slight bend in your knees. Keep your body relaxed and your shoulders level.
What is the gate drill and how does it help?
The gate drill is great for keeping your putter head moving straight back and then straight through the ball. Set up two tees just wider than your putter head on either side of the ball, creating a small gate. The goal is to swing your putter through this gate without hitting the tees.
How can ladder drills improve my distance control?
Ladder drills help you get a feel for how hard to hit the ball. Place balls at different distances from the hole, like 5, 10, and 15 feet. Try to get your putts to stop just past the hole at each distance. This teaches you to control the speed of your stroke.
How can I get more confident with short putts?
To build confidence, focus on making those short putts first. Practice them over and over until they feel automatic. Seeing those short ones drop will really boost your belief in your ability to make longer ones too.
What does ‘reading greens’ mean and why is it important?
Reading greens means looking at how the ground slopes. Is it uphill, downhill, or sidehill? Watching how the ball rolls on practice putts and looking for subtle dips and rises will help you figure out the best line to aim for.