| A forward press is a technique that some golfers use | | | | backwards. It also helps you to get away from |
| to initiate their putting stroke. The question is | | | | thinking how to start your putter back. |
| whether this technique is a good or bad habit. | | | | Should you use a forward press as a trigger if you |
| Putting is at the precision end of golf. To putt well | | | | are troubled with initiating a smooth take-away? My |
| you need to have a putting stroke that moves | | | | view is yes, if it works for you. However, the |
| smoothly backwards and forwards. | | | | movement of your hands forward should be tiny. |
| Unfortunately when the cards were dealt, not | | | | You don't want to close down your putterface or |
| everyone was blessed with steady hands and a | | | | change the direction of its aim. |
| natural ability to block out negative thoughts from | | | | Every putter has a built-in loft angle between three |
| their mind. | | | | and five degrees. The loft is designed to lift your ball |
| Many golfers struggle to start a smooth backstroke | | | | out of its resting place on the green so that it starts |
| from a stationary start. As hard as they try there is | | | | rolling on top of the grass as quickly as possible. |
| an involuntary wobble at the beginning of their stroke | | | | If you decide to use a forward press, my advice |
| that moves their putter off-line as it goes back. | | | | would be to set up with your putter shaft vertical |
| Conscious of the erratic path of their backstroke | | | | rather than leaning forward. |
| they compound their problem by freezing over the | | | | Another technique to ensuring a smooth take-away |
| ball on a short putt. Left unchecked this mental block | | | | and to relieve the tension in your arms is to hover |
| can eventually lead to the yips. | | | | your putter rather than ground it. Because your |
| Starting any movement from a stationary start is | | | | putter is not resting on the ground, there is no |
| difficult. Fluidity in movement is easier when it is | | | | surface resistance when you start your backstroke. |
| continuous with each motion flowing into the next. | | | | Whatever method you choose to help you iron out |
| If you watch the athletes at track and field | | | | the annoying zig-zag of your putter path, resist the |
| meetings, you will see that the jumpers and pole | | | | temptation to watch your putter head as it goes |
| vaulters rock forwards and backwards before they | | | | back. Keep your eyes focussed on your ball or your |
| set off. The act of rocking helps to initiate their run | | | | spot. Try also to maintain a light grip to reduce any |
| in. | | | | build-up of tension. |
| In putting the same idea is used in the forward press. | | | | Lastly check your breathing. If you breathe while you |
| It is easier to start your backstroke if you first press | | | | putt, your putter will wobble. Either expel your breath |
| slightly forwards in the opposite direction. The | | | | or hold it for the duration of your stroke. This is not |
| movement forwards helps the movement | | | | difficult to do, only difficult to remember. |