Unlock Your Putting Potential: Lessons from Basketball
GOLF Teacher to Watch Chad Gibbs explains how borrowing skills from a basketball player at the free throw line can enhance your putting game. Getty Images
Many golfers find themselves struggling with putting, often due to the fixation on perfection. This robotic approach, driven by a desire for mastery over a delicate skill, may seem logical. Innovations in technology have provided golfers with data on everything from face angle to ball roll. However, despite these advancements, there has been minimal improvement in overall putting performance.
Why Does This Happen?
The crux of the issue lies in the overly mechanical mindset that many golfers adopt. With vast amounts of data at our fingertips, golfers sometimes forget the importance of fluidity and athleticism in their strokes. The key to improving your putting is to embrace a more fluid and instinctive approach.
How Basketball Can Transform Your Putting Game
Drawing from my experiences in basketball, both in organized games and at Duke University—home to one of the most successful college basketball programs—I have observed striking similarities between basketball shooting and putting. The core principle remains the same: targeting.
Once you identify your target and understand the distance, you can focus solely on executing your shot or roll.
The Basketball-Putting Checklist
To enhance your putting, adopt the following checklist used by basketball players shooting free throws:
Establish a Target: Identify a target just in front of your ball or in your intermediate line. Having a point of focus is crucial.
Fluid Pre-Putt Routine: Just like a basketball player’s free-throw routine, your putting routine should have consistent rhythm and timing. After determining your target, step into your putt smoothly, align your putter behind the ball, check your alignment, and confirm your target visually.
- Trust Your Stroke: Once set, avoid overthinking. Act like an athlete, trust your instincts, and let your stroke flow.
Post-Putt Reflection
After making your putt, don’t simply watch the ball. Instead, reflect on these three questions:
- Did I read the green correctly?
- Did I start the ball on my intended line?
- Did I use the correct speed?
Shifting your focus from mechanical execution to target-oriented thinking allows putting to become more instinctive. By implementing these concepts, many golfers will likely discover improvements in their putting performance.
Recommended Putting Tools
Consider utilizing quality training aids to further enhance your skills. Check out the Perfect Putting Mat – Compact Edition, trusted by over 100 PGA and LPGA Tour professionals, available for $129.99 from Fairway Jockey.
By incorporating the fluidity of basketball into your putting routine, you can unlock your potential on the greens. The journey to becoming a better putter starts with trust, rhythm, and a focus on targeting. Embrace these principles, and watch your game improve remarkably.
