Learn the Proper Pendulum Putting Stroke

Putting Tips: Learn the Proper Pendulum Putting Stroke for Duffers
by Wayne Hudler

Do you putt like the pros? Are you comfortable when standing over a putt and confident you will make a good stroke? Revealed in this article you will find the secrets to putting consistently well just like the pros. In the next few minutes you will discover the super simple putting style that will help you to reduce your total putts per round and lower your scores. Unless you are making every putt you face, you can't afford to miss reading this.

There are two popular types of putting strokes. They are known as pendulum and pivot putting.

Which one is better has long been debated by golfers of all levels. How do you determine which style of putting stroke is best for your game? As you read this article you will find yourself becoming more and more convinced that the pendulum putting style is the one for you and you will know just the right way execute this popular putting technique.

The pendulum stroke is the easiest stroke for a duffer to master because the putter stays square to the target line throughout the stroke similar to the movement of a clock pendulum, hence the name.

The pivot stroke has the putter moving like a gate in that the putter begins square behind the ball at address then becomes open during the back swing, goes back to square at the ball during the forward stroke and finally becomes closed just after impact. That is complicated enough to explain much less execute perfectly every time.

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So if the pendulum putting style is best what is the correct technique for executing this swing properly?

The beauty of this putting style is that the movements are simple and natural. That leaves the mind free to work on the important variables of the putt (line and speed) rather than the mechanics of the stroke.

Here are the keys to making the proper stroke.

First, during your address you should lean forward from the hips with the knees slightly bent. This places your eyes over or just inside the ball and positions your shoulders for a more up and down motion rather than a back and forth motion.

Next grip the putter in whatever fashion you prefer, this establishes the triangle formed by a line drawn from shoulder to shoulder, then down one arm to the putter and back up the other arm to the shoulder. This all important triangle must be maintained throughout the entire stroke.

Dooley's putting recommendations

Now we are ready to begin the stroke. Using the spine as the center point the back shoulder moves up and the front shoulder moves down taking the putter back away from the ball. This movement should be smooth and under control, not fast or jerky. The hands and arms are just the connection between the shoulders and the putter.

As the back stroke is completed, that is the putter head is now the desired distance away from the ball the transition to the forward swing takes place. It is important that this be done smoothly. Don't rush it that will most certainly result in the putt being mishit in some fashion. Allow the momentum of the backswing to convert to the forward swing smoothly just as the clock pendulum does.

Dooley's putting recommendations

Then we have the forward swing. The shoulders move in reverse fashion. That is the right shoulder moves down and the left shoulder moves up. This should happen in unison. Don't permit one shoulder to move without the other. The movement should look to an observer just like a grandfather clock.

The speed and length of the forward swing should be the same as that of the back swing.

The putter head should move forward through the ball along the intended line of the putt. The putter face should remain square to the target line throughout the entire putt.

The wrists do not bend or hinge during the stroke. The putter movement is driven entirely by the shoulders moving up and down around the spine.

Remember to stay calm and relaxed during the stroke as tension will cause all manner of trouble.

Dooley's putting recommendations

Practice this stroke and you will be convinced that it the right stroke for you game too. Imagine yourself putting confidently and consistently as soon as your next round now that you know the secrets to the pendulum putting stroke. You will not only impress your golfing buddies but yourself as well.

Find the best information to help with your putting game here: Dooley's putting recommendations

Wayne Hudler is an avid golfer of over 30 years and golf writer. He has been recognized as an expert by the leading online article directory.

Dooley Duffer Golf is devoted to helping ordinary golfers (duffers) improve. Are you a duffer? Visit Dooley Duffer Golf where you will find an ever growing collection of improvement resources. Dooley Duffer Golf

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