Hi, I have recently bought Optimal Putting and really think that I have found the putting instruction for me. I am struggling a bit with the rear (right) shoulder becoming active in the stroke, probably a remnant from bad old habits. It results in puts being pushed to the right. At the end of the stroke the shoulder is a bit tense and pushed outwards, the blade is closed. I have perfect practise puts! Would be very grateful for tips on how to get rid of this unconcious habit.

Dear Anders,

Try putting with only your left arm, taking care to coordinate the motion of the left shoulder with the putter head in the thru-stroke, so that the left shoulder does not stall out before the stroke is completed but continues upward in the thru-stroke vertically away from the ground. The left armpit should not open much if any in the thru-stroke.

Then, after some of this, add the right hand onto the putter but only very casually, without engaging the right hand in holding or gripping the handle, but with the right hand only passively accompanying the left hand and arm.

Finally, focus on keeping the throat line and middle of the body from shifting across the midline of the stroke (as defined at setup by the leading edge of the putter face) during the thru-stroke in the direction of the target. That is, stay back behind this midline with the upper torso once the putter head reaches the bottom of the stroke going forward.

At the end of the day you should end up having a conscious awareness (during practice, but none especially during play) of the left shoulder and the throat area being the main body parts involved in the stroke.

You can also practice along a baseboard of a wall by setting the putter toe close to the baseboard and then making strokes the hew close to the wall without hitting the wall in the thru-stroke.

Cheers!

Geoff Mangum
Putting Coach and Theorist

Offering Free Podcast Tips for Putting Every Friday on GolfSmarterTips.com.

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Thanks a lot Geoff! Feels better already after the first practice seesion following your advice.

I tried your tip called "Elbow InTurn" and this actually all but solved the problem with my rear shoulder. Now feel much more connected, and the rear shoulder has a hard time trying to live a life of its own. Thanks!