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Golf Tips: Putting Deceleration
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Start from this position and push the ball toward the target to eliminate deceleration[/caption]
One big problem golfers can have on the green is decelerating. Decelerating means that the club is slowing down at impact.
Problems Caused
Deceleration can cause all sorts of problems. First, the putt will likely travel off line, and probably to the left for right-handed golfers. The deceleration causes the putter face to close and the putter to go from outside the line to inside.
Another bad problem with deceleration is distance control. If the putter head is slowing down at impact, it is nearly impossible to putt with any distance accuracy. Most often putts will end up short due to deceleration.
Deceleration Cure
There's a very simple and effective drill to cure putting deceleration. A hockey style sweep of the ball is the answer. Pick a putt at a certain distance to practice, for instance if you decelerate on 3-foot putts. Place a few balls down to putt. Instead of taking the putter back, then through, start the stroke with the putter touching the ball. Push or sweep the ball toward the hole. It is impossible to decelerate when starting at zero!
After practicing pushing or putting hockey style, try to carry over the feel of accelerating through the hitting area to your regular putts.
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