2torial #0814: Learn2 Sink a Putt (Continued) Read the green--more advanced putting techniques Greens are built with all sorts of undulations--hills and valleys that challenge your putting skills. And don't forget--they're made with grass, which changes according to seasonal and daily weather patterns. Expecially with longer putts, these are factors you'll have to consider if you want to improve your putting. A slope on the green that travels either left or right will generally cause the ball to curve off in the same direction. This is called a break. Generally, speaking, the softer you hit the ball, the greater the breaking influence. Try to anticipate how much the ball will break its line to the cup, and whether it will break to the left or to the right. Adjust the angle of your stance to compensate so that the slope of the green will actually help guide the ball into the cup. For instance, if the green breaks 15 degrees to the left, and aim for a spot about 15 degrees to the right of the cup. After you putt, the ball should then curve to the left just in time to drop into the cup. (You can also measure the break in terms of inches. Putt the ball straight at the cup, as if no break were present. Let's say the balls stops about 8 inches (20 cm) to the left of the cup. With your next practice ball, aim for a spot 8 inches (20 cm) to the right of the cup, and stroke away.) The quality of the surface of greens varies considerably. Short, dry, smooth, and evenly mowed grass will make the ball travel faster than average. This is referred to as a fast green. Grass that's long, rough, or uneven produces a slow green. Pay attention to how your ball rolls each time you putt, and adjust the length of your swing based on these observations. Do remember there are any number of variations on the putting green. Some of them will be virtually impossible to see. This factor lets you off the hook if you putt was way off the mark. Don't sweat it! You'll have plenty of other opportunities to practice. Give yourself plenty of time to practice, and learn from your mistakes. Stay loose, remember to breathe deeply and evenly, and concentrate only on the putt you're making at this moment. Gradually you'll develop a feel for putting which only comes from repetiton and concentration. Enjoy deeply that very satisfying clunk when the ball drops in the cup. -end- Learn More! or All steps at once (printable version)