A putting approach that deliberately moves away from standard coaching cues is gaining traction on practice greens adn in online instruction circles as a potential remedy for chronic short‑game accuracy issues. Advocates describe a system that prioritizes refined stroke mechanics, sensory feedback and pace rather than rigid textbook positions, promising steadier results on mid‑to‑short putts – a claim that has drawn trial by club players and teachers alike. The label fits the common definition of “unorthodox” – departing from customary practice – and the conversation now focuses on whether the compromises of an atypical stance and stroke produce measurable improvements in putting outcomes.Note: ”Unorthodox” is also the title of a Netflix miniseries about a young Hasidic Jewish woman who leaves her community for Berlin – unrelated to the putting concept discussed here.
Coach Demonstrates Unorthodox Eye Alignment That Improves Aim and Impact
At a recent practice‑green session that drew notice, an instructor unveiled an unorthodox eye‑positioning intended to sharpen both direction and strike by altering how the player visually references the target line. Observers reported the coach telling right‑handed golfers to position their dominant eye about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) inside the target line rather than directly above the ball. That slight shift creates a new sightline that tends to promote a square putter face at impact and encourages a more neutral path. According to the instructor, the tweak helps prevent the face from closing through impact and improves accuracy on downhill and breaking putts. This unorthodox putting technique could be the fix your putting needs for players who haven’t found consistent face control and distance on the greens using “eyes over the ball” cues.
The coach provided a clear setup routine any golfer can follow. Start with a relaxed stance approximately shoulder‑width (roughly 20-24 inches), a small knee bend and a hip hinge placing the eyes roughly 34-38 inches off the ground depending on height. then tilt the head so the dominant eye sits 1-2 inches inside the target line and check that the putter face looks square to that new line. Key technical points include a putter loft near 3-4 degrees, hands slightly forward of the ball at address, and either a straight‑back/straight‑through stroke or a very mild arc based on individual release tendencies. Suggested practice drills:
- Gate drill with alignment sticks to confirm the putter travels square to the revised sightline;
- one‑hand pendulum drill (30-60 seconds per hand) to build wrist stability and consistent contact;
- Mirror work to visually lock in dominant eye placement until it feels natural.
These checks establish a repeatable pre‑shot routine that’s approachable for beginners and tunable for lower handicappers.
Moving from the range into actual rounds, the coach explained how the eye offset changes reads and pace decisions. With a different visual anchor many players report the putter face more reliably returns to square, helping on breaking shots and cutting down face rotation that produces pulls and pushes. The instructor offered measurable practice targets: make 40-50 consecutive putts from 3 feet, achieve ~60% success on 8-12 footers during practice, and aim to lower three‑putt frequency by at least 20% inside six weeks. To transfer the change into real play use situational drills – lagging to a towel at 30-40 feet to simulate green speed and pressure, and practicing holing downhill left‑to‑right and uphill right‑to‑left putts to see how the new sightline alters reads.Common faults and fixes include:
- “Looking through” instead of focusing on the ball – remedy by fixing the gaze on the ball’s equator;
- Compensating with excess shoulder rotation – correct with shorter strokes and mirror feedback;
- Grip‑pressure shifts – keep a light, consistent hold and test tension in 10‑minute blocks to find a repeatable feel.
Equipment and the rules of the game were part of the discussion.The coach recommended ensuring putter length and lie work with the adjusted eye position: many players benefit from a length that allows a slight forward press so the eyes maintain the intended offset without excessive stooping. Subtle alignment aids – a single sightline on the putter head or a discrete headcover stripe – can help preserve the new visual reference during play. Crucially, the method adheres to the Rules of Golf: it involves no anchoring and uses standard club characteristics acceptable under R&A and USGA regulations.To deal with course variables, slightly alter stroke length and face angle for quicker greens (higher Stimpmeter numbers) and windy conditions; test changes on practice greens with known Stimpmeter values to dial in feel.
The coach also tied the physical adjustment to the psychological and strategic elements of scoring. He suggested a phased two‑week rollout: phase one – build baseline consistency with 15-20 minutes of daily drills; phase two – introduce pressure through matchplay or timed routines; phase three – use the alignment during full rounds targeting a 0.5 stroke reduction on scoring holes. The plan catered to different learning preferences – visual players use video and mirror checks, kinesthetic learners try blindfolded stroking and one‑hand work, and analytic types monitor stats like putts per round and make percentage by distance. With disciplined practice and on‑course application the approach can become a practical component of a player’s short‑game toolbox.
Grip Adjustment and wrist Lock Techniques Recommended by Tour Players for Cleaner Roll
At tour level the smallest adjustments at address often yield the cleanest roll. Observers note the best results appear when golfers adopt a mild forward shaft lean of 2-4°,a shoulder‑width stance (≈18-20 in),and position the ball just slightly forward of center. That setup produces a shallower attack angle so the 3-4° built‑in loft on most putters can deliver topspin quickly rather than a prolonged skid. Players who pair a light, steady grip (about 2-3 on a 10‑point scale) with a controlled wrist‑lock report improved distance control and fewer three‑putts. From setup to stroke, initiate motion from the shoulders and keep forearms and hands acting together to preserve the initial roll.
To create a reliable wrist‑lock and compatible grip, follow a simple progression appropriate for all levels. First, pick a grip that discourages unwanted wrist action – for example, reverse‑overlap or a claw for those prone to flicking.Next, set the forward shaft lean and brace the lead wrist to a neutral or slightly extended position rather than letting it collapse. Remember anchoring was banned in 2016, so any long shaft must be used free of body anchoring. Useful drills include:
- Mirror checks to confirm eyes over or slightly inside the ball and minimal wrist hinge;
- Towel‑under‑armpits drill to ensure the shoulders – not the wrists - drive the stroke;
- Gate‑and‑tee exercises to encourage a square face at impact.
these checkpoints promote consistency when stakes are high.
Wrist‑lock should be thought of as a controlled restriction, not a rigid freeze: limit wrist break to roughly 10-15° through the stroke to produce a shoulder‑driven, pendulum‑like motion. beginners can feel the movement with one‑hand drills using the lead hand; advanced players benefit from high‑frame‑rate video (120 fps) to analyse wrist angles and sequencing. A practical benchmark is getting the ball to true roll within 12-18 inches of contact; if the ball hops or delays rolling beyond that, reduce loft at impact with a slight forward press or relax grip pressure for cleaner face‑to‑ball contact.
Gear and surface conditions influence which technique suits you. Larger, heavier grips help dampen wrist action and assist those fighting a flick; fingertip grips increase feedback but require better wrist discipline. Putter loft and face technology matter – 3-4° of loft is typical and pairs well with a neutral attack angle to encourage topspin. on fast, firm greens shorten your stroke and trust the roll; on slow or wet surfaces lengthen follow‑through to preserve pace.Test new methods in practice rounds rather than competitive events so you can adapt to true green speeds without risking scorecard consequences. This unorthodox putting technique could be the fix your putting needs, but give it time to bed in before using it under tournament pressure.
Turn technical work into scoring gains with structured practice and mental routines.A sample session could be: 15-20 minutes warming up on short putts (3-6 ft), 20 minutes of lag practice from 20-50 ft using target circles and logging misses, plus weekly video review. A metronome or internal count helps establish a 2:1 backswing‑to‑follow‑through ratio for steady tempo. Typical errors – gripping too tightly, early wrist collapse and over‑reading breaks – are corrected through the drills and a pre‑putt routine that includes one committed practice stroke and a single speed thought. By combining grip tweaks, wrist‑lock mechanics, equipment selection and course strategy, players from beginners to low‑handicappers can achieve a truer roll and cut putts per round.
Body Positioning and Stroke Length prescriptions to Eliminate Yips and Decelerations
Coaches often find the antidote to poor speed control and yips starts with a disciplined, repeatable setup that lowers variability in the stroke. Establish a stance about shoulder‑width (roughly 8-12 inches between insteps), a slight knee bend and a spine tilt of 5-8° forward so the eyes sit directly over or just inside the ball. From there adopt a neutral grip with the shaft leaning slightly forward so hands rest 1-2 inches ahead of the ball at address – promoting forward roll and reducing skid. Setup checkpoints:
- feet and toe lines parallel to the target line,
- eyes over or marginally inside the ball,
- minimal wrist hinge so the hands act as an extension of the shoulders,
- soft, engaged knees and hips with no active lower‑body shifting during the stroke.
These fundamentals create the biomechanical platform for a shoulder pendulum and limit the small, erratic motions that produce yips and late deceleration.
Coaches then prescribe measurable stroke lengths and tempos to stop deceleration before impact. A common guideline is to scale backswing roughly 0.8-1.0 inch per foot of putt – as a notable example, a 6‑foot putt uses about a 5-6 inch backswing. Pair that with a steady rhythm such as a backswing:forward tempo near 2:1 to encourage acceleration through the ball. The objective is no deceleration at contact; the putter should be accelerating as it passes the ball toward the hole. Helpful drills:
- impact tape or a marker to verify a single, repeatable strike point,
- metronome practice (60-80 BPM) to internalize tempo,
- the “one‑inch test” on very short putts to feel consistent acceleration through the ball.
These prescriptions lead to better distance control and fewer decelerated failures.
For players plagued by yips, shifting the motion into larger muscles reduces dependence on spasmodic fingers. Adopt a shoulder‑driven pendulum stroke where the arms swing from the chest and wrists remain passive with the head steady. Variations supported by this unorthodox thinking include fixed‑arm chest strokes (non‑anchored) or a cross‑hand grip to interrupt the reflex loop that produces yips. A stepwise transition plan:
- Practice three minutes daily with a broom handle across the chest to feel shoulder rotation;
- Progress to a short indoor putter concentrating only on backstroke length;
- Introduce eyes‑closed strokes to build proprioceptive consistency.
Set targets such as reducing wrist hinge to under 5° on short putts and performing 100 shoulder‑driven repetitions per session until you can roll 10 of 12 one‑foot targets reliably.
Weekly practice structure ties mechanics to on‑course results. A sample week could include:
- Alignment and short‑putt competition – three sets of 20 five‑footers aiming for ≥70% makes,
- Distance ladder – tees at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 feet with 10 putts each using prescribed backswing lengths and tracking proximity within a 24‑inch circle,
- Yips desensitization – 50 shoulder strokes with eyes closed followed by 50 open‑eye strokes,
- Green‑reading under pressure – a mock 9‑hole sequence where every lag inside 6 feet counts as a “save” and conversion rate is tallied.
Practice across conditions – fast, windy mornings and slower, dewier evenings – to learn how green speed and grain affect your stroke length and tempo. Use a concise 5‑count pre‑shot routine during competition, lock to a single speed target and maintain one forward acceleration thought to avoid late‑stroke deceleration.
Equipment and course management connect the technical work to lower scores. Ensure your putter dynamics fit your method – many fitters suggest 3-4° of loft for modern greens to encourage forward roll and a grip size that limits wrist action (oversized grips can help reduce flicking). Troubleshooting checklist:
- If the ball skids – add about 1° of loft or increase forward press ~0.5-1 inch,
- If putts finish short – lengthen backswing by 10-15% or slightly quicken tempo,
- If yips appear under pressure – try a cross‑hand or claw grip and focus on shoulder rotation drills for two weeks.
On the course, favour lagging to the high side on fast greens and adopt conservative two‑putt tactics into strong winds. Over an 8‑week block, set milestones such as a 10% drop in three‑putts, a 15% lift in make rate from 6-8 feet, and consistent lag conversions to within 18 inches.with disciplined setup, stroke prescriptions, targeted drills and equipment tuning, golfers from novices to low handicappers can reduce deceleration and the yips while improving scoring consistency.
Practice Drill Featuring Parallel Ball Line Test to Calibrate Speed and path
Presented as a practical field routine, the parallel ball line test is an evidence‑oriented calibration drill that links short‑game feel to measurable speed and path outcomes, enhancing putting consistency and scoring. The goal is straightforward: train eye‑hand timing so the putter face is square at impact and the ball’s roll matches green speed. For reference, many public courses run between Stimpmeter 8-11 ft, so tailor practice targets to that range. The drill also reinforces tempo and rhythm - qualities that transfer between putting and the full swing.
Set up clearly: lay an alignment stick or string to mark the intended line, place two balls parallel to that line 6-12 inches apart and station them 6-15 feet from the hole depending on training focus. Take your normal setup with eyes over or slightly inside the ball line and a shaft lean that gives roughly 3-4° loft at address. hit 10 strokes trying to send each ball between the parallel markers and score whether each ball tracks inside, square or outside the corridor. The drill exposes toe‑ or heel‑side tendencies in real time and helps diagnose face‑path relationships beyond subjective feel.This unorthodox putting technique could be the fix your putting needs when recurring direction errors appear.
Progress the drill by difficulty and specificity. Beginners tighten spacing (e.g., 6 ft with a 6 in gap) to focus on centered strikes. Intermediates extend distance to 12-20 ft and vary spacing to challenge speed and path control. Low handicappers add pressure (e.g., 8/10 accomplished runs) and simulate subtle breaks by angling the alignment stick 1-2°. Variations:
- Parallel Ball Drill – basic calibration, 6-12 in spacing, 6-15 ft distance
- Accent Speed Drill – same layout but aim to leave the ball within 6 inches past the hole
- Path Correction Drill – place a small tee near the putter toe to observe rotation through impact
These versions serve visual, kinesthetic and analytical learners alike.
Common errors show up quickly and are straightforward to correct. If balls consistently travel left of the corridor, check for an open face at impact or an outside‑in path – correct with a gate drill using tees to promote square‑to‑square motion. If they run right,look for a closed face or inside‑out path and address with mirror face‑angle checks and a reduced takeaway. Technical targets: aim for a near‑1:1 backstroke‑to‑follow‑through ratio with a slight forward press, and keep the putterhead moving low‑to‑high through impact to encourage true roll. Adjust for conditions – on very fast, dry greens shorten stroke length by about 20-30%; on slow or damp greens ramp up acceleration through the ball. these in‑round adjustments help decide when to go for a birdie putt or play conservatively for two.
Make this drill part of pre‑round routines for better scoring. Spend 5-10 minutes on the practice green running the parallel test to calibrate to the day’s Stimpmeter; doing so regularly can lead to fewer three‑putts. Check equipment – putter loft, length and grip size should match your motion (a longer putter can definitely help players with limited shoulder rotation). Couple the physical work with a short pre‑shot routine, visualizing the ball rolling between the parallels and setting a numeric session goal (e.g., 80% control at 10-15 ft). Used consistently, the drill provides repeatable metrics and practical scenarios that convert practice into lower scores.
when to use the Unorthodox Method During Competition and How to Transition Safely
Competition context dictates when switching from a conventional technique makes sense. Consider the unorthodox method if a persistent mechanical flaw or reading issue is costing you strokes – for example, frequent three‑putts inside 30 feet, inability to judge pace on greens running 9-11 ft on the Stimpmeter, or a repeatable directional miss despite sound alignment.Remember anchoring the club to the body is banned under the Rules of Golf, so any variation must be non‑anchored and fully legal. before switching, use a decision checklist: confirm the fault reproduces in practice, ensure the choice conforms to the Rules, and allow at least one full practice session (30-45 minutes) on tournament greens before deploying it in rounds.
Transitioning safely means a staged, metrics‑based plan to protect confidence in pressure moments. Reaffirm basics: set ball position slightly forward of center for a shorter arc, adopt hip‑width stance, keep eyes over or slightly inside the ball, and use a shoulder‑lead pendulum with minimal wrist motion.Equipment notes: standard putter lengths run ~33-35 inches,while long putters are typically 48-52 inches – if you choose a longer shaft,employ it without anchoring and with a two‑handed technique.Suggested progression:
- practice on a level mat indoors until you make 8/10 putts from 3 ft consistently;
- Move to 6-10 ft on the practice green and reach ~50% makes within two sessions;
- Then test on downhill and sidehill lies before using in competition.
Taking small steps reduces mid‑round surprises and preserves pace of play.
Concrete drills speed adaptation and provide objective benchmarks. Try:
- Gate Drill: two tees outside the putterhead to enforce a square face at impact; goal – 9/10 passes from 3 ft;
- Ladder Drill: balls at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 ft; record make rates and aim for weekly improvements of +10% at each distance;
- Tempo Metronome: use 60-70 bpm to target a 1:1 backswing:follow‑through rhythm; seek consistent launch with 1-3 inch variance;
- Speed Control Rollouts: from 20-30 ft, measure stopping position (within 1.5 ft = acceptable); target 70% inside this radius.
Log results and use them to decide whether to introduce the unorthodox elements into competition.
Typical mistakes are identifiable and correctable with immediate actions. Common faults include excessive grip tension (aim for 3-4/10 on a relaxed scale), wrist failure at impact, and incorrect face alignment (toe/heel bias). Remedies: mirror checks for face angle, a towel‑under‑armpits or short arm‑lock (non‑anchored) drill to promote a shoulder‑driven stroke, and grip‑pressure holds of 30 seconds between reps to engrain the feel. For finer tuning, change loft and lie in 1-2° steps if launch is off, and consult a fitter to match head weight and shaft flex to your pendulum frequency. Small, measured tweaks often produce immediate improvements in roll and reads.
Integrate course strategy and mental routines so changes pay off under tournament stress. Switch only when expected value favors the change – for example, if you currently average +0.5 strokes per hole inside 30 feet, a new method that projects to lower that to +0.2 is worth testing. Before doing so in a round, warm up for 5-10 minutes and perform one or two competitive pre‑round tests (e.g., three consecutive putts from 10 ft). adjust for conditions: on cold, slow greens focus on accelerating through the ball; on brisk greens shorten backstroke and emphasize face control. Mentally commit with breathing cues, a short pre‑shot routine and one performance metric (such as speed control) to avoid overthinking. Combined technical drills, gear checks and situational strategy let golfers safely and measurably transition to an unorthodox putting method and turn practice experiments into scoring gains.
Data shows Drop in Multiple Putt Frequency After Consistent Short Game Work With New Technique
Coaches running structured programs report consistent reductions in multiple‑putt rates after players adopt a focused short‑game regimen coupled with a new putting approach. Across several coaching cohorts, disciplined practice produced average declines of 20-40% in multiple putts within 6-8 weeks, with the largest improvements coming from better lag putting and steadier up‑and‑down conversions from 10-30 yards.In short, repeatable technique changes plus smarter course decisions – not equipment alone - are driving the numbers, and golfers of varying ability can reproduce the gains with objective tracking and consistent repetition.
Technically, the approach centers on repeatable setup and impact geometry to sharpen distance control and cut returns to the bag. Begin with a neutral putter face square to the intended line at impact, aim for a shaft lean of about 3-5° forward at address so hands sit slightly ahead of the ball, and target effective loft near 0-2° at impact (stock loft is frequently enough 3-4°). Implementation cues: stand with feet slightly narrower than shoulder width, position the ball heel‑to‑toe centered to ~0.5 inch forward of center depending on arc, and keep eye position directly over or just inside the line to limit lateral head motion.Following the Rules of Golf, use a firm yet non‑anchored grip and a shoulder‑led pendulum to limit wrist collapse; strive for face rotation within ±2° at impact for a consistent roll.
Reducing multiple putts begins before you reach the green: better wedge control and smarter chip play reduce long lag requirements. Progress with drills that hone contact and landing‑zone control, for example:
- 3‑5‑8 Drill – from 3, 5 and 8 yards hit 10 shots to a 3‑foot target and log proximity and make rates;
- Clock Drill - test from 3, 6 and 9 feet around the hole to refine reads and pace under pressure;
- Bump‑and‑run practice – use a lower‑lofted club to keep the ball on the green and inside 6-8 feet on tight approaches.
Perform these with session targets (e.g., 70% inside 6 feet from 30 attempts) and on a variety of green speeds – practice on Stimpmeter readings of 8-12 where possible to mimic typical course conditions.
On course, blend the mechanical work with strategic choices: when a pin is well‑guarded or the green has two tiers, prefer leaving an uphill or center‑of‑green two‑putt rather than risking a low‑percentage birdie that creates a long, breaking lag. rules of thumb: aim to leave yourself a 6-10 foot uphill putt rather than a risky 20‑plus foot tester; play conservative lines into heavy wind and consider using a club with one or two degrees more loft on firm days; on soft greens use spin to hold the ball closer rather of bump‑and‑runs that might leave longer putts. Those tactical choices combined with improved technique lead to measurable drops in multiple putts by converting tough two‑putt scenarios into manageable finishes.
Measure enhancement and address recurring problems with simple metrics and corrective exercises. Keep a log of putts per round, multiple‑putt percentage, and up‑and‑down conversion, and set staged goals such as a 30% reduction in multiple putts within 8 weeks or a one‑putt rate inside 10 feet of 95%. Typical faults and fixes:
- Excess wrist action – switch to a controlled shoulder stroke and narrow your stance to stabilize the lower body;
- Inconsistent contact – use impact tape or a tee drill to train center‑face strikes;
- Poor distance control – practice metronome‑paced strokes and the 3‑5‑8 ladder to develop dependable tempo.
Adapt coaching to learning preferences: visual players use video playback, kinesthetic players use weighted putters or aids, and analytical golfers collect shot data. combine these technical, tactical and mental elements into a weekly plan (for example, three short 20-30 minute sessions on lag control, one 45-60 minute green session for drills, and one on‑course application hour) to produce measurable scoring improvement and maintain the reduction in multiple‑putt frequency.
Q&A
Headline: This unorthodox putting technique could be the fix your putting needs - Q&A
What is the technique?
– It’s a putting system that stresses a rhythmic, pendulum‑style motion with the putter head traveling about a single central axis so the head follows a smooth, repeatable arc. Advocates claim this yields steadier speed control and improved distance consistency on the greens.
Why is it described as “unorthodox”?
– The term reflects how the method departs from common coaching cues and customary setups. Rather than emphasising face manipulation or wrist action, it focuses on preserving an even arc and a stable central axis – a concept some instructors view as unconventional relative to classic instruction.
Who popularized it?
– The idea has spread through online lesson platforms and videos; one prominent presentation and write‑up on golflessonschannel.com helped accelerate awareness among early adopters and instructors.
What evidence supports its effectiveness?
- Current support is largely anecdotal: player reports, coach demonstrations and practice outcomes. Early adopters note quicker gains in distance control, but there are no extensive peer‑reviewed studies proving it outperforms established methods. Coaches advise on‑green validation and objective measures (ball‑speed devices or consistent drill metrics) before making a competitive switch.
How do you try it on the practice green?
– Recommended steps:
1. Set the putter head to a single central axis you’ll keep through the stroke.
2. Use a relaxed pendulum backswing and follow‑through with a stable upper body.
3. Prioritise backswing length matched to desired distance rather than wrist flicks.4.Begin with short ladder drills (e.g., 6, 12, 20 feet) to track consistency before extending range.
5. Record sessions or have a coach confirm the path is a smooth arc and you’re not adding compensations.
Are there risks or downsides?
– Yes. Any meaningful stroke change can cause short‑term volatility, especially on short, pressure putts. Players attached to prior feel may lose confidence until the new motion becomes reliable.Avoid wholesale changes immediately before competition and trial the method in practice rounds first.Who benefits most?
– Golfers struggling with distance control – those who routinely leave putts short or long – and players open to experimental practice. good candidates are those stuck on a plateau who need a mechanical cue to stabilise tempo and arc.
What do coaches say?
– Reaction is mixed. Some coaches embrace new cues that improve repeatability; others warn against global prescriptions and stress customizing mechanics. Many recommend supervised trials and objective measurement.
Where can golfers learn more?
– Watch credible instruction videos and demonstrations, test the method on practice greens and consult a certified putting coach for tailored feedback. The technique has been discussed online and featured on lesson channels like golflessonschannel.com.
Bottom line
– This unorthodox putting technique presents an intriguing alternative that many players report helps with distance control. it merits on‑green testing and coach oversight; it appears promising for certain golfers but is not yet proven as a one‑size‑fits‑all fix.
Note: other uses of the word “Unorthodox”
– Definition: “Unorthodox” generally means departing from the usual or expected. (See Cambridge Dictionary.)
– Memoir: Unorthodox is the title of Deborah Feldman’s 2012 memoir about leaving a Hasidic community.
– TV: Unorthodox was adapted into a 2020 miniseries based on the memoir.
Sources for the term: Cambridge Dictionary and public summaries of the memoir and miniseries.
Whether the method becomes a short‑lived curiosity or sparks a broader change in stroke thinking, instructors and players will be monitoring tournament results and more systematic data. For now, it offers a practical alternative for struggling putters – but experts recommend cautious testing and professional guidance before fully committing to the switch.

Revolutionize Your Short Game: The Unconventional Putting Technique Transforming Golfers’ Scores
What is the “Unconventional” Putting Technique?
The unconventional putting technique isn’t a single new grip or a trendy gimmick - it’s a hybrid, evidence-based approach that reduces unwanted degrees of freedom in the stroke and prioritizes repeatability, micro-roll, and proprioceptive feedback. By combining a stabilized-shoulder pendulum, a controlled forward press, and precision distance drills, this method helps golfers improve alignment, green reading, and distance control for fewer three-putts and more made putts.
Why call it “unconventional”?
“Unconventional” simply means it deviates from the common putt-by-wrist/snap approach.Instead of relying primarily on wrist action, this technique emphasizes:
- shoulder-driven pendulum motion,
- minimal wrist hinge,
- micro-forward press at setup, and
- early launch/topspin to shorten the skid and create faster, truer roll.
Biomechanics & Motor Control: The Science Behind Better Putting
Prosperous putting is about controlling the putter face angle at impact and delivering consistent speed. Biomechanics and motor-control science suggest:
- Reduce degrees of freedom: fewer moving joints (minimal wrist action) = better repeatability.
- Pendulum mechanics: shoulder rotation creates a stable arc, reducing lateral deviation.
- Tempo and rhythm: consistent backswing-to-forward-swing ratios produce reliable distance control.
- micro-roll and launch: a slight forward press and lower loft at impact reduce initial skid time, cutting down on roll-out variance.
Key Components of the Unconventional Technique
1. Setup & Alignment
- Feet: narrow stance (~shoulder-width or slightly narrower) to allow the torso to rock evenly.
- ball position: slightly forward of center for most strokes to promote forward-lean impact.
- Eyes: directly over or just inside the ball to aid aim and line perception.
- Grip: neutral or cross-handed (left-hand low for right-handed players) optional – focus on comfort and reduced wrist motion.
- Forward press: a small forward press (think 1-2 cm) at address reduces loft and starts the putt with topspin.
2. Stroke Mechanics
- Shoulder-driven pendulum: shoulders rock; elbows remain soft; wrists quiet.
- Short, repeatable length: match backswing length to target distance; use tempo to scale speed.
- Face control: work to have the putter face square through impact – a mirror or headcover drill helps.
- Follow-through: keep the arc consistent; the finish should mirror the start.
Practical Putting Drills That Build the Unconventional Stroke
Each drill targets a specific component: alignment, face control, tempo, distance, and roll.Do each drill with focus and track your results.
Gate Drill for Face-Strike Consistency
- Place two tees slightly wider than the putter head on the hitting line.
- Make 20 putts without hitting the tees. If you hit a tee, reset and analyze face angle.
Shoulder Rock Mirror Drill
- Stand in front of a mirror or phone camera.
- Practice a slow pendulum using only shoulder motion; wrists must remain still.
Micro-Press Topspin Drill
- Set up with a slight forward press. Putt 10 balls from 6-10 ft, aiming for minimal skid.
- Watch the ball: less initial hop and earlier roll indicates correct loft control.
Ladder Drill for Distance Control
- Place markers at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 ft.
- Hit five putts to each marker, recording how many are inside a 3-ft circle around the hole.
8-Week Putting Practice Plan (Compact & Trackable)
| Week | Focus | Primary Drill | Daily Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup & Alignment | Gate Drill + Mirror | 20 |
| 2 | Shoulder Pendulum | Shoulder Rock (100 reps) | 20 |
| 3 | Forward Press & Launch | Micro-Press Topspin | 25 |
| 4 | distance Ladder | Ladder Drill | 25 |
| 5 | Pressure Short Putts | Clock drill (3, 6, 9 ft) | 30 |
| 6 | Lag Putting | 20+ ft Lag Sessions | 30 |
| 7 | Integration | Mixed Drill Sets | 30 |
| 8 | Course Simulation | On-green Rounds | 40 |
Measuring Progress: Metrics That Matter
Track these to see real enhancement in your short game and golf putting performance:
- Putts per round and putts per GIR (greens in regulation)
- Three-putt frequency
- Distance control: percentage of putts inside a 3-foot circle at 6-20 ft
- Stroke repeatability: video analysis of face angle and path
Case Studies & First-Hand Examples
Weekend Hacker to Consistent 30s
A mid-handicap player replaced a weak wrist-driven stroke with the shoulder pendulum + micro-press approach. After four weeks of focused practice, putts per round dropped from 35 to 30, largely from cutting three-putts in half and converting more 5-10 ft opportunities.
Club Coach Implementation
A teaching pro introduced the technique to a junior squad using the Ladder Drill and gate drill. Within two months juniors showed improved green-reading confidence and better speed control in competition, with a 12% increase in putts made from 8-12 ft.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Too large a forward press – keep it micro (1-2 cm) to avoid hooking the ball.
- Wrist reactivation on the downswing – use mirror or tape across the wrists to feel stillness.
- Overlong backswing for short putts – match length to distance,not effort.
- Ignoring green speed – re-test ladder targets on different speeds and adjust tempo.
Equipment & Putter Setup Tips
- Putter loft: modern putters typically 3-4°, but reduce effective loft through forward press for quicker roll.
- Head shape: choose whatever you align to best; mallets help with face balance for the shoulder pendulum.
- Grip size: larger grips can reduce wrist action and promote shoulder stroke.
- Use a premium ball for consistent roll and feel when practicing distance control.
On-Course Request & Short Game Strategy
Integrate the unconventional technique into course play by practicing short pre-round routines (5-10 minutes) that include:
- Two mirror strokes to sync shoulders and tempo,
- Three micro-press putts at 6-8 ft to lock in forward press,
- One lag putt to check touch for the day’s greens speed.
On the course, use conservative lag putts for 20+ ft and aggressive approach to three-ten footers with confident setup and strike. Reduce gambling on long attempts; prioritize avoiding three-putts.
FAQs – Quick Answers for fast Improvement
Does this technique work for all skill levels?
Yes. Beginners get consistency faster by reducing wrist actions; scratch players benefit from improved distance control and reduced variability on fast greens.
How long until I see results?
Many players see measurable improvements (fewer three-putts, better short-range make percentage) within 3-6 weeks of focused practice. Consistent daily practice accelerates gains.
Will changing my putting style hurt my short-term performance?
Possibly in the short term.Expect an adjustment period – use practice rounds to transition and keep a few putters you’re comfortable with during competition until the new stroke is reliable.
Practical Tips to Accelerate Mastery
- Practice deliberately: set one measurable goal per session (e.g., 80% inside 3 ft from 6 ft).
- Record and review: video your stroke from face-on and overhead to check shoulder action and face path.
- Simulate pressure: have consequences for missed putts in practice to replicate on-course stress.
- Keep a putting journal: record green speeds,putts made,and drill outcomes for trend analysis.
SEO-Focused keywords to Remember
For players and content creators: weave these target phrases naturally when writing about this method - short game, putting technique, putting drills, green reading, distance control, lag putting, putting stroke, alignment, tempo, sinking putts, putting practice plan, and golf putting.

