Short putts from one to one and a half meters often decide whether you walk off with par or bogey. While they may seem simple, they are among the most pressure-packed shots in golf. The key to holing more of them lies in mastering green reading, stroke mechanics, pre-shot routine, and purposeful training.

Green Reading: Understanding Break and AimEven the shortest putts can break. A ball rolling slowly is more affected by gravity, so soft strokes, fast greens, and downhill putts exaggerate the curve. Reading the green from multiple angles is essential: stand behind the ball looking toward the hole, then view it from the side to identify the “high side.” All putts fall downhill eventually, so aiming correctly means starting the ball on a line that allows gravity to work in your favor.

Once the break is identified, it directly influences aim. During your pre-shot routine, align the ball—often using a line or logo—toward the intended target on the high side. Then set up square to that line and commit fully to the stroke.

Stroke Mechanics: Keep It SimpleConsistency is everything. The motion should come from the shoulders, not the hands, creating a pendulum-like rhythm. Tempo matters—backswing and through-swing should mirror each other in pace and length. Perhaps most important: keep the putter face square. Data shows that even one degree open or closed at impact can cause a miss from a meter.

Pre-Shot Routine: Building ConfidenceA structured routine keeps nerves under control. Start by reading the break, then align carefully, settle into position, and take a single calming breath. Once you’ve visualized the target, trust your preparation and execute without hesitation. A consistent routine builds confidence and ensures your mechanics hold up under pressure.

Training: Repetition and Pressure PracticeConfidence on short putts comes only through practice. Aim to hit 20–30 putts from one meter every day, with a success rate of 90% or higher. Simple drills reinforce fundamentals:

• The Gate Drill: Place two tees just wider than your putter head to ingrain a straight path and centered strike.

• The Core-Putt Drill: Focuses on a smooth, repeatable stroke with consistent rhythm.

To build mental toughness, introduce pressure. Only count a set if you make 10 putts in a row. This mirrors the psychological tension of real competition and forces you to treat every stroke with full commitment.

ConclusionGreen reading shows you the line, stroke mechanics deliver the ball, and a solid routine locks in confidence. Add structured, pressure-based practice, and short putts stop feeling like a gamble. Instead, they become reliable scoring opportunities—the kind that transform rounds and lower handicaps.

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