Putting · Drill
Putt Into a Box to Train Speed
Part of our putting programs for three-putts. Build a program with it
Speed is the most important putting skill. Here's an easy way to train it. Find a flat stretch of practice green, about 20 to 25 feet long. At one end, mark out a small box with tees. Go to the other end. Putt a few balls and try to stop every one inside the box. There's no hole to distract you. Just speed. Do it often and your lag putting will improve.
The drill
- Find a flat 20 to 25 foot stretch.
- Mark a box with tees at one end.
- Putt from the other end.
- Stop every ball in the box.
- Repeat regularly.
Why it works
Distance control comes from how far you swing the putter and how cleanly you strike the ball. A box with no hole removes line from the task, so your attention goes to pace alone. Good pace leaves the ball close to the hole, and that is what removes three-putts.
Common mistakes
- You aim at the near edge of the box and leave balls short.Pick a spot in the middle of the box and try to stop the ball there.
- You hit each putt harder or softer by feel without a consistent stroke length.Keep a smooth tempo and change only the length of your backstroke to change distance.
- You watch the putter or look up early to follow the ball.Keep your eyes down until the ball has left the face, then watch it roll.
How you'll know it's working
- At least half of your balls finish inside the box over a set of ten.
- Your misses are spread short and long, not all short or all long.
- You strike the ball in the same spot on the face, and it rolls end over end.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make the box larger by moving the tees further apart, or shorten the putt to 15 feet.
Harder: Shrink the box, lengthen the putt, or move to a slightly sloped section so you must judge the pace for uphill or downhill.
Common questions
How big should the putting box be?
Start with a box about the size of a few putter lengths on each side, then make it smaller as you improve. The box should be hard enough to challenge you but not so small that you cannot succeed.
How often should I practice lag putting speed?
A short session of about 15 minutes a few times a week works well. Regular repetition builds a consistent feel for pace better than one long session.
