Dist. Control Drill - Putting Transmission: The 3 Gears
Introduction: Control the speed and match it with break
One of the most important skills in putting is controlling speed. Without proper speed, even a perfectly aligned putt will miss. This drill focuses on developing a refined feel for speed on short putts by training you to make putts using three different speeds from varying distances. It opens your mind to the different ways a ball can go in the hole, based on speed and break.
Benefits of This Training:
Develops speed sensitivity and adaptability on the greens.
Trains mental flexibility by seeing multiple paths to the hole.
Builds confidence in short-range putting under varied conditions.
Sharpens green-reading skills by matching speed with break.
What You Need:
1 tee
3 golf balls
Setup & Instructions:
Place a tee at the chosen distance (1m, 1.5m, or 2m).
From that spot, roll 3 balls consecutively into the hole using different speeds:
Firm: The ball hits the back of the cup.
Normal: The ball drops in the center (ideal speed to roll 1 foot past the hole).
Soft: The ball falls in on the last roll.
Complete 10 perfect sets in a row.
What Does This Drill Improve?
This drill enhances your feel for speed on short putts. It also trains you to visualize and understand the various ways a putt can drop—gently with more break or firmly with less. You’ll learn that the same putt can be holed using different strategies.
Tips:
Carefully read the break before each putt and adjust your speed accordingly.
Feel the tempo and pace you want for each roll before making the stroke.
Difficulty Levels:
Level 1: Slow green speed, flat break
Level 2: Medium green speed, gentle break
Pro Level: Fast green speed, significant break
Conclusion
Speed control is the foundation of elite putting. By mastering this drill, you'll not only increase your make percentage on short putts but also expand your understanding of how speed and break work together. It’s a must-have drill for any golfer serious about improving their short game.
Let me know if you want this styled as a printable training sheet or if you'd like to add drills for mid or long-range putts.