Keep a Steady Base with this Simple “Book Shelf” Putting Drill

Go to any YouTube video where there’s Tour pro practice or tournament footage involved, and there’s sure to be a steady person.  For all the Tour pros I’ve watched putt live or on video, it seems they all have a couple things they do well: keep a steady head and keep a steady base.

Just like most golfers, I’m always open to a quality tip or drill that could improve my game.  As long as it’s a simple idea, I’m all for giving it a shot.

This will be a brief article on putting, but I wanted to share a drill I’ve been working with.  The tip is based on the idea of the motionless Tour pro visual, and we’ll call it the “book shelf” drill.

The drill itself is easy, as all you’re doing is your regular putting (probably an indoor drill though).  Find a couple chairs for the drill, as you’ll be using these like book-ends on a book shelf.  Place one chair on the side of your left hip, and the other at your right hip…make sure the chairs are behind you a bit so you can make your normal stroke.  In a way, you are the book being held still by the chairs (book-ends).

That’s pretty much it for the idea overall.  Just grab your putter and a few practice balls to work on keeping a steady base.  On my side, I like the feeling this drill provides of keeping my core very still.  From there, it’s also simple to keep a steady head during the putt and this helps me make a solid contact roll.

I’ve been able to tell right away after this drill if I’m moving around too much with my head or hips.  It’s been a very efficient practice drill for me, and thought I’d share a helpful note.

Cover Image via Flickr