Mastering the Greens: Understanding Different Putting Strokes and What Influences Them

Putting is often said to be a game within the game of golf. While driving and iron play grab much of the attention, it’s on the green where scores are truly made or broken. One of the keys to becoming a consistent and confident putter is understanding the different types of putting strokes and the factors that influence them. In this blog, we’ll dive into the three main putting strokes—arc, straight-back-and-through, and inside-down-the-line—and discuss what can influence each one.

The Arc Putting Stroke

The arc stroke is the most common putting style used by both amateurs and professionals. In this stroke, the putter naturally follows an inside-to-inside path, creating an arcing motion that resembles a slight curve. This motion is a result of the golfer’s natural body rotation.

How It Works: As the putter head moves back and through, it opens slightly on the backswing and closes slightly on the follow-through. The key is to maintain a consistent arc that mirrors the natural shoulder and body rotation.

What Influences It: The arc stroke is typically influenced by factors like grip style and stance. Players who use a conventional grip and stand with their eyes slightly inside the ball often find this stroke most comfortable. Additionally, the type of putter used—usually one with more toe hang—works well with the arc stroke, as it helps in opening and closing the face through impact.

Who Should Use It: Golfers who have a strong feel for distance control and prefer a stroke that complements a natural body movement tend to perform best with an arc stroke.

The Straight-Back-and-Through Putting Stroke

The straight-back-and-through stroke is characterized by minimal arc. In this stroke, the putter head stays as close as possible to a straight line during the backswing and follow-through, keeping the face square to the target throughout the motion.

How It Works: In this stroke, the golfer focuses on keeping the putter face pointing at the target at all times. There is little to no rotation of the face, making it easier to control direction.

What Influences It: A few key elements impact this stroke, starting with the setup. Players who position their eyes directly over the ball and use a more neutral grip tend to have success with this stroke. The type of putter also plays a significant role; face-balanced putters, which have minimal toe hang, are better suited for this stroke as they help maintain a square face.

Who Should Use It: Golfers who prioritize consistency and aim straight down the target line often find this stroke more natural. It’s ideal for those who prefer a methodical, mechanical approach to putting.

The Inside-Down-the-Line Putting Stroke

The inside-down-the-line stroke is a hybrid of the arc and straight-back-and-through strokes. The putter head travels slightly inside on the backswing, but instead of arcing back inside on the follow-through, it moves down the target line.

How It Works: This stroke offers a balance between allowing the putter face to open on the backswing while promoting a straight follow-through. The objective is to reduce excessive rotation while still accommodating a bit of natural movement.

What Influences It: The golfer’s posture and shoulder alignment play a significant role in this stroke. Players who adopt a slightly open or square stance, paired with a grip that keeps the hands neutral, will find it easier to execute. Additionally, mallet putters with moderate toe hang are typically a good match for this stroke.

Who Should Use It: This stroke is well-suited for golfers who like the control of a straight-back-and-through stroke but still want some of the natural feel associated with an arcing motion.

What Influences Your Putting Stroke?

Several factors influence the putting stroke a golfer adopts:

Grip Style: Your grip style directly impacts how the putter face rotates during the stroke. Conventional grips often favor an arc stroke, while claw or cross-handed grips may support a straight-back-and-through stroke.

Stance and Posture: Where your eyes are positioned relative to the ball—whether directly over, inside, or outside—will dictate whether you naturally favor an arc or straight-back-and-through stroke.

Putter Type: Different putters are designed to complement specific strokes. Face-balanced putters are ideal for straight-back-and-through strokes, while toe-hang putters are better suited for arc strokes.

Course Conditions: Fast greens might require a more delicate, straight-back-and-through stroke to maintain control, while slower greens might benefit from the power generated by an arc stroke.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, comfort and confidence play a huge role. A putting stroke is highly individual, and finding what feels natural and repeatable for you is key.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of putting strokes and what influences them is crucial for finding the stroke that works best for you. Whether you lean towards an arc, a straight-back-and-through, or a hybrid inside-down-the-line stroke, the goal is to develop a consistent, reliable motion that you can trust under pressure. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—experiment, practice, and refine your technique to discover the stroke that gives you the most confidence on the green.