How to Stop Pushing and Pulling Putts: How to Get Your Putts On Track
Pro-Tips to Stop Pushed and Pulled Putts
We’ve all experienced the frustration of those shots that veer off to the right or left, just when you need them to roll straight into the hole. Whether you're a casual weekend golfer or someone who's been in the game for a while, these missed putts can make even the best rounds feel like a battle.
With this guide at your disposal, the time of mis-hits has come to an end. In this putting post, we'll break down the common causes of pushed and pulled putts along with actionable tips on how to stop doing it. You’ll also discover a game-changing piece of equipment that might just be the key to fixing your putts once and for all…
Topics Covered in This Guide
1. Check Your Setup: Alignment is Key
The first thing you should check is your setup. A misaligned body or putter at address is one of the biggest causes of pushed and pulled putts. If you’re not square to the target, your putter will follow that misalignment, causing the ball to veer off path.
The Fix: Stand directly behind the ball and make sure your body, eyes, and putter face are all aligned with the target. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed. The putter face should be square to the hole. Take a moment to check your grip as well—holding the putter too tightly or too loosely can lead to further inconsistency.
2. Relax Your Grip Pressure
A tight grip can lead to overcompensation and unintended movements in your stroke. When you grip the putter too tightly, your hands can move involuntarily, causing the putt to veer off line—especially with pulling or pushing.
The Fix: Relax your grip! It should be firm enough to control the putter, but light enough to allow for a smooth and natural stroke. It’s like holding a delicate object—firm enough to not drop it, but not so tight that you crush it.
3. Use Your Body, Not Just Your Hands
A common mistake among golfers is relying too much on the hands to guide the putter. This can result in erratic movements, which lead to pushed and pulled putts.
The Fix: Use your entire body to make the stroke. Your shoulders should move the putter, with your arms staying relatively still. The hands should just hold the putter, not control it. Think of your arms and hands as the “passengers,” and your shoulders as the “driver” steering the car. This more stable stroke reduces the chances of pulling or pushing the ball.
4. Play with a Self-Correcting Putter
If you find that your putting woes are just too stubborn to overcome, it might be time to try a self-correcting putter like the Pyramid iCOR Putter. This revolutionary club features a unique design that minimizes the effect of improper stroke mechanics, reducing the tendency for pushed and pulled putts.
The Fix: Relax your grip! It should be firm enough to control the putter, but light enough to allow for a smooth and natural stroke. It’s like holding a delicate object—firm enough to not drop it, but not so tight that you crush it.
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5. Focus on a Smooth, Even Tempo
One of the biggest contributors to pushed and pulled putts is a jerky or rushed stroke. Trying to hit the ball too hard or being overly quick with your stroke can cause you to lose control and accuracy.
The Fix: Relax your grip! It should be firm enough to control the putter, but light enough to allow for a smooth and natural stroke. It’s like holding a delicate object—firm enough to not drop it, but not so tight that you crush it.
6. Commit to the Line
One of the sneakiest causes of pushed and pulled putts is a lack of commitment to the line you’ve picked. Sometimes, golfers second-guess themselves mid-stroke, adjusting the putter path and leading to poor results.
The Fix: Relax your grip! It should be firm enough to control the putter, but light enough to allow for a smooth and natural stroke. It’s like holding a delicate object—firm enough to not drop it, but not so tight that you crush it.
Go From Pushed to Perfect
By addressing these key areas—alignment, grip pressure, using your body, equipment, tempo, and commitment to your line—you can effectively reduce the occurrence of pushed and pulled putts. Putting is one of the most important aspects of the game, and with a little attention to detail, you’ll be sinking more putts and feeling more confident on the greens.
Remember, like any part of your game, practice is essential. Work on these techniques regularly and watch your putting transform from a source of frustration to a point of pride. And if you’re still struggling with your stroke, don’t forget the power of a self-correcting putter like the Pyramid iCOR Putter —it just might be the edge you need.
To better golf,
Matt Stephens
Founder, Inventor | Pyramid Golf