Ball-in-the-Paddle Drill: Create a Steady, Square-Faced Putting Stroke

Key Points

• Purpose:
  Improve putting stroke consistency by preventing wrist breakdown.Encourages a shoulder-driven stroke and square clubface through impact.
• Drill Name: Ball-in-the-Paddle
  “Paddle” refers to the flat face of the putter grip.
• Setup:
  Place a golf ball between the putter grip’s flat side and your forearm.Club should run along the inside of your lead arm (left arm for right-handers).Creates a connected unit between arm and putter.
• Execution:
  Maintain light pressure so the ball stays lodged.Keep wrists locked and use shoulders to control the stroke.Encourages a low and slow putting tempo.
• Additional Tip:
  Use the pistol finger extension on the trail hand (right index finger) to help guide the face.This was a key adjustment made with Brooks Koepka as a junior, and he still uses it today.
• Training Progression:
  Use a sleeve of balls:Do 2 putts with the ball and paddle in place for feel.Then 1 putt without it, maintaining the same motion and structure.
• Goal:
  Develop a repeatable, stable putting stroke.Eliminate wrist flicking and face manipulation for more consistent putts – and more birdies.