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The Ladder Drill

One thing that all golfers struggle with from time to time is controlling the distance of their putts.  Distance is controlled by how big of a swing we make.  If you don’t want the ball to roll too far, don’t take the putter back so far.  If you want the ball to roll farther, take the putter back farther. The longer the stroke the more the ball will roll. 

One of the most common errors in putting is to take the putter back too far and then slow down or stop the stroke through the impact of the ball.  It is a common misunderstanding that if you slow down your stroke that you will not hit it as far.  More often than not the exact opposite is the case the ball will go farther and usually not as well on the intended line.  The fact is you actually have more accuracy if you keep the putter moving (accelerating) through impact.  It will result in more distance control and the direction will be more accurate.   Don’t slow down or stop the putter through impact.  For more successful results, keep the putter accelerating as low and long on the intended line you want the ball to roll.   Applying this technique will result in more consistent results and better overall control. 

A great practice drill that helps to master distance control is the ladder drill.  Place several balls (4-6) balls at consistent distances apart from each other usually 2 to 3 feet apart in a straight line away from the hole.  Begin the drill by attempting to make the putt closest to the hole. If you are successful at the first attempt move back to the second ball that was placed a few feet further away.  Continue to putt from each location only if you make the putt.  If you miss the putt, replace all of the balls that you made prior back to their original spot and start over from the beginning.  The ladder drill is an effective way to practice distance control as you move farther away from the hole (up the ladder) you must make a bigger stroke to get the ball all the way to the hole.  Additionally, the ladder drill grooves sensation of the ideal amount of putter acceleration needed to roll the ball effectively to the hole.  Finally, the drill builds in intensity and the level of difficulty as you make your way up the ladder.

The ladder drill is a great way to maintain your focus as you practice, and provides a lot of personal satisfaction when you are able to climb all the way to the “top of the ladder!” 

Kurt Zolbe
PGA Head Golf Professional
Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club

Archived Golf Tips:

11/08 – Heavy Rough Made Easy
09/08 – Ball Position
08/08 – Ladder Drill
07/08 – Easy Does It
06/08 – Distance Control When Putting
05/08 – If The Shoe Fits
02/08 – Sand Dollars
01/08 – Getting More Power Out Of Your Swing
12/07 – Winter Club Maintenance
11/07 – Hillside Lies
08/07 – Lift
07/07 – Hybrids
05/07 – Practice
04/07 – Golf Club Fitting
03/07 – The Iron Triangle