When a short putt slides past the edge, most golfers blame the read. But very often the real culprit is the hands. A little flick of the wrists, a jab at impact, or one hand overpowering the other can twist the putter face just enough to send the ball off line.

The trouble is that you can’t feel what each hand is doing when both are on the grip. The one-hand putting drill fixes that. By taking one hand off the putter at a time, you find out which hand is helping your stroke and which one is getting in the way.

Why It Matters

A good putting stroke is mostly a gentle rocking of the shoulders, with the hands and wrists staying quiet. When the hands get busy, two things go wrong:

• The face turns. Even a small rotation of the putter face at impact sends the ball off your intended line.
• The speed gets jumpy. A jab or flick adds a burst of speed you didn’t plan for, so distance control suffers.

Putting with one hand forces your arms and shoulders to do the work, because a single hand can’t control a wristy stroke for long. You’ll quickly feel what a smooth, connected stroke is supposed to feel like.

How to Do the One-Hand Putting Drill

1. Hit 5 short putts, lead hand only. Set up to a putt of about three feet. Take your trail hand off the grip (the right hand for right-handed golfers) and putt with your lead hand only. Keep the lead wrist flat and let the arm and shoulder move together. This hand guides the putter face, so focus on rolling the ball straight through the middle of the cup.

2. Then 5 putts with your trail hand only. Now switch. Putt with only your trail hand on the grip. This hand provides feel and speed. Let it swing the putter like a pendulum, with no flick at the bottom. Many golfers find this side harder, which usually means the trail hand has been taking over.

3. Finish with both hands, same smooth feel. Put both hands back on the grip and hit five more putts. Try to keep the quiet, connected feeling from the one-hand putts. Your hands should feel like they’re just holding on while your shoulders rock the putter back and through.

Start close to the hole. As the stroke gets steadier, move back to four or five feet.

Tips for the Drill

• Grip lightly. A soft grip makes it easier to feel the putter head. Squeezing hard adds tension and wrist action.
• Hold your finish. After each putt, freeze for a second with the putter pointing down your line. A wobbly finish shows where the stroke went off.
• Use a straight putt. Pick a flat spot on the practice green so the result tells you about your stroke, not the slope.
• Watch the ball, not the hole. Keep your eyes down until the ball is well on its way. Looking up early often pulls the shoulders and putter off line.

Common Mistakes

• Moving too far from the hole too soon. One-hand putts are harder than they look. Stay short until you can make most of them.
• Breaking the wrist on the lead-hand putts. If the lead wrist bends at impact, the ball will often go left. Keep it flat through the stroke.
• Flicking with the trail hand. If the ball jumps off the face, your trail hand is hitting at the ball instead of swinging through it.
• Forgetting the final set. The two-handed putts at the end are what carry the feel over to the course. Don’t skip them.

FAQ

How often should I do this drill?
A few minutes before each round or practice session is enough. Five putts per hand plus five with both takes less than ten minutes.

Is it normal to miss more with one hand?
Yes. One-hand putts are harder, especially at first. The goal is to feel a smooth stroke, not to make every putt.

Can I use this drill at home?
Absolutely. A putting mat or a straight stretch of carpet works well for short putts.

Key Takeaways

• Busy hands twist the putter face and make speed inconsistent.
• Putt five balls with your lead hand only, then five with your trail hand only.
• Finish with five two-handed putts, keeping the same quiet feel.
• Stay close to the hole and grip lightly.

Want more simple drills to make your practice count? Follow Ready Golf Ph for daily golf tips, and visit readygolfph.com for more guides for beginner golfers.

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