Should putting stance be narrow or wide?
When it comes to putting stance, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether it should be narrow or wide. The width of your stance is a personal preference and can vary depending on factors such as your body type, putting style, and the specific putt you are faced with. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding on the width of your stance.
Firstly, widening your stance can have an impact on your ball position and aim. As mentioned earlier, if you widen your stance, your head moves back relative to the ball. This effectively moves the ball position forward, which shifts the aim to the left. On the other hand, if you narrow your stance, your head moves forward, effectively moving the ball back and shifting the aim to the right.
So, if you tend to miss putts to the left, widening your stance slightly may help to compensate for this tendency. Conversely, if you tend to miss putts to the right, narrowing your stance may help to correct this.
Another factor to consider is stability. A wider stance generally provides more stability, which can be beneficial when making a putting stroke. This can help to minimize any unwanted movement or swaying during the stroke, resulting in a more consistent and accurate putt. However, too wide of a stance can restrict your hip rotation and potentially affect your ability to generate power in your stroke.
On the other hand, a narrower stance can offer more freedom of movement and may be preferred by those who have a more rotational or pendulum-like putting stroke. This can allow for a smoother and more natural stroke, especially for those who have a consistent and repeatable putting motion.
Ultimately, finding the right putting stance width is a matter of experimentation and personal preference. It is important to practice with different stances and observe the effects on your aim, stroke, and overall comfort. Pay attention to how your body feels and how it affects your putting performance.
In my personal experience, I have found that a slightly wider stance works best for me. It provides the stability I need to feel confident and prevents any excessive movement during my stroke. However, I have also seen players who excel with a narrow stance, relying on their smooth and consistent stroke to sink putts.
To summarize, there is no definitive answer as to whether putting stance should be narrow or wide. It depends on individual factors such as body type, putting style, and personal preference. Experiment with different stances and observe the effects on your aim and stroke. Find what feels comfortable and allows you to putt with confidence.