Tips for Better Ball Control

Ever send your ball flying somewhere completely unexpected? Try these simple tips to gain better control.

Loosen Your Grip

When putting, it is crucial to relax your grip in order to gain control. When you grip too hard, it makes it very difficult to square the face of the putter with your putting line. Relax your hands and allow the movement to come from your shoulders as opposed to your fingers for a more controlled putt.

Practice Shorter Putts

A lot of people don’t practice really short putts enough, and that is where you can hone your control most effectively. When you are working on your short game, practice a lot of putts that are less than 10 feet in length. This allows you to really gain control of the ball and learn how it responds. Pay attention to how you control the ball on these little shots and think about that when you’re practicing your long game.

Adjust Swing Speed

Understanding how swing speed affects your ball’s trajectory is essential for learning how to control the ball. Faster swing speed will send your ball flying higher and with more backspin, while a slower swing makes for a lower trajectory with less backspin. Experiment with your swing speed and practice controlling and adjusting it for different shots.

Control Your Breath, Control Your Ball

When you’re focused on the game, you might find yourself breathing shallowly or holding your breath without realizing it. Focused, deep breathing gives you more control over your body and therefore over your swing, allowing for a more accurate flight path. Take a moment before every shot to take a few focused, deep breaths before you swing.

Choose the Right Ball

The balls you play with make a huge difference. Pick a ball with the right compression for your swing speed for optimal control. Every golfer is different, and you may have to experiment with a few different types of balls before finding one that works best for you, but a good place to start is with the Titleist Pro V1, which offers great control without sacrificing distance.