10 thoughts on “How to Lock and Rock Your Putting Stroke”
Well, my 78 year old ears just love Valerie’s trace of burr.
I also love these tips as they focus on putting alone, where most of us old timers need the most help. My 6 year old Frog Center shafted Mallet was fitted for me by Valerie herself and I’ll be forever grateful. Have not yet shot my age, but came with one last year, thanks to my Frog.
Keep up the great work, Frank and Valerie, no matter the accent!!!!
1) Is it absoiutely necessary to focus on the back of the ball? Can one focus on a spot in front of the ball or say 6 inches ahead of the ball. That way, you can make sure that the ball is starting off in the right direction. Much like aiming at the marks on a bowling alley which are about 10 feet down the lane.
2) Since almost all of the direction of the ball is determined by the putter face angle, do you think about keeping the face square to the line, or do you forget about it?
Hi Marc
That’s what I thought when I lived in Scotland!
Looking at a point directly behind the ball is what we recommend. Re. putter face angle, as long as you putt in a plane you don’t have to worry about it. Have a look at your Fundamentals of Putting Chapter 7 for more on swing plane.
Hope this helps.
Valerie
Hi Fred,
Thank you for your comment. Sorry I am hard to understand, but I have been working on this accent for years!! By the end of this video series you will be fluent in Scottish and will be able to travel there and understand the people without the need for an interpreter 🙂 Thanks for watching.
Best,
Valerie
I am curious how one recaptures touch putting with a shoulder motion only. I have played golf about 55+ years, and learned through caddying. I have always had a “handsy”, wristy stroke, and it sometimes causes problems, especially with short putts. But I have a hard time with touch for longer putts using a “lock and rock” type of stroke. I’ll be interested in your thoughts and suggestions, as I know the “lock and rock” is the right way to go. I just have a tough time implementing it, and seem to revert to old habits. Many thanks!
Hi Mick
This is a common problem, especially if you have been putting with a “handsy” stroke for some time. With the “lock and rock” just allow the putter to swing naturally and “stroke” the ball, dont try to “strike” it, especially on the long putts. Persist with the lock and rock and you will, over time, become more consistent.
Happy putting
Valerie
Thanks, Valerie. I was given a two hour putting lesson with my local pro as a birthday present, so perhaps he’ll be able to break some old, bad habits. Appreciate all the great tips and insights you and Frank share. Happy Thanksgiving!
That sounds good, Mick. Let us know how it goes. Also, find out if your pro has taken our Certified Putting Instructor course. Glad you are enjoying the tips.
Valerie
franklygolf 
Well, my 78 year old ears just love Valerie’s trace of burr.
I also love these tips as they focus on putting alone, where most of us old timers need the most help. My 6 year old Frog Center shafted Mallet was fitted for me by Valerie herself and I’ll be forever grateful. Have not yet shot my age, but came with one last year, thanks to my Frog.
Keep up the great work, Frank and Valerie, no matter the accent!!!!
Have to agree with Fred on accent. My 80 yr old ears and brain can’t decipher “Scottish” . Repeat request to accompany with written summary. Phil
Valerie,
Maybe it’s Americans who have the accent.
Two further questions:
1) Is it absoiutely necessary to focus on the back of the ball? Can one focus on a spot in front of the ball or say 6 inches ahead of the ball. That way, you can make sure that the ball is starting off in the right direction. Much like aiming at the marks on a bowling alley which are about 10 feet down the lane.
2) Since almost all of the direction of the ball is determined by the putter face angle, do you think about keeping the face square to the line, or do you forget about it?
Marc Halley
Hi Marc
That’s what I thought when I lived in Scotland!
Looking at a point directly behind the ball is what we recommend. Re. putter face angle, as long as you putt in a plane you don’t have to worry about it. Have a look at your Fundamentals of Putting Chapter 7 for more on swing plane.
Hope this helps.
Valerie
Love Valerie’s accent but have difficulty understanding her. Please also provide written summary of what she’s saying.
Hi Fred,
Thank you for your comment. Sorry I am hard to understand, but I have been working on this accent for years!! By the end of this video series you will be fluent in Scottish and will be able to travel there and understand the people without the need for an interpreter 🙂 Thanks for watching.
Best,
Valerie
I am curious how one recaptures touch putting with a shoulder motion only. I have played golf about 55+ years, and learned through caddying. I have always had a “handsy”, wristy stroke, and it sometimes causes problems, especially with short putts. But I have a hard time with touch for longer putts using a “lock and rock” type of stroke. I’ll be interested in your thoughts and suggestions, as I know the “lock and rock” is the right way to go. I just have a tough time implementing it, and seem to revert to old habits. Many thanks!
Hi Mick
This is a common problem, especially if you have been putting with a “handsy” stroke for some time. With the “lock and rock” just allow the putter to swing naturally and “stroke” the ball, dont try to “strike” it, especially on the long putts. Persist with the lock and rock and you will, over time, become more consistent.
Happy putting
Valerie
Thanks, Valerie. I was given a two hour putting lesson with my local pro as a birthday present, so perhaps he’ll be able to break some old, bad habits. Appreciate all the great tips and insights you and Frank share. Happy Thanksgiving!
That sounds good, Mick. Let us know how it goes. Also, find out if your pro has taken our Certified Putting Instructor course. Glad you are enjoying the tips.
Valerie