How To Use A Putting Mirror

The Benefits of Using a Putting Mirror

Using a putting mirror can be a game-changer for golfers looking to improve their putting skills. This simple yet effective training aid offers several key benefits:

Alignment: One of the biggest challenges in putting is achieving proper alignment. A putting mirror helps you position yourself correctly in relation to the target line. By aligning your eyes, shoulders, and clubface with the mirror’s reference lines, you can ensure a more accurate aim. This helps establish a consistent setup position for your putts, leading to improved alignment and better accuracy on the greens.
Eye Position: Your eye position plays a crucial role in putting. With a putting mirror, you can easily check and adjust your eye position. It allows you to see if your eyes are directly over the ball or if they are too far inside or outside the target line. Correct eye position promotes a more natural and efficient stroke, reducing misalignment and the likelihood of mishits.
Stroke Improvement: The putting mirror provides instant feedback on your stroke mechanics. By observing your stroke in the mirror, you can identify any flaws or inconsistencies, such as unwanted wrist movements, an open or closed clubface, or an improper follow-through. With this feedback, you can make necessary adjustments to improve your stroke, leading to a more consistent, smooth, and accurate putting motion.
Distance Control: Distance control is a critical aspect of putting. The putting mirror helps you develop a better feel for distance by providing visual feedback on your backswing and follow-through. By practicing with the mirror, you can train your muscles to consistently produce the desired distance on your putts, resulting in more accurate and predictable rollouts.
Analysis and Feedback: One of the major advantages of a putting mirror is its ability to analyze your putting technique. It allows you to observe your posture, grip, setup, and stroke from different angles. By studying these factors, you can identify areas for improvement and make the necessary adjustments to enhance your overall putting performance.
Drill Incorporation: The putting mirror is a versatile tool that can be used in various drills and practice routines. It can be combined with other training aids or used independently to target specific aspects of your putting game, such as alignment, stroke consistency, or distance control. The mirror’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to any golfer’s practice arsenal.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned golfer, using a putting mirror can greatly benefit your putting game. It offers feedback, aids in proper alignment and eye position, improves stroke mechanics, enhances distance control, and allows for analysis and the incorporation of various drills. Incorporate a putting mirror into your practice routine and watch as your putting skills improve on the greens.

Setting Up the Putting Mirror

Proper setup of the putting mirror is essential to maximize its effectiveness. Follow these steps to ensure you set up the mirror correctly:

Choose a Flat Surface: Find a flat and level area on the putting green where you can place the mirror. This will ensure that your reflection is accurate and that the lines on the mirror align properly with your intended target line.
Position the Mirror: Place the putting mirror on the ground with the reflective side facing up. The mirror should be aligned parallel to your target line, allowing you to see your reflection while standing over the ball.
Align the Mirror: Use the guide lines on the mirror to align it properly. Most putting mirrors have vertical and horizontal lines that intersect at the center of the mirror. Align the vertical line with your target line, ensuring that it is pointing directly at your intended target.
Position Yourself: Stand behind the mirror and position yourself so that your eyes are directly above the center line of the mirror. This will help you establish the correct eye position over the ball, promoting better alignment and a more accurate stroke.
Adjust the Ball Position: Place a golf ball on the mirror’s center line, directly in front of the alignment lines. Ensure that the ball is properly aligned with your intended target line. This will help you visualize the exact path your putts should take.
Check Your Setup: Take a moment to review your setup position. Check that your shoulders are parallel to the mirror’s alignment lines and that your feet are shoulder-width apart. Confirm that your eyes are directly above the ball, in line with the center line of the mirror.

By following these steps, you can position the putting mirror correctly and ensure that your setup is accurate. Taking the time to properly set up the mirror will provide a solid foundation for practicing and improving your putting skills.

Proper Alignment Using the Putting Mirror

Alignment is a crucial aspect of successful putting. The putting mirror is an excellent tool for achieving and maintaining proper alignment. Follow these steps to ensure you achieve the correct alignment while using a putting mirror:

Set Up the Mirror: Position the putting mirror on a flat surface, aligning it parallel to your target line. Make sure the mirror lines are straight and properly aligned with your intended target.
Stand Behind the Mirror: Stand behind the mirror, facing your intended target. Position yourself in a way that allows you to see your reflection in the mirror while looking directly at the target.
Aim for Center Line Alignment: While standing over the ball, check your alignment by looking at the center line on the putting mirror. Ensure that the line is pointing directly at your target. This will help you establish the correct aim and alignment for your putts.
Check Shoulders and Feet: Pay attention to the alignment of your shoulders and feet. Ensure that your shoulders are parallel to the alignment lines on the mirror. Your feet should also be positioned shoulder-width apart and parallel to the intended target line.
Eye Position: Check your eye position by looking at the mirror. Your eyes should be directly above the center line of the mirror, in line with the ball. Proper eye position helps promote better alignment and ensures that your eyes are aligned with the target line.
Aim for Parallel Lines: Use the mirror lines to check that your putter face is square to the target line. Ensure that the lines on the mirror and the putter face appear parallel to each other. This indicates that the putter face is properly aligned to the target.
Practice Alignment Drills: Use the putting mirror to practice various alignment drills. Place alignment sticks or markers on the ground to create gates or checkpoints. Use the mirror to ensure that your putter face and body are aligned with these markers throughout your stroke.

By using the putting mirror to check and maintain proper alignment, you are setting yourself up for better accuracy and consistency in your putting. Regularly practicing alignment using a putting mirror will develop a reliable and repeatable alignment routine, leading to improved putting performance on the greens.

Checking Your Eye Position

Eye position is a critical factor in putting. Improper eye position can lead to misalignment and inaccurate putts. The putting mirror is a valuable tool for checking and maintaining the correct eye position. Follow these steps to ensure your eye position is optimal:

Set Up the Putting Mirror: Position the putting mirror on a flat surface, aligning it parallel to your target line. Ensure that the mirror lines are straight and properly aligned.
Stand Behind the Mirror: Stand behind the mirror, facing your intended target. Position yourself in a way that allows you to see your reflection in the mirror while looking directly at the target.
Align Your Body: Position yourself so that your body is square to the mirror and your intended target. Ensure that your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the mirror’s lines.
Check Eye Position: Look at your reflection in the putting mirror and observe the position of your eyes. Ideally, your eyes should be directly above the center line of the mirror, in line with the ball. This ensures that your eyes are aligned with the target line and promotes a more accurate stroke.
Adjust if Necessary: If you realize that your eye position is not directly above the center line of the mirror, make the necessary adjustments. Align your body and stance so that your eyes are properly positioned over the ball and in line with the target line.
Practice Eye Position: Take some practice strokes while looking at your reflection in the mirror. Pay attention to any changes in your eye position during the stroke. Practice maintaining the correct eye position throughout the entire putting motion.
Use Visual Markers: Place visual markers on the ground, such as alignment sticks or tees, to help you visually align your eyes with the ball and the target line. These markers can serve as reminders to keep your eye position consistent during your putting stroke.

Regularly checking and correcting your eye position using a putting mirror will help you achieve better alignment and improve your accuracy on the greens. Proper eye position allows you to better visualize the target line and make consistent, accurate putts. Incorporate eye position checks into your practice routine to develop a reliable and effective putting technique.

Improving Your Stroke with the Putting Mirror

The putting mirror is an excellent tool for analyzing and improving your putting stroke. By using the mirror to observe your stroke mechanics, you can identify any flaws or inconsistencies and make the necessary adjustments for a more effective and accurate stroke. Here are some ways you can improve your stroke using a putting mirror:

Observing Clubface Alignment: Place the putting mirror on a flat surface and line up the alignment lines with your intended target line. This allows you to see if your putter face is square to the target line throughout your stroke. By ensuring proper clubface alignment, you can eliminate any unwanted rotation or open/closed face issues that can negatively impact your putt accuracy.
Checking Path Alignment: The mirror can also help you evaluate your putter’s path during the stroke. By observing your stroke in the mirror, you can determine if your putter is following a straight back-and-through path or if it deviates off-line. Adjusting your path alignment can enhance your consistency and help you roll the ball on the intended line.
Monitoring Shoulder Movements: Your shoulder movements play a crucial role in the putting stroke. Use the mirror to check if your shoulders turn smoothly and consistently during the stroke. Avoid any excessive or jerky movements that can throw off your timing and accuracy. A smooth shoulder rotation promotes a more fluid and controlled stroke.
Eliminating Wrist Breaks: Excessive wrist movement can lead to inconsistent putts. With the mirror, you can observe if your wrists break too early or too late in the stroke. Aim for minimal wrist movement and a more stable and controlled stroke. Keeping your wrists stable ensures a more consistent impact and roll of the ball.
Developing a Smooth Tempo: The mirror helps you gauge the tempo and rhythm of your stroke. Watch your reflection as you make practice strokes and aim for a smooth and consistent pace. A proper tempo promotes better control and allows you to strike the ball cleanly, resulting in improved accuracy and distance control.
Implementing Practice Drills: Take advantage of the putting mirror by incorporating various practice drills into your routine. You can use the mirror to perform gate drills or putt with a tee positioned in the mirror to work on a centered strike. These drills, observed with the mirror, help you refine your stroke and develop a consistent and repeatable motion.

Using the putting mirror to improve your stroke mechanics is a valuable practice technique. By observing clubface alignment, path alignment, shoulder movements, wrist breaks, tempo, and implementing practice drills, you can make the necessary adjustments to enhance your stroke. Regularly practicing with the mirror will lead to a smoother, more consistent, and more accurate putting stroke.

Practicing Distance Control

Distance control is an essential skill in putting. The ability to judge and control the distance your putts travel can greatly impact your overall putting performance. The putting mirror can be a valuable tool to help you practice and improve your distance control. Here are some ways you can use the mirror to fine-tune your distance control:

Observe Backswing Length: Use the putting mirror to monitor the length of your backswing. Take note of how far you take the putter back for different distance putts. By practicing with the mirror, you can develop a consistent and repeatable backswing length, which is crucial for distance control.
Visualize Impact: Set up the putting mirror and place a ball on the mirror’s center line. As you make practice strokes, imagine the impact point on the ball. Visualize the force and speed needed to roll the ball the desired distance. This visualization exercise helps train your mind and body to better judge and produce the right amount of energy to control distance.
Use Gate Drills: Set up a couple of alignment sticks or tees on the ground as a gate on either side of the mirror. Practice rolling putts through the gates while observing your stroke in the mirror. This drill enhances your ability to control the distance of your putts by providing a visual reference of the desired line and speed.
Vary Your Practice Distances: Practice with the putting mirror at varying distances from the hole. Experiment with shorter putts to develop a delicate touch and feel, and gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable. Practicing at different distances challenges your distance control and helps you develop a better understanding of how to adjust your stroke for different putt lengths.
Feedback on Rollout: After making a putt using the mirror, observe the roll of the ball and its endpoint. If the ball consistently rolls too short or too long of the intended target, make adjustments to your stroke and backswing length accordingly. The mirror provides immediate visual feedback on the quality of your rollouts, allowing you to make real-time corrections.
Develop a Consistent Rhythm: Rhythm and tempo play a significant role in distance control. The putting mirror helps you develop a consistent rhythm by providing a visual reference point during your stroke. Practice with the mirror to achieve a smooth and controlled motion that optimizes your ability to judge and control the distance of your putts.

Practicing distance control using the putting mirror will enhance your ability to judge and control the distance your putts travel. By observing your backswing length, visualizing impact, using gate drills, varying practice distances, receiving feedback on rollout, and developing a consistent rhythm, you can refine your distance control skills. Regular practice with the mirror will give you the confidence to accurately roll putts and improve your overall putting performance.

Analyzing Your Putting Technique

One of the significant advantages of using a putting mirror is its ability to provide valuable feedback on your putting technique. By observing your stroke in the mirror, you can analyze and identify areas of improvement. Here are some ways you can use the putting mirror to analyze and refine your putting technique:

Setup Position: The mirror allows you to assess your setup position. Check if your shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned parallel to the mirror’s lines. Ensure that your eyes are directly above the ball and in line with the target. Analyzing your setup position helps establish a strong foundation for a consistent and accurate stroke.
Clubface Alignment: Use the mirror to observe the alignment of your putter face throughout the stroke. Check if the putter face remains square to the target line. If you notice the face opening or closing during the stroke, make the necessary adjustments to maintain proper alignment. A square putter face at impact promotes a straighter and more accurate putt.
Stroke Path: The mirror gives you a visual representation of the path your putter follows during the stroke. Analyze if your putter moves on an arc or straight back and through. The mirror helps you identify any unwanted movements, like swinging the putter too far inside or outside the ideal path. Adjusting your stroke path can improve your accuracy and consistency.
Head Position: Monitoring your head position during the stroke is crucial for stability and consistency. The mirror allows you to observe if your head moves excessively, causing instability in the stroke. Maintain a steady head position throughout the stroke, which helps ensure a consistent and centered strike on the ball.
Follow-Through and Finish: Analyze your follow-through and finish position using the mirror. Check if you fully extend your arms and maintain a balanced posture after the stroke. A complete and balanced finish indicates a smooth and controlled stroke. If your mirror reflection shows an incomplete or imbalanced finish, work on making the necessary adjustments.
Consistency Check: Use the mirror to compare your stroke from different angles. Take a few practice strokes while observing your reflection to determine if your stroke is consistent. Look for any variations in alignment, path, or clubface position. Identifying inconsistencies helps you focus on specific areas that need improvement.

Regularly analyzing your putting technique using a putting mirror can highlight areas that may be hindering your performance. By assessing your setup position, clubface alignment, stroke path, head position, and finish, you can identify areas of weakness and make the necessary adjustments. Use the mirror’s feedback to refine your technique and develop a more consistent and effective putting stroke.

Incorporating Drills with the Putting Mirror

The putting mirror is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of drills to improve your putting skills. Here are some drills you can incorporate with the putting mirror to enhance your practice sessions:

Gate Drill: Set up two alignment sticks or tees on either side of the mirror, creating a gate. Align the gate with your intended target line. Practice rolling putts through the gate while observing your stroke in the mirror. This drill helps you improve your alignment and ensures that your stroke stays on the correct path.
Tee Line Drill: Place a tee in the mirror, perpendicular to your target line, a few feet away. Practice making putts and try to roll the ball so that it hits the tee. This drill teaches you to start the ball on your intended line and helps improve your accuracy and aim.
Lag Putting Drill: Position the putting mirror at a longer distance from the hole, simulating a lag putt. Practice rolling the ball towards the mirror while maintaining good touch and distance control. This drill enhances your ability to judge speed and helps develop a consistent and effective lag putting stroke.
One-Arm Putting Drill: Challenge your putting stroke by practicing with one arm only. Place your non-dominant hand on your back and make putts while observing your stroke in the mirror. This drill helps you focus on your body alignment, clubface control, and stroke path. It also promotes smoother and more coordinated movements in your dominant arm.
Confidence and Pressure Drill: Set up a series of putts with different lengths and difficulties. Use the putting mirror to align yourself and make putts under pressure. This drill helps simulate real-game situations and improves your ability to perform under pressure. It also provides valuable feedback on your stroke mechanics while maintaining focus and confidence.
Mirror Follow-Through Drill: Place the putting mirror directly behind the ball, perpendicular to your target line. Make a putting stroke while focusing on extending your putter head and observing your follow-through in the mirror. This drill promotes a smooth and extended follow-through, improving your stroke mechanics and ensuring proper acceleration through the ball.

Incorporating drills with the putting mirror adds variety and effectiveness to your practice routine. These drills help improve your alignment, accuracy, speed control, stroke mechanics, and mental game. Use the mirror as a reference point and observe your stroke during each drill to gain valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments. Regularly practicing these drills with the putting mirror will lead to improved putting performance on the course.

Different Putting Drills to Try

When it comes to improving your putting skills, incorporating a variety of drills into your practice routine can be highly beneficial. Here are a few different putting drills you can try to enhance your putting ability:

Distance Control Drill: Set up three to five balls at varying distances from the hole, starting with the closest one. Focus on rolling each putt with the same stroke intensity, aiming to stop the ball within a small circle around the hole. This drill develops your ability to control the distance of your putts with consistency.
Around the World Drill: Place a number of tees or markers around the hole in a circular pattern at different distances. Start from one tee and try to make each putt before moving on to the next. This drill develops your ability to read breaks and make putts from different angles and distances.
Gate Putt Drill: Set up two alignment sticks or tees slightly wider than the width of your putter head, creating a gate a few feet away from the ball. Practice making putts through the gate, ensuring that your stroke stays on the desired target line. This drill enhances your alignment and helps you develop a consistent stroke path.
Sinking Pressure Putts: Create a challenging putting scenario by setting up a few balls with the same distance and difficult breaks around the hole. Take turns putting each ball and try to sink all of them consecutively. This drill simulates pressure situations and helps you improve your focus and confidence under challenging conditions.
Mirror Alignment Drill: Position a putting mirror behind the ball and focus on aligning your body and putter face with the mirror’s lines. Take practice strokes while observing your reflection, ensuring that your alignment is accurate throughout the stroke. This drill helps you develop consistent alignment habits and promotes a more accurate putting stroke.
Speed Control Drill: Set up several tees at various distances from the hole, each representing a different target zone. Practice rolling putts to stop within specific target zones, focusing on precision and control rather than sinking the putts. This drill hones your ability to gauge and control the speed of your putts.

By incorporating different putting drills into your practice routine, you can improve various aspects of your putting game, such as distance control, alignment, focus, and speed control. Experiment with these drills and adapt them to meet your specific needs and skill level. Consistent practice with these drills will help you build confidence and proficiency on the greens.