How to Putt With the Reverse Overlap Putting Grip

Learning how to putt begins with the putting grip. If you are experiencing problems with your putting game then a grip change maybe what you need. Although there are a variety of putting grip styles used today by both professionals and amateurs alike the most popular is the reverse overlap grip. I believe this grip is the most fundamentally solid of the choices available and would highly recommended it to new golfers.

To form the Reverse Overlap Grip:

(1) Begin by placing both hands on the club so they are facing each other and then move your right hand down the shaft roughly three inches.
(2) The putter should lay below the back pad of your left hand.
(3) The back side of your hands should be parallel to each other.
(4) Extend your right thumb down the shaft to a little below the right index finger.
(5) Your left thumb will also point down the club and slip into the palm of the right hand.
(6) Now position your left middle finger so it overlaps the little finger of your right hand.
(7) Finally take your left index finger and lay it across the tops of your right hand ring, middle and index fingers.

The benefit of this grip style is that it forms a solid unity to your hands, The hands are positioned very close together which enables them to work as a complete unit. Although this grip style will not eliminate your wrists from flexing, it does help prevent either one of your hands from becoming to dominating.

In terms of putting grip pressure the lighter you are able to grip the club the better. With applying lighter grip pressure you will have less tension and have a better feel of the club face. Basically you should apply just enough pressure to maintain control. On the practice green experiment with different pressure levels to find which one suits you the best. On a final note, what ever grip pressure you do use you should maintain that pressure evenly through out your swing.

Professional golfers do use different grips in putting and periodically will make a change in their grip. However when they do make a change they have a clear understanding of the new grip style and that it will take them time to fully adapt to the change. Likewise, if you decide to make a change realize it takes plenty of time until you can feel comfortable and realize the benefits.

Learning how to putt takes dedication and practicing the right golf putting drills that develop proper fundamentals, consistency and self confidence. However with time and patiences anyone can become an excellent putter.

Also for more information on learning proper putting fundamentals visit http://golf-how-to-putt.blogspot.com/ where you will find comprehensive lessons on grip, set up, proper stroke, reading greens and help for common putting problems.

About the author, John Paolino is a life long avid golfer who spends countless hours researching the game and writing lessons for golfers that are easy to follow so others can implement quickly and improve their game.