100% of short putts don't go in

This is "decel," short for deceleration, and it's the number one killer of good speed control on the greens. A good putting stroke should feel like it's smoothly and gradually accelerating through the ball. A "decel" stroke is the opposite; the putter head is actively slowing down at the moment of impact. It's a tentative, fearful stroke that almost guarantees a poor result.

Build confidence on three-footers

Demonstrates gate drills and pressure games for short putts.

What's really causing your stroke to decelerate?

Decel isn't a mechanical flaw as much as it is a mental one. It's born from fear and a misunderstanding of how to control distance. You need to be assertive!

• Fear of the Three-Putt: The main cause is a fear of hitting the putt too far past the hole. This is especially common on long lag putts or slick downhillers. The player gets scared of the comeback putt and instinctively slows down to try and "cushion" the blow.
• A Backstroke That's Too Long: This is a huge mechanical trigger for decel. For a short putt, the player takes a backstroke that is far too long. Halfway through the downswing, their brain realises, "Whoa, this is going to be way too hard!" The only way to save the putt is to slam on the brakes and decelerate into the ball.
• A "Hit" Instinct, Not a "Stroke" Mentality: Many amateurs think of putting as "hitting" or "tapping" the ball. This leads to a short, jabby backstroke followed by a forceful forward motion that stops abruptly after impact. A pure putting motion is a "stroke"-a flowing, continuous motion where the putter head keeps moving.

How to Build a Smooth, Accelerating Stroke

To cure decel, you need to learn to control your distance by the length of your stroke, not the effort, and you need to trust that motion. As we say, be assertive.

• Match the Length of Your Stroke: Your backstroke controls the distance. Your through-stroke should be at least as long as, if not slightly longer than, your backstroke. For a short putt, think "short back, short through." For a long putt, "long back, long through." This promotes a symmetrical, "tick-tock" pendulum rhythm that naturally encourages acceleration.
• Listen for the Sound: A putt struck with an accelerating stroke makes a crisp, solid "click." A putt struck with a decelerating stroke makes a dull, dead "thud." On the practice green, close your eyes and just listen to the sound of your impact. Try to make a good sound on every putt.
• "Brush the Grass" Through the Ball: A great swing thought is to feel like you are brushing the grass with the sole of your putter for a few inches past where the ball was. This simple feeling encourages the putter head to keep moving and accelerating through the impact zone, rather than stopping at the ball.
• The Ladder Drill: This is the best drill for fixing decel and improving speed control. Place tees or ball markers at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 feet from a hole. Start at the 3-footer and make your stroke. Then move to the 6-footer. The goal is to hit it with the same smooth tempo, simply by making your backstroke a little bit longer. Work your way up and down the ladder. This will train your brain to equate distance with stroke length, eliminating the fear that causes you to decelerate.

Trust your stroke. Control your distance with the length of your backswing and commit to a smooth acceleration through the ball. You'll stop leaving putts short and start giving every putt a chance to go in.

Need to keep that pace working alongside start line and tempo? Pushes and Pulls: How to Stop Wasting Strokes on the Green keeps the face square, and Tempo and Rhythm: The Invisible Glue That Holds Your Swing Together shows how the same cadence threads through the rest of your game.

What should you remember about keeping the putter moving?

• What's Happening? Stroke slows before impact, face wobbles, and energy leaks away.

• Typical Causes

• Ball too far back, forcing awkward strike.
• Stance too wide, long backswing, tentative follow‑through.

• Lack of commitment.

• Big Picture Decel isn't cured by “trying harder.” It starts with setup that promotes a smooth, confident motion.

What are the quick questions golfers keep asking?

Q: Why do short putts die under the hole when nerves kick in?
A: The stroke slows down. Decel leaves the face open and the ball short.

Q: How do you train yourself to hit three-footers with pace?
A: Set a tee gate two cups past the hole and roll the ball through it. You'll hear the rattle and learn aggressive doesn't mean reckless.