What Is An Outside Takeaway In Putting?
It simply means the putter head moves too far outside the target line during the backstroke.
How Does It Affect Your Putts?
- Off-Center Contact
An outside takeaway pushes the putter off its natural path. This can cause toe strikes or heel strikes. - Off-Line Starts
An outside takeaway can cause pulled putts or a cut across the ball with an open face, pushing it off-line. - Poor Face Control
Your putter face closes due to an outside takeaway, which makes the face angle at impact inconsistent. - Unsteady Roll
An outside takeaway also makes the roll unstable because the stroke path adds sidespin to the putt.
What Causes an Outside Takeaway in Putting?
- Lead Hand Dominance
A strong lead hand can push the putter head outside the path in the backstroke. - Shoulders Turning
Rotating your shoulders instead of rocking them can also push the putter outside. - Ball Too Far Forward
A forward ball position causes the putter to travel outside the proper path during takeaway. - Poor Eye Line
If your eyes are aligned too far over or outside the ball, you might perceive the target line to be left of where it really is. To compensate, the putter goes back outside the correct path and you - Poor Eye Line
If your eyes are too far inside the ball, you might perceive the correct line as being to the right of where it actually is. When this happens, you align the putter to the right, then instinctively take it back outside and pull the ball onto the correct line.
What Other Faults Does An Outside Takeaway Cause?
- Wrist Flexion Through Impact
An outside takeaway can cause wrist flexion because your wrists try to bring the putter back squarely to the ball. - Toe Strikes
An outside takeaway changes the stroke path and causes strikes off the toe.
Putting Cues & Feels
- Feel the putter head move straight back for the first few inches.
- Keep your forearms tension-free to let the putter arc naturally. .
- Let your shoulders rock the putter.
Putting Adaptations
- Stand a little taller to help your shoulders rock.
- Use a thicker grip to reduce hand action.
FAQs About Out-to-In Putting Stroke
How do I check if I have an outside takeaway in my stroke?
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Is an outside takeaway always a problem?
Yes. An outside takeaway causes the putter to move off its natural path, and affects your line, strike and roll.
Does an outside takeaway affect the ball’s start line?
Yes. An outside takeaway usually creates pulls or cut strokes/pushes.
Can changing my ball position fix this error?
Yes. Fixing your ball position, possibly by moving it back in your stance, promotes a straighter path.
Can better posture help cure an outside takeaway?
Yes. A stable posture supports a simple shoulder rocking motion and prevents off-line takeaways.
Other Names
- Outside Path
- Pushed Takeaway
- Away-from-Body Takeaway
- Early Outside Move
Final Thoughts
Outside takeaway is a common putting mistake that affects the ball’s start line and how it rolls. Proper alignment, posture and shoulder movement can prevent it.
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