Proper Set-Up

Instructions for right-handed golfers

1. Grip & Arm
   Anchor the butt of the putter into the right armpit with the left hand at the top of the upper grip for added control. Place the right hand on the lower grip with:
   
   the thumb running down the front of the grip,
   
    the index finger down the back of the grip, and
   
    the remaining fingers wrapped around the lower grip
   
   
2. Stance
   Position the right foot so it is parallel to the intended aim line of the putt. Put about 80% of your weight on this foot. Place the left foot approximately 8 inches behind the right foot, slightly less than a shoulder width apart, and drawn back at a 45-degree angle.
   
   
3. Ball Position
   For the most consistent roll using The Sidewinder® SSP, place the ball one inch back from the front of the right foot (in other words, move it back about one inch toward the heel). Due to differences in greens, if the ball does not roll smoothly, change the ball position in 1/2-inch increments–either forward or backward–until the ball rolls smoothly. During the stroke, the heel of the putter should not be more than 2" (two inches) away from the outside of the right foot.
   
   
4. Stroke
   You will make the stroke with the right arm and shoulder, using the exact motion as if you were rolling the ball to the hole without a putter. The only other movement is a slight rotation of the left wrist. Keep the shaft of the putter in contact with the right forearm for maximum control of the putter head. There should not be any space between the shaft and the forearm. The shoulders should be set perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the intended aim line.
   
   

Proper Practice

1. How to Begin
   Begin by taking 25 putts from no longer than 2 feet from the cup. Use a smooth stroke and follow-through. Lean the upper body to the right to assist in getting the putter lined up to the target line. At this distance, you are simply trying to groove your stroke and gain confidence in the new method of putting. After holing 25 putts from this distance, move back to 3 feet and repeat the process.
   
   
2. Longer Putts
   On putts beyond 3 feet, set the putter head behind the ball with the aim line on the putter lined up with the intended target line. Hold the putter at arm’s length with the left hand, while kneeling behind the ball. The shaft of the putter should be at approximately the same angle as when a stroke is made. When properly lined up, press down on the putter so the proper line is maintained. Place the butt into the armpit and you are ready to make the stroke. Take one last look at the putt to ingrain the distance into your mind and make the stroke with the same amount of effort as it would take to roll the ball to the hole without the putter. You will find that your distance control is much more consistent than with conventional putting.
   
   
3. Does practice make perfect
   The old adage, "Practice makes perfect," is a bit misleading. The truth is, PERFECT practice makes perfect putting. That’s why it’s important to practice right. Resist the temptation to try long putts until you have mastered the 2-foot and 3-foot putts. Then move back to longer putts to learn distance control.

Remember...you are using a putting style unlike any other method. You are probably not going to master it in one practice session. However, we are convinced that after 1,000 practice strokes with our sidesaddle putter,

	you will be putting much more consistently,
	the number of putts per round will be reduced, and
	3-putt greens will be a rarity.