Lesson Notes: The Eye-Line Drop Drill
The Core Concept: Your eye position relative to the ball significantly impacts how you perceive the “line” of a putt. If your eyes are too far inside or outside the ball, you will struggle with consistent aim.
How to Perform the Drill:
Initial Setup: Address a golf ball as you normally would for a putt.
The “Check” Ball: Hold a second golf ball between your eyes (at the bridge of your nose).
The Drop: Without moving your head, release the second ball.
Analyze the Result: * Perfect Spot: The dropped ball should hit the ball on the ground or land directly on the inside edge of it.
Adjustments: If it lands elsewhere, move your feet closer or further away until you find the “sweet spot” where your eyes are truly over the ball.
Q&A
Q: Why is it important for my eyes to be over the ball? A: When your eyes are directly over the ball (or slightly inside the line), it is much easier to see the intended line of the putt correctly. If your eyes are too far away from the ball, the line can appear distorted, leading to alignment errors.
Q: Where exactly should the dropped ball land? A: Ideally, it should land directly on top of the ball you are addressing. Many pros also find success if the ball lands just slightly on the “inside” (the side closer to your feet) of the target ball, but hitting the ball directly is the gold standard for this drill.
Q: Can I do this drill on the practice green? A: Yes, this is one of the easiest drills to perform anywhere. It requires no special equipment—just two golf balls—and provides immediate feedback without needing a coach to watch you.
Q: What should I do if the ball consistently lands too far in front of the ball on the ground? A: This means your head is too far “over” the ball. You should stand a bit taller or move slightly further away from the ball at address to bring your eyes back into the correct alignment.
