5 Essential AimPoint Putting Drills to Master Green Reading

You’ve learned the “what” and the “why” of AimPoint Putting, and perhaps even decided it’s the right fit for your game. Now, it’s time to put that knowledge into action! To help you effectively integrate AimPoint and truly master green reading, Oakville’s PGA Certified Golf Instructor and AimPoint Putting Coach, Sean Carlino, shares five essential drills you can start practicing today.

1. The “Feel the Slope” Walk: “This is foundational,” says Coach Carlino. “Find a practice green with varying slopes. Place a ball down, then walk along the intended putt line, focusing intensely on the feel in your feet. Notice how your weight shifts and how your body reacts to different gradients. Don’t even think about putting yet; just internalize that sensory feedback.” This drill builds your “slope meter,” crucial for accurate AimPoint reads.

2. The Calibration Confirmation: “Once you’re comfortable feeling slopes, use a digital level to confirm your perception,” advises Carlino. “Place the level on the green and then stand over it, feeling the slope. Compare your perceived slope to the actual percentage on the level. This helps you calibrate your internal sensor to real-world data.” Start with subtle slopes and gradually move to steeper ones.

3. The Aim Point Verification: Set up a putt, perform your AimPoint read (Express or Conventional), and identify your aim point. “Now, place a tee or a coin at that exact aim point,” Carlino instructs. “Then, practice rolling putts, trying to hit that tee. This drill gives you immediate feedback on whether your read was correct and helps you trust your calculated line.”

4. The “Eyes Closed” Read: This advanced drill hones your sensory input. “Once you’re confident with your feel, try closing your eyes as you stand over the putt to feel the slope,” suggests Carlino. “Then, open your eyes and perform your AimPoint read. This forces you to rely purely on your feet, enhancing your sensitivity to subtle breaks.”

5. The Random Putt Challenge: “To truly test your green reading, don’t just hit putts from the same spot,” says Carlino. “Randomly drop balls at various locations on the practice green. Treat each one as if it were on the course, going through your full AimPoint routine. This simulates real-game pressure and reinforces consistent application.”

By incorporating these drills into your practice routine right here in Oakville, you’ll not only improve your AimPoint technique but also gain a profound understanding of how greens truly break, leading to more confidence and lower scores on the course.