[Yoda]

VJ, question about the Putting Arc. I have adopted the Jack Nicklaus putting set-up and, with Yoda's help a couple of weeks ago, now have only movement of my right arm while putting (bends at the elbow going back and then push forward to straight right arm after impact). Would the Putting Arc be of value for this type of stroke?? Thanks, Dr Dave

Hi Dave,

Nice to see you in cyberspace! Ain't science wonderful?

I know you've queried V.J., but since I'm the guy who got you in the Push Basic (10-3-C) mode, please humor me with this response.

In the Push Basic Stroke, the Right Elbow is positoned in an 'Up and Out' (from the Right Hip) location. From there, the Right Forearm -- courtesy of the bending (but not Fanning) Right Elbow -- moves along the line that it is positioned, with the Hands always remaining between the Elbow and the Ball. In other words, if the Forearm is positioned pointing at the Plane Line (as is most often the case), it moves directly away from that 'pointing toward' point on the Backstroke and directly toward that 'pointing toward' point on the Downstroke.

As a practice drill, execute this motion with the Clubshaft remaining in contact with the edge of a picnic bench or another such low siderail. While the Right Forearm Thrust of the Stroke is very definitely Cross-Line (toward -- and not along -- the Plane Line), the Clubshaft will Trace a Straight Plane Line, and the Clubhead will move in an Arc -- the Arc of Approach. This is The Putting Arc.

Now you have a choice:

1. You may monitor the Curved Clubhead Blur through Impact -- the Putting Arc -- or...

2. You may Trace the Straight Plane Line (2-0-B-#3 and 1-L-#6).

My suggestion?

Do both and gain a true understanding of the Geometric Straight Plane Lineand also its Visual Equivalent, the Arc of Approach (2-J-3).