Micah Morris and coach Ben Pelli break down 'The Speed Slope Equation' to unlock professional-level putting distance control. The lesson focuses on centering your strike using the ball sleeve drill and calibrating stroke length against various slopes to understand why a 6-foot uphill putt requires the same energy as a 15-foot downhill putt. Ben also reveals critical green-reading secrets, specifically how 60-70% of a putt's break occurs in the final third of its journey.
The Speed Slope Equation: A 6ft uphill, 9ft side-hill, and 15ft downhill putt can all require the exact same stroke length on the same green.
A centered strike is essential for speed; 'thinning' a putt causes massive inconsistencies in how far the ball rolls.
Use your putter's grip length (approx. 10 inches) as a baseline backswing reference for a 'Zero Putt' to calibrate to any green speed.
Visualize break in thirds: Approximately 60-70% of the total break happens in the final third of the putt as the ball loses velocity.
Experiment with ball lines: Try a 'front-half' line (line only on the front of the ball) to assist with aim without becoming obsessed with the line during the stroke.
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