If your putt is working, don’t feel like tinkering with your breathing is must-do stuff. On the flip side of things, however, if your putt is a complete and total dumpster fire, consciously working your lungs into your putting routine might be something worth examining – give it a shot.
And just so we’re on the same page, I’m NOT talking about the kind of breathing that’s meant to calm the mind, body and spirit. You know, the breathing exercises you’d encounter at a yoga or pilates class. Instead, I’m referring to breathing for a more tangible, strategic purpose …
Military snipers do this while taking aim at a target.
NBA players do this at the foul line, as well.
So why not disc golfers?
Here’s what’s considered “smart” by (some) gifted golfers:
- Step No. 1 – Breathe normally.
- Step No. 2 – Go through your pre-putt routine.
- Step No. 3 – As you near the end of it, exhale slowly.
- Step No. 4 – When you’re ready, push the putter forward.
As for WHEN you should putt, there are largely two trains of thought: 1) Putt when the lungs are completely empty to calm your heart rate and eliminate unnecessary movement, or 2) putt during a slow, controlled exhale to keep things completely uniform and exert extra force into the disc.
My advice?
Play around with both.
Ultimately, however you choose to breathe doesn’t matter much – being consistent does.
If that means foregoing this “breathing” business altogether, fine. Especially with something as mental as putting, adding another element to the mix is capable of doing more harm than good. If you’ve never thought about the role of breathing while putting, try it out at the practice basket …
It’s a small change, but it could be just what your short game’s missing.
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