Putting Tips & Techniques

The Perfect Putting Stroke: Straight Back and Through vs. Arc

By puttmasterPublished 4 min read

The Perfect Putting Stroke: Straight Back & Through vs. Arc

Introduction

When it comes to putting in golf, two primary stroke techniques dominate the conversation: Straight Back & Through (SBST) and Arc Stroke. Both have their advocates, and each method has been successfully used by some of the best putters in the history of the game.

But which is better? The answer depends on a combination of biomechanics, putter design, and personal preference. This article will break down the differences, benefits, drawbacks, and how to determine which style suits you best.

Understanding the Two Putting Strokes

Straight Back & Through (SBST) Stroke

The Straight Back & Through (SBST) method involves taking the putter straight back on the backswing and then moving it straight forward toward the target. The idea is to minimize face rotation and maintain a square face through impact.

Key Features of SBST:

  • The putter head moves in a straight line.
  • Minimal rotation of the putter face.
  • Often preferred by players who use face-balanced putters.
  • Works well on short to mid-range putts.

Benefits of SBST:

  • Reduces the risk of mishits caused by excessive face rotation.
  • Easier to replicate under pressure due to its simplicity.
  • Pairs well with mallet-style putters that have high MOI (Moment of Inertia).

Challenges of SBST:

  • Can feel unnatural to some golfers due to the body’s natural inclination to move in an arc.
  • May not be as effective on long putts where speed control is critical.

Arc Stroke

The Arc Stroke follows a natural inside-to-inside path, similar to a miniature version of a full golf swing. The putter face naturally opens on the backswing and closes slightly on the follow-through.

Key Features of Arc Stroke:

  • The putter moves inside the target line on the backswing and returns inside post-impact.
  • Some putter face rotation is expected.
  • Works best with toe-balanced putters.
  • Favored by players with more wrist action in their stroke.

Benefits of Arc Stroke:

  • Matches the body’s natural movement, making it feel more fluid.
  • Often leads to better distance control on longer putts.
  • Commonly used by some of the greatest putters in golf history, including Tiger Woods.

Challenges of Arc Stroke:

  • Requires consistent timing to keep the putter face square at impact.
  • Increased face rotation can lead to more misses under pressure.

Scientific Research & Studies on Putting Strokes

Eye Position and Stroke Path

A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences (2013) analyzed how eye position affects putting performance. It found that players using a SBST stroke tended to position their eyes directly over the ball, whereas arc stroke players often had their eyes slightly inside the ball. This supports the idea that stroke style can be influenced by setup preferences (Source).

Putter Design & Stroke Compatibility

According to a study by Golf Digest, face-balanced putters are better suited for SBST strokes, while toe-hang putters work best for arc strokes. This means equipment plays a vital role in determining the effectiveness of each putting stroke (Source).

Related:
The science behind a perfect putting stroke

Choosing the Right Stroke for Your Game

1. Assess Your Natural Stroke

One way to determine your natural stroke is by placing a line on your golf ball and hitting several putts while recording the path with video. If your putter moves straight back and through, you likely favor SBST. If it moves in a slight arc, then you are more suited to an Arc Stroke.

2. Consider Your Putter Type

  • Mallet putters with face-balanced weighting work best for SBST strokes.
  • Blade putters with toe-hang weighting work best for Arc Strokes.

3. Practice Drills for Each Stroke

For SBST:

  • Rail Drill: Place two alignment rods on the ground parallel to each other, ensuring your putter moves within them straight back and through.
  • Gate Drill: Position two tees just wider than your putter head to reinforce a straight-back stroke.

For Arc Stroke:

  • Toe-to-Toe Drill: Focus on letting the putter naturally rotate, ensuring the toe opens slightly on the backswing and closes on the follow-through.
  • Clock Drill: Putt from multiple positions around a hole to develop better feel and consistency with the arc stroke.

Which Style Do the Pros Use?

Straight Back & Through (SBST) Users:

  • Bryson DeChambeau (extremely mechanical stroke)
  • Matt Kuchar (arm-lock putting style)

Arc Stroke Users:

  • Tiger Woods (one of the best putters of all time, slight arc stroke)
  • Ben Crenshaw (known for his smooth, flowing arc putting motion)

Conclusion

Both Straight Back & Through (SBST) and Arc Strokes have their place in golf. The best choice depends on your natural tendencies, putter type, and ability to control face rotation.

While SBST is easier to replicate and suits face-balanced putters, the Arc Stroke often provides a more natural feel and works well with toe-hang putters.

If you’re unsure which stroke works best, consider working with a putting instructor or using a high-speed camera to analyze your stroke. By understanding your natural motion, practicing the right drills, and selecting the appropriate putter, you can optimize your performance on the greens.

References:

  1. Golf Digest Study on Putter Design & Stroke Compatibility
  2. Journal of Sports Sciences – Eye Position & Putting Performance

By choosing the right stroke and refining your technique, you can make more putts and lower your scores consistently!

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