The 3 Best Indoor Putting Drills to Instantly Improve Your Putting

Putting accounts for nearly half of all strokes in a round of golf, yet it’s the part of the game many golfers practice the least—especially when weather or daylight limits time on the course. The good news? You don’t need a green to become a better putter. With the right indoor drills, you can build a repeatable stroke, improve face control, and gain confidence that transfers directly to the course.

Here are three proven indoor putting drills that work for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

1. The Gate Drill (Start Line Control)

What it Improves:

• Putter face control

• Start line accuracy

• Center-face contact

Why It Works: Most missed putts aren’t caused by poor reads—they’re caused by the ball starting offline. The gate drill trains your ability to start the ball on your intended line, which is the foundation of good putting.

How to Set It Up Indoors:

• Place two objects (coins, tees, or books) slightly wider than a golf ball

• Position them 12–18 inches in front of the ball

• Create a “gate” the ball must roll through

How to Perform the Drill:

1. Set up with your normal putting stance

2. Stroke the ball through the gate without touching either side

3. Focus on a smooth stroke and square face at impact

Pro Tip: If you consistently hit one side of the gate, your putter face is opening or closing at impact. Narrow the gate as your consistency improves.

2. The Distance Control Ladder Drill

What it Improves:

• Speed control

• Feel and touch

• Lag putting confidence

Why It Works: Three-putts often come from poor distance control, not bad reads. This drill trains your brain and hands to match stroke length to distance—even on carpet.

How to Set It Up Indoors:

• Choose a straight putting lane (hallway or living room)

• Place targets at increasing distances (3 ft, 6 ft, 9 ft, 12 ft) using cups, tape, or objects

How to Perform the Drill:

1. Start with the shortest target

2. Putt one ball to each target without going past it

3. Move to the next distance only after successful attempts

Pro Tip: Focus on stroke length rather than hitting harder. A longer stroke with the same tempo produces better distance control.

3. The One-Handed Putting Drill (Stroke Consistency)

What it Improves:

• Stroke path

• Face stability

• Feel and rhythm

Why It Works: One-handed putting exposes flaws in your stroke that are often masked when using both hands. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve control and awareness.

How to Set It Up Indoors:

• Putt from 3–5 feet

• Use a flat surface (putting mat or carpet)

How to Perform the Drill:

1. Putt using only your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers)

2. Focus on keeping the putter face square

3. Make smooth, controlled strokes

Pro Tip: If the putter wobbles or twists, you’re likely using too much wrist action. The goal is stability, not power.

How to Get the Most Out of Indoor Putting Practice

• Practice 10–15 minutes a day instead of long, infrequent sessions

• Focus on quality over quantity

• Always practice with purpose, not just repetition

Indoor drills build muscle memory and confidence, so when you step onto the green, your stroke feels familiar and reliable.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need perfect greens or expensive equipment to become a great putter. By working on start line, speed control, and stroke consistency indoors, you can make meaningful improvements that show up immediately on the course.

Commit to these three drills, and your putting will improve—rain or shine.