PHOTO PROVIDED The arc is created by rocking the shoulders.

The putter should move on an arc, back and through the ball. The arc is created by rocking the shoulders.

Golfers who putt poorly usually try to keep the putter low and level to the ground. This causes the ball to hop rather than roll smoothly.

The putter must strike the ball on its equator with a slight upward motion; this induces over-spin, which allows the ball to roll smoothly. To create the proper acceleration through the ball, the putter should move half the distance on the backswing as it does on the follow-through.

For example, if the putter goes back six inches, the putter should pass the ball twelve inches.

Many golfers take the putter back too far and shorten the follow-through, causing the putter to lose momentum.

Don’t forget to enjoy this great game called golf.

Rick Musselman, golf author and professional, is the founder of Musselman’s Golf in Williamsport.