Although you're accustomed to swinging the club on an inside-to-square-to-inside path when making full swings, most good putters swing the putter on a straight-back, straight-through path.

If you are in the habit of pushing putts, set up to the ball with an open stance -- with the left foot farther back from the target line than the right. Seeing the right foot in your peripheral vision discourages swinging the putter inside and promotes a backstroke that moves the putterhead along the extended target line, directly away from the target.

When the putterhead moves along the target line straight back and straight through, it becomes easier to keep the putterface aimed at the target throughout the stroke. If the face stays aimed at the target, your chances of sinking the putt are pretty good.

Be careful not to open your stance too much. If you find that the putterhead starts going back outside the extended target line, realign your stance square to the target line.

Rick Whitfield is Head Golf Professional at Loblolly Pines Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida.

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