The Power of Optimised Ball Roll – Why Launch Angle Matters in Putting

JB Coaching
Nov 20
2 min read

One of the biggest misconceptions in putting is that a smooth-looking stroke automatically produces a smooth roll. In reality, what happens in the first few inches after impact determines everything—distance control, start line, consistency, and ultimately how many putts you hole.

This week in the JB Coaching Putting Studio, we captured a brilliant before-and-after example using Quintic Ball Roll, highlighting just how transformative the right setup adjustments can be.

PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF BLOG

Before: Too Much Loft, Too Much Skid

In the initial capture, the player delivered a +4° launch angle, which is significantly higher than the ideal 1–2° window we look for. A high launch creates a number of issues:

The ball pops up off the face instead of rolling quickly
Increased skid and bounce before it grips the turf
A rolling stripe that wobbles rather than stays tight
Inconsistent distance control and strike feedback

The stroke looked good to the eye, but the technology showed the reality: the ball wasn’t rolling efficiently.

The Adjustment: Matching the LAB Putter’s Press Grip

This player was using a LAB putter, which features a 2° press grip. To optimise loft delivery, the handle needs to move slightly forward so the player returns the shaft with around 2° of forward press—bringing the delivered loft into the correct window.

A small setup refinement did exactly that.

After: Launching in the Optimal Range

The second capture showed a launch of +0.7°, almost perfectly centred within the performance zone.

This produced:

Earlier true roll
Lower skid and far better energy transfer
A stripe that stays tight and rotates cleanly
More predictable start line and pace control
A noticeably improved feel at impact

The difference is only a couple of degrees, but the improvement in roll quality is instantly visible.

Why This Matters for Every Golfer

Putting is the one area of the game where tiny details have massive consequences. A change of 1–2° in loft or angle of attack can completely alter how the ball behaves on the green.

Quintic gives us the ability to measure these details with precision, diagnose inefficiencies, and create fixes that are grounded in data—not guesswork.

Want to See Your Ball Roll?

If you’ve never seen what your ball actually does in the first few inches after impact, you’re missing out on one of the most valuable insights in golf performance. Small adjustments can produce huge improvements.

You can book your own Putting Assessment in the JB Coaching Putting Studio and discover how to roll the ball more efficiently, consistently, and confidently.

LAUNCH OF GOLF BALL BEFORE SESSION: