Despite the popularity of the term, there are many misconceptions about the pendulum putting stroke. A simple understanding of the physics of a pendulum will make the picture clearer, however. By definition, a pendulum is a hanging object that swings from a fixed point (picture a grandfather clock). In the case of putting, the fixed point is a spot in your belly defined by the butt end of the shaft at address and the hanging object is the putterhead. Don't be confused by those who say you have to lock your wrists or just focus on the shoulders because those tips alone do not guarantee a pendulum putting stroke.

How do you know? Start by making note of where the butt end of your putter is pointing at address and then hold your follow through on a medium length stroke. Draw a line with your eyes from the butt end of your putter and see if it points to same spot as at the start. If you are like most golfers, your putter will likely be pointing somewhere in the vicinity of your left hip (if you are right-handed), which means you are holding onto instead of releasing the putterhead through impact.    

Why is the Perfect Pendulum better?

Don't be fooled by other training aids claiming to teach you a pendulum stroke because without the connection point to your belly you get with the Perfect Pendulum you are not assured of making a true pendulum motion. Putting aids with braces or rails lock you in a certain position and make you dependent on the device to replicate a pendulum stroke. Not so with the Perfect Pendulum. And unlike other similarly styled pendulum training aids, the Perfect Pendulum does not need to be repositioned after each putt.