Game version
Putting ladder: a pair putts from one distance, then moves back a step whenever the pair has made two in a row. Swap putters.
Break Reading Ladder
Learn how much a putt breaks at different distances on the same slope.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Find a hole on a slope.
Core: 5 feet. Beat your own farthest step on the ladder.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Putter, balls, tees, practice green
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Putting
The steps
How it works
- Find a hole on a slope.
- Place tees at 5, 10, 15 and 20 feet on the same line.
- Putt 3 balls from each tee, picking an aim point.
- Note how much more break each step back needed.
Coaching point
Longer putts break more.
Safety: Stand back from anyone who is chipping or putting, keep everyone clear of your club, and wait your turn before you walk onto the green.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a start: Less (3 feet), Core (5 feet), More (8 feet). Beat your own farthest step on the ladder.
Story
You are an explorer climbing a ladder to the treasure cup.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own farthest step on the ladder. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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