The AimPoint Fundamentals Clinic is designed to

teach you which factors control the break of a putt,

how to identify them, and how to begin predicting
expected break amounts. It only covers single-plane
putts shorter than 20 feet, and does not cover
advanced topics such as multi-planar surfaces,
multiple breaks, long putts, speed control, stroke
mechanics, or putter fit.

This clinic is the beginning of your green-reading

education and these concepts require supervised
practice and follow-up instruction in order to be
Fundamentals mastered.

Additional study material can be found on the

AimPoint Forum in the Students section, which is
available to students only. Your AimPoint instructor
can request access to the Students section for you.
Class Notes
If your Fundamentals Clinic did not cover these
topics, please contact Mark Sweeney at
contact@aimpointgolf.com.

Feb 2012

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 1: Factors That Control Break Controlling Break
Three factors control break—slope, angle, and time. During
your class you learned that you can manipulate break by
changing the putt’s angle to the slope, the length of the putt
on a given line (time), or both simultaneously.

As distance (time) increases, break increases.

As slope increases, break increases.
As the angle increases, break increases.
More
Less

Other factors that influence break by changing the time of a

putt are:

1. Green Speed (Stimp)—faster green speeds increase

break.
2. Capture Speed—faster ball speed decreases break.
3. Grain—can increase or decrease break by affecting the
green speed.
4. Uphill vs downhill putts.

Our Formula for Break is:

1. Distance
2. Slope
3. Angle

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 2: Distance Estimating Distance
The first step in the AimPoint green reading process is to
estimate distance, or the length of your putt. This can be
done while walking up to the green, or you can pace off your
putt. However, the quicker and more accurately you can
visually estimate distance, the faster your reads will get.
Visually picking accurate distances will be important in the
advanced class.

Learn to recognize distances on 5 foot (or 1.5 meter)

increments so they match the AimChart.
For most people 5 feet equals two casual steps.
Practice estimating distance visually first and then pace
it off to verify.

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 3: Slope Direction Get Feet Square to Slope
At The MidPoint
The most important skill in green reading is finding the true
direction of the slope (the Zero Line, or Zero degrees) because
that determines the direction any ball will break as well as
how much it will break. Remember, break is caused by slope,
angle, and time, so if we don’t know the direction of the slope
then we can’t determine the amount of slope or the angle we
are putting across the slope.

Find the Zero Line at the MidPoint of your putt, always

facing uphill.
When standing on the MidPoint, if the ball is to your
right it will break from right to left, and if it is to your
left it will break from left to right.
When standing on the MidPoint, if the ball is in front of
you it is a downhill putt, and if the ball is behind you it
is an uphill putt.

To find the Zero Line:

1. Go to the MidPoint of your putt (if single plane) on the

low side.
2. While walking to the MidPoint begin turning into the
slope so that when you get there you are already
square.
3. If you don’t feel square at the MidPoint, twist your
body to get your feet to feel level.

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 4: Estimating Grade % Learning Slope
Grade % is defined as the “rise over the run”, or how much
green tilts over a given distance. Train yourself to feel the
slope amount by using a digital level. Learn what each grade
feels like under your feet when square to the slope. Another
good tool to help train yourself is the Clinometer mobile app.
This will help verify both the direction and amount of slope.
Be sure to always have your level set to % of slope, not
degrees of slope.

Always lookup uphill when estimating grade.

Focus on the grade at the MidPoint of your putt.
Practice with a digital level to train yourself to
accurately identify grades.

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 5: Angle Find The Angle
A putt’s angle and distance to the hole are two primary factors
which determine break. Zero degrees represents a straight
uphill or downhill putt, and 90 degrees represents a cross-hill
putt, which is neither uphill nor downhill. Identify the ball’s
position as angle and distance combined, such as 10 feet/90
degrees.

Use the AimChart® to show you the correct angle by

determining which line points at your ball.
Learn what angles look like as they cross the MidPoint
across your body.
The maximum angle to the slope is 90 degrees.
Use in-between angles and distances such as 45
degrees or 12 feet to more accurately identify the
break.

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 6: AimCharts® Using AimCharts®
AimCharts® are patented charts that tell you how much a putt
is expected to break given its angle and distance to the hole
and the grade it is rolling across. They have calculated gravity’s
effect for you so you know where to aim any particular putt.
After you know the distance, grade and angle for your putt,
use the AimChart® to lookup the expected break.

Break amounts are based on Stimp, distance, grade,

and angle you are putting across the slope.
Break is measured from the edge of the hole.
Negative numbers indicates an aim inside of the hole.
The grade for each chart is printed in the center circle.
If unsure of the grade, always use 2%.
Identify your variables first before referencing the
AimChart®.

AimCharts® are USGA “Permitted Under the Rules of Golf”,

decision number 2009-56, and can be used legally in any
round of golf.

Reproducing AimCharts® is a violation of federal Copyright

and Patent law.

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 7: Capture Speed Hole Width
Capture speed is how far the ball would go past the hole if you
12” Past
missed, or how fast the ball is rolling as it enters the hole. To
maximize the chance of making off-center putts, slow your
speed down to no more than 12 inches past the hole.

AimPoint is based on a capture speed of 6-12 inches

past the hole in order to maximize the effective width
of the cup while reducing the wobble effect.
Wobble typically happens the last 6 inches of roll due
to grain and surface imperfections.
The effective width of the hole narrows dramatically as
capture speed increases.

24” Past

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 8: Estimating Stimp
To estimate the green speed, or Stimp, make a putt from 5
feet at 90 degrees on an average 2% slope. Match the actual
break with the expected break at different Stimps to get the
true green speed.

If the ball breaks more than expected, use a faster

Stimp
If the ball breaks less than expected, use a slower
Stimp

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Lesson 9: Green-Reading Process On Course
When reading a putt during a round of golf, the first question
you should ask (from the fairway if possible) is where the low
MidPoint of your putt is. First estimate the length of your putt
(distance), then go stand at the MidPoint, square your feet to
the slope, choose a grade %, then lookup the expected break
in the AimChart®. The Fundamentals Clinic has not yet
covered putts over multiple planes, so if your putt is longer
than 20 feet, double-breaking, or has changes of slope, you
will need to estimate each segment individually. Make your
best estimate until you have a chance to attend an AimPoint
Advanced Clinic and have learned how to read multi-planar
putts.

Use Low Anchor Points on the green to help determine

slope direction.
You have a 60 second time limit to read your putt, so
make estimations early and keep moving when you get
onto the green. Video
Practice your routine on every putt so that it becomes
second-nature.
Learn to visually identify the angles.
Learn to visually identify distances such as 5, 10, 15,
and 20 feet.
Practice feeling different grades using a digital level.

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Next Steps

The next step after AimPoint Fundamentals is the AimPoint

Advanced Class, which teaches how to apply the fundamental
concepts to putts across multiple planes rather than a single
plane. In this class you will learn how to segment putts into
distinct planes so that you can read any putt whatsoever
regardless of green shape, length, or number of breaks. Be
sure that you are comfortable with Fundamental material
before registering for an Advanced Class.

Advanced Video

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies

Appendix: Tools Ghost Cups
Brand: Danco
Here is a list of tools that compliment your Model: Kitchen Sink Strainer Washer
AimPoint green reading practice: Width: 4 inches
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Price: $3.69 for pack of 10
Digital Level
Brand: Husky
Model: 9 inch digital level
Where to Buy: Home Depot stores
Price: $40

Edel Custom Fit Putters

Brand: Edel Golf
Where to Buy: Find a fitter at EdelGolf.com

AimPoint Swinkey
Brand: Swinkey
Where to Buy: AimPointGolf.com
Price: $119

Copyright ©AimPoint Technologies