Have you ever noticed how professional golfers hold their finish when putting, sometimes for several seconds after the ball has left the club? The great Jack Nicklaus was famous for this, staring down the ball as it tracked toward the hole, his putter rock-solid in its final position.

The pros aren’t posing on their putts. Holding the finish helps keep your body still throughout the stroke as the arms and shoulders control the blade. It ensures that your head stays steady, too, an overlooked key to good putting.

While maintaining the finish position seems easy enough, it can prove difficult for some golfers. There’s a temptation to peek as the ball leaves the blade, especially on short putts, which causes the shoulders to rise prematurely.

If your putter tends to wander after impact, or if you come up quickly out of your stance, practice holding the finish until the ball reaches the hole from close range; on longer attempts, wait until the ball is halfway home before releasing your finish. Maintain your address posture throughout.

As an added bonus, this technique keeps your eyes watching the ball for the length of a putt, providing feedback on the greens’ speed and break.