"Backhand" putting
 

For the second time in recent time I had an argument regarding "backhand" putting v/s push basic or shoulder turn. I felt I did not do a particulary good job convincing the (non-TGM) guy I was talking to about the inferior performance of backhand putting. Maybe someone could give me more arguments or tear my resoning apart. I am only looking for truth.

My (fishy if you like) arguments that backhand putting was not to be considered was basically:

Since gravity eagerly pulls the clubhead towards lowpoint we are working alongside gravity controlling the stroke. Controlling such a move requires more (maximum) sensitivity.

Can we agree we need maximum pressure point sensitivity?

Ok.

Sensitivity offerred with left triceps activation
Pressure point has to be the fingers of the left hand excerting pressure on the back of the grip. What you end up with is "multiple" pressure points (all fingers).

Ans as you do this you probably will add some extensor action. That adding will - whether you want it or not - move some sensitivity to the right hand. And you are left with less.

Sensitivity offerred with right triceps activation - push basic
You'll get a single PP on the right hand and contain plane control in the same hand as the R forefinger traces. Also with a normal grip the right hand PP is slightly futher down the shaft offering a longer distance between the fulcrum and the pressure point. All in all offering better PP sensitivity and containing tracing in the same hand.

Conclusion
If you use a left-arm dominated putting stroke you'll have multiple pressure points (which is not good) and you HAVE TO put the left hand below the right hand to achieve maximum sensitivity. You'll also want to trace the plane line with a part of your leaft hand. If you do that with the streched out left forefinger that finger will have to rely on gravity to connect to the club. So: why?

- The sensitivity of the single PP is superior.
- The PP is normally located futher from the fulcrum - offering more control
- Plane tracing contained in same hand (body part)

How about this?

Assuming you understand the importance of never having throwaway, I would agree, there is more sensitivity in the trail hand. The major benefit of lead hand low is throwaway prevention, not touch.