Building a solid pre-shot routine
Putting S.O.S. Fundamentals
Solid - hit the putt solid
Online - start the putt on the target line
Speed - hit the putt the correct speed
Building a solid routine
A routine is what you do for the 10 seconds before you pull the trigger on your putt.
We have seen it on the Tour, and we've heard it discussed a thousand times.
What's the point?
From a player's perspective (mine) it helps me put my attention on what I need to do to put the best roll on the ball I can. And... it takes my attention away from all my other distracting thoughts (I have hundreds :)
Do you need it when you are goofing off? Nope. Your mind is usually clear.
You need it when the pressure is on.
The key is to rehearse your routine just like you do your stroke. Get it down pat. Learn to rely on it and it will be ready when you need to make a critical putt.