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If you’re a target point putter, I think you’ll find that it’s helpful to use the flagstick to measure the break on the practice putting green. Flagsticks, at least on the greens that I’ve practiced on are about 3 ft. long and have about four bands. When using the two-putt targeting principle, the first putt is directed at the hole, and the ball crossing at the target line indicates the break (see attached). When that happens, (1) take note of the crossing point, and (2) project the point to the flagstick and note the break measured in flagstick band widths. As shown, the break is about 3.5 bands. Before picking up the ball, check the stopping distance beyond the target line. This is a measure of appropriate ball speed. D. Pelz defines 17 in. past as the ‘optimum’ value for ball speed (see post [‘Optimum’ putting speed]). When you’re satisfied with the speed, then you’re ready for the next putt aimed to the high side of the hole at the break point observed below the hole. You now can determine this aim point by projecting the flagstick break value back to the target line on the green on the high side of the hole. You then aim at this target point and stroke the ball, which is expected to fall into the hole.