It is important to note that putts hit across any side slope are uphill on the first part of the putt and then downhill on the second part of the putt.
Once you have assessed whether the put is uphill or downhill (to help you determine the pace of the putt and initial starting line) then focus on the area around the hole where the ball will die and gain an understanding of the direction of the true downslope, as this is where the slope will have the greatest influence on your putt.
By building up a picture of the contours you will build up a picture of the line and pace you will need to hit the ball on for it to go in the hole.
Practice reading putts in the same way you practice your mechanics. This will help you learn to assess the effects different slopes and speeds have on your putts. Building up such experience will help you make more decisive and accurate reads out on the course.
About the Instructor
These tips, which appear courtesy of Pocketbooks "Putting Fundamentals," are from putting guru Harold Swash. Swash, the founder of Harold Swash Putting Schools of Excellence, is one of the top golf instructors in Europe, having coached, among others, Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Nick Faldo and Darren Clarke. He is also the inventor of Yes Golf's C-Groove putter.
Also see:
Video: Basics for reading break on the green
