Why do pro golfers fall back slightly after their putt?

Question

Just about every time I watch a pro golfer make a putt within about 10 feet, I see them fall back a step after the ball is just about in the hole.

Why is this? Is they are trying to keep their balance on their heels during the putt, or they are leaning back in suspense as the putt gets closer to the hole.

Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth are good examples of pros who do this often.

Answer 1

Well during a putt you actually want to keep your weight on your toes not your heels. I find my friend falling away from putts as they go into the hole when he play a round/ tournament. When making a putt you want to keep your head down as long as possible and be as calm and still as possible. You will notice that during these 10 foot putts golfers don't move their head up until the ball is nearly in the hole. So once they finally move their head up to see the ball their swing has been fully initiated and moving is no longer a concern.