crouching behind putter?

I was wondering if this was a rules infringement. I was on the putting greens today and noticed that when I lined my putter face right behind the ball/marker and then crouch behind it (so my left arm is extended holding the shaft) and aiming towards my target, my putts were solid as can be. I just feel that it can't be this easy - if it was, shouldn't everyone be doing it?

I'm not sure how your feet were positioned but you may not stand astride the line of putt or an extension of a line behind the ball.

So if both my feet are on one side of the ball, can I reach across the line and put my hand down (still behind my putter and the ball)?

I've never seen a 'from behind' picture of Camillo Villegas doing his Spiderman impression - where is he when he lines it up?

If I understand your post correctly, all you are doing is crouching behind your putter in order to get an alignment. Once you have the head aligned you assume a normal putting position.

If that is what you are doing you are not violating any rules.

If you are positioned as it sounds with two feet on the ground on one side of the line of putt, one hand on the ground on the other side and attempting to putt single handed with the other hand, you should be in circus. But it's legal

that's exactly what I am doing - thanks, I was thinking up ways I could post a picture, but couldn't find any. That is very refreshing to hear so now I don't have to worry when I am in tournament play. thanks again.

So to line up your putter you can stand anywhere you want?

(I know I cannot 'croquet' my putts).

Except on your line of putt. That is between the ball and the hole on the line you wish the ball to take. (Which may be a severe curve)

Does the line terminate at your putter, or carry on behind it (as I thought it did)?

If so, I guess you have to straddle your line to line your putter up.

You may not stand on (or touch) the line of putt between the ball and the hole at any time. (There are a couple of exceptions to the touching bit)

You may stand on the extension behind at any time except that you may not stand astride it when you are actually putting.

The reason for the rule of not being able to stand in your putting line is because on extremely soft greens you could use your feet pressing down into the soft green to cause a "tunnel" effect to help guide the ball into the hole.