[whip]

It is always important to keep in mind Homer’s caveat for understanding the pictures in section 2-R. 

...“The picture presents the subject only as noted in the written discussion and is not intended as a reference regarding any of the other aspects or subjects which the picture may include incidentally.

”

In 2-C-4 he writes, “Linear Force-Putter Impact Action. Showing Vertical (only) Hinge Action(10-10). Inconsistent Hand to-Ball positioning will vary the LOC location and the ball travel. Study 2-E”


There is no mention of a reverse loft putter in the above text. Why he chose a reverse loft putter or why there are none on the market are incidental to understanding the drawing.



You say: “For a regular (positive loft) putter to make above center impact like the one shown in the middle picture, should the putter shaft lean forward (to compensate for the positive putter loft)? Would that require that the ball be placed further back in the stance?”



Impacting the ball above center in relation to the loft and height of the putter face can be influenced by hand to ball positioning in relation to low point. However you can impact the ball above center with any loft and any ball position and any amount of forward or backward shaft lean. Regardless of that, the point of the picture is to simply show you that INCONSISTENT HAND TO BALL POSITIONING WILL GIVE YOU INCONSISTENT LOC IMPACTS (varying spin).


You say: “The bottom picture shows an impact below center with a backwards leaning shaft. So impact in the bottom picture must be past low point when the putter head is already rising again.”



You are mistaken in assuming that because the shaft is leaning backwards that it is depicting an impact past low point. An impact past low point, with the exception of some lowering manipulation of the clubhead, will give you a rising clubhead (in the air). As you can see the picture is depicting a below center impact as you stated. In order to get an impact past low point with a below center impact the ball would have to be on a tee!