Direction involves technique and alignment.
To start the ball on a consistent line, you must have a repeating stroke, preferably one that is straight back and straight through to your intended target. Alignment is much easier when all your body parts are pointing in the same direction. Ideally, you would like your shoulders, arms and feet all pointing parallel left of your target. Distance is usually the tougher thing to control. Having a repeating stroke allows you to hit the putt in the same spot on the clubface.