Harper Lin
Golf swing plane is the angle and path your club travels as you swing back from address to the top of your backswing and then back through the ball. The swing plane is influenced by equipment, body size, and physical limitations, and each golfer will swing on different plane angles and in different plane directions. The downswing plane is the same as the backswing plane, and golfers are advised to avoid shifting the plane direction throughout the swing. To improve their swing, golfers can focus on abdominal strength, lat strength, and hamstring flexibility.
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What You'll Learn
Shifting plane angles vs. shifting plane directions
Shifting plane angles and shifting plane directions are two different concepts in golf. The golf swing plane is the angle and path that your club travels as you swing back from address to the top of your backswing and then back through the ball. The swing has a circular nature due to the length of your arms and the club being fixed, and this circular motion occurs along an angled plane.
Shifting the plane angle is acceptable and may be necessary depending on the golfer's setup. During a shift of the plane angle, the golfer can still be on the "optimal plane," but is increasing/decreasing the plane angle throughout the swing. For example, as shown in the series of images, the swing plane angle increases from the address position to the top of the backswing and then decreases from the top of the backswing through impact.
On the other hand, shifting the plane direction refers to a swing in which the baseline of the inclined plane at address (P1) points in a different direction during various portions of the swing. While it is possible to shift the plane direction and still return to the original plane during the swing, it is generally recommended that golfers avoid shifting the plane direction throughout the swing.
It is important to note that being on the "optimal plane" does not require a golfer to swing on any specific plane angle throughout the swing. Each golfer will swing on different plane angles and directions depending on equipment, body size, and physical limitations. Additionally, the type of shot being hit may influence the decision to shift the plane direction.
To better understand these concepts, it is helpful to watch real golf swings that demonstrate different plane angle and direction shifts. For example, Bryson maintains a zero plane angle shift, tracing the base of the inclined plane and keeping the club at the same angle throughout. In contrast, Tiger has a zero plane direction shift but his downswing is at a steeper angle than at the address. Bubba demonstrates a shift in both plane direction and angle from the beginning of the backswing through the downswing, a rare combination.
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One-plane swing vs. two-plane swing
The one-plane swing and the two-plane swing are two types of swings that are common in golf. The one-plane swing, also known as the single plane swing, was introduced by swing scholar Jim Hardy and popularised by Moe Norman. This swing is characterised by a flatter plane compared to a two-plane swing, with the club shaft moving in the same plane back and forth. The upper body is released first, followed by the lower body, which helps avoid getting "stuck" during the downswing. The setup for a one-plane swing involves a wider stance with both feet flared externally, and the club shaft and left arm should be in a straight line.
The two-plane swing, on the other hand, was the more traditional swing used by professionals until recently. It involves a steeper plane, with the arms swinging up onto a plane that is steeper than the shoulders. The set-up for a two-plane swing involves a narrower stance, with the golfer bent over at a smaller angle, and the ball positioned closer to the body.
To determine whether you are using a one-plane or two-plane swing, you can perform a simple test. Get in front of a mirror and swing a golf club. If your hands move up or down before you start the downswing, you have a two-plane swing. If your hands stay in the same place at the top of the swing and then you start the downswing, it is a one-plane swing. Another way to measure the type of swing is to get to the top of the golfer's swing and measure the angle of the left arm and the angle of the shoulders. If the angle difference is less than 12 degrees, it is a one-plane swing; if it is more than 12 degrees, it is a two-plane swing.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of swings. The one-plane swing is considered to be more repeatable and consistent, and many top instructors advocate for its ability to produce more consistent distance and accuracy. It is also physically easier and mechanically simpler. However, it may require hitting a lot of balls for it to work effectively. The two-plane swing, on the other hand, may create more power due to the use of the arms to generate force. It is also good for players with good timing and rhythm, even if they are not as flexible.
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Posture and movement during the swing
The one-plane swing is flatter and requires a strong rotation from the shoulders, chest, and hips, with good posture maintenance. The set-up usually involves a golfer bent over at around 35 degrees with an even weight distribution on each foot. During the backswing, the shoulders turn on a steeper angle than the hips, and the lead arm should feel connected to the chest as you turn back. As the club reaches parallel to the ground, the clubface should be square to the spine angle and pointed slightly down.
At the top of the swing, your arms should be on the same plane as your shoulders, with the angle of your shoulders pointed down just past the ball. To start the downswing, rotate your hips and torso, with your arms following passively. The downswing plane should mirror the backswing plane, with particular attention to keeping your spine and shoulders on the same tilted plane.
Abdominal strength, lat strength, and hamstring elasticity are essential for maintaining posture during the swing. Testing these areas can help identify any weaknesses that may impact your swing. For example, trying to rotate your forearms behind your head with your arms at shoulder height will test your lat muscles and rotator cuff flexibility.
Additionally, videotaping your swing and having it analyzed by a professional can provide valuable insights into your swing plane and areas for improvement. This analysis can help determine if you are better suited to a one-plane or two-plane swing style.
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Outside takeaway
The outside takeaway is a technique in golf where the golfer takes the club outside and then drops it into the slot in transition. This technique is considered fine by many new-school teachers, and can help golfers get back on plane if they pull the club too far inside. However, it is not commonly seen among professional golfers.
The outside takeaway is just one of many techniques golfers can use to achieve an "optimal plane." The optimal plane refers to the angle and path the club travels as the golfer swings back from address to the top of their backswing and then back through the ball. Each golfer will have a unique optimal plane depending on their equipment, body size, and physical limitations.
To achieve an optimal plane, golfers can try different setups, such as adjusting their grip or body position. For example, strengthening the grip on the left hand and weakening the grip on the right hand can help with the backswing. Additionally, golfers can try drills such as dropping the club behind them or throwing a medicine ball to the ground after the backswing.
It is important to note that an out-of-position backswing can cause the golfer to be more manipulative through the swing, limiting their golf ability. Therefore, golfers should focus on keeping their hands and arms in sync with their body movement to achieve a consistent swing.
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Optimal plane
The "optimal plane" in a golf swing refers to the angle and path the club travels as you swing back from address to the top of your backswing and then back through the ball. It is important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the optimal plane, as it depends on various factors such as equipment, body size, and physical limitations. Each golfer will have their own unique optimal plane.
To find your optimal plane, you must first understand the concept of the inclined plane. The inclined plane in golf refers to the angle or angles at which the golf club travels around a player's body. This can be observed by standing behind the player on their target line. The shaft plane during address and the shoulder plane during address are two vital swing planes that instructors often emphasize, advising that the club and hands should remain between these two lines. However, some instructors advocate for a single plane in an efficient golf swing, where the hands and club remain close to the angle of the shaft during the address position.
Professional golfers like Bryson Dechambeau have demonstrated the ability to shift their plane direction dramatically throughout the backswing while returning to an "optimal plane" during the transition period of the swing. This transition period is crucial, as it allows golfers to correct their swing path and ensure the club is on the desired plane.
To achieve a successful one-plane golf swing, it is recommended to focus on strong rotation from the shoulders, chest, and hips, while maintaining proper posture. The setup typically involves a spine angle with the golfer bent over around 35 degrees, with even weight distribution on each foot. During the backswing, the shoulders turn on a steeper angle than the hips due to the bent-over posture. It is important to ensure that your lead arm remains connected to your chest as you turn back. As the club reaches parallel to the ground on your takeaway, the clubface should be square to your spine angle and pointed slightly downwards.
Additionally, factors such as abdominal strength, lat strength, and hamstring flexibility play a crucial role in maintaining proper posture throughout the swing, impacting your ability to achieve a one-plane golf swing.
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Frequently asked questions
The golf swing plane is the angle and path your club travels as you swing back from address to the top of your backswing and then back through the ball.
A one-plane swing is flatter and works around your body, with your lead arm remaining on the same plane as your shoulders at the top. A two-plane swing involves the arms swinging up onto a steeper plane at the top.
The best way is to get your golf swing videotaped and have a professional analyze your overall golf swing.
Being on the "optimal plane" does not require a golfer to swing on any specific plane angle throughout the swing. Each golfer will swing on different plane angles and in different plane directions depending on equipment, body size, and physical limitations.
To improve your swing plane, you should focus on strengthening your abdominals, lats, and hamstrings. Additionally, you can try drills such as dropping the club behind you or throwing a medicine ball after your backswing.
