Do You Have A One-Plane Or Two-Plane Swing
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Golf.
Do You Have a One-Plane or Two-Plane Swing?
Understanding Swing Planes
The concept of swing planes can be puzzling for many golfers, including those seeking lessons. Whether you're familiar with the term or not, swinging off-plane can hinder your performance. Let's clear up the confusion by focusing on two key aspects: your spine angle at address and the position of your left arm during the downswing.
Importance of Spine Angle
Swinging off-plane can occur for several reasons, such as picking up the club with your hands or rolling the clubface open. However, the most common cause is having the wrong spine angle at address, a point I emphasize in my lessons.
Your spine angle acts as the natural axis for your shoulder turn, ideally at a 90-degree angle. The shape and plane of your swing depend on setting the correct spine angle at address, which is why it's a focal point in my golf instruction.
Effects of Incorrect Spine Angle
1. Tilting Too Far Forward: A flatter spine angle causes your shoulders to tilt during the swing, leading to an upright backswing and a steep swing plane. This results in fat shots, deep divots, pulls, and slices.
2. Leaning Too Far Back: An erect spine angle causes your shoulders to flatten, resulting in a flatter backswing and a shallow swing plane. This leads to hitting behind the ball, thin shots, and a loss of power.
Remember that taller players naturally have a steeper swing plane, while shorter players have a flatter one.
Arm Swing and Shoulder Turn
For an effective backswing, your left arm should be on a slightly higher plane than your shoulders. This angle ensures a smoother path to the ball on the downswing. If your arm swing is off, so will your entire swing plane be.
A Simple Swing Test
Here's a quick test to check your swing plane:
1. Take a club and assume your normal posture.
2. Swing to the top and hold the position.
3. Loosen your grip and let the shaft fall.
- If the shaft hits your right shoulder, your swing is on plane.
- If it hits your head or neck, the swing plane is too steep.
- If it falls behind your back, the swing plane is too shallow.
Correcting Your Swing Plane
To ensure the right swing plane as you start the downswing, make a simple move:
- Shift your weight onto your left foot.
- Simultaneously, bring your right elbow back down to your body.
- Maintain the angle of your wrist for maximum power.
This movement automatically places the club in the correct slot, flattening the swing slightly and allowing you to deliver the clubhead squarely to the ball.
Using Two Swing Planes
Essentially, you'll employ two slightly different swing planes:
1. The first is from executing the correct takeaway.
2. The second is from dropping down your right elbow just before the downswing.
This slight adjustment runs through the correct spine angle, helping you strike the ball crisply with a square clubhead and enhanced power.
Conclusion
I hope this article clarifies the concept of swing planes. By working on taking the club back on the right plane and dropping your right elbow during your swing, you will improve your performance, lower your scores, and reduce your golf handicap.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Do You Have A One-Plane Or Two-Plane Swing .
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