The golf swing consists of the backswing plane and the downswing plane, and can be on plane, upright (above the plane) or flat (below the plane). Former PGA
PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the organizer of the main professional golf tours played primarily by men in the United States and North America. It organizes most of the events on the flagship annual series of tournaments also known as the PGA Tour, as well as PGA Tour Champions and the Korn Ferry Tour…
Ben Hogan
William Ben Hogan was an American professional golfer who is generally considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Hogan is notable for his profound influence on golf swing theory and his legendary ball-striking ability.
What is a golf swing plane?
A golf swing plane is an imaginary flat surface on which the golf club swings. If you look at a golf club and imagine a large flat piece of plywood resting on the club, this is the plane. The golf club is intended to swing up on the plane and back down on the plane for maximum results.
What are the different types of swing planes?
Golf Swing Plane Explained 1 Function. Illustration of the swing plane. The golf swing follows a circular pattern, or arc. ... 2 On Plane. The swing should follow the plane. ... 3 Factors Affecting Plane. A flat swing plane. ... 4 Downswing Plane. An upright downswing. ... 5 Variations. Swing planes differ among the great players. ...
Is a two plane swing good for You?
A two plane swing is good for players that may not be as flexible but have timing and rhythm. Many top modern golfers have migrated towards one plane swings due to their specialized golf strength and flexibility.
What muscles are used in single plane swings?
The key component in a single plane swing is the rotation of your body and how strong it is. This entails that you are flexible with strong rotator cuffs, abdominal, and latissimus muscles.
How many planes are in a golf swing?
Both one plane and two plane swings can create power and accuracy. In general, the one plane swing is good for players that have strong flexibility and recoil. A two plane swing is good for players that may not be as flexible but have timing and rhythm.
What is a 2 plane golf swing?
At the top of the more traditional two-plane backswing, the front arm is more upright (between the ear and shoulder). The shaft of the club is parallel to the target line. By contrast, the one-plane swing arrives at the top of the backswing with the front arm on the same plane as the shoulders.
How do you build a golf swing plane?
0:196:51DIY At-Home Golf Training Aid! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere. Put this down. Right there now. As i start to work on. This i'm going to tilt this on a slightMoreHere. Put this down. Right there now. As i start to work on. This i'm going to tilt this on a slight plane just like this so in a down the line view here i've got that on a sli that's right exactly.
Does Tiger Woods use a single plane swing?
JH: Tiger is one of the very few players I've ever seen who changes his methods between his woods and his irons. With his irons, he has an extremely beautiful One Plane swing. His body is very bent over, in fact it even drops down a great deal as he attacks down on the ball while keeping his arms tight to his body.
How do I find my swing plane?
2:345:42How To Find YOUR NATURAL Swing Plane - Golf Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFind it like a big lip on the bunker. Dress the lip in the bunker. I just feel okay i can feel aMoreFind it like a big lip on the bunker. Dress the lip in the bunker. I just feel okay i can feel a circle. And then what we would do then is slowly tilt it slightly.
Is the swing plane the same for all clubs?
Now, a player's swing plane is not always the same angle. I mentioned 60-degrees above just for the sake of example. Instead, because every golf club is different lengths (unless you subscribe to the single-length club theory like Bryson DeChambeau) you'll be forced to swing on a slightly different plane.
What does swing plane mean?
5:2013:50Golf Swing Plane Explained (Golf Swing Basics 2020) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the plane is the angle that something moves. On we could be talking about the club. Head theMoreSo the plane is the angle that something moves. On we could be talking about the club. Head the shaft the shoulders the hips there's all types of different things we could be on plane which means that
How important is swing plane in golf?
Swing plane is important because it affects the club head's center of gravity, which, in turn, affects the club head's impact on the ball. Here are a few fast facts to know about golf swing plane: Swing plane is a measurement of the club's movement. Swing plane is different from lie angle.
Is single plane swing better?
Golfers that have switched to a single plane swing have noticed that it's much easier for them to draw the golf ball and hit more fairways. This is because keeping the arms and shoulders on the same plane results in a flatter swing. This creates a swing path that is more in to out, which promotes a natural draw.
What is the 1 plane golf swing?
One plane swing. In a one plane golf swing, the club stays on the same plane throughout the whole swing from start to finish. That means that the angle of the shaft in relation to the ground on the backswing is the same as it is on the downswing.
Is swing plane different for each club?
Now, a player's swing plane is not always the same angle. I mentioned 60-degrees above just for the sake of example. Instead, because every golf club is different lengths (unless you subscribe to the single-length club theory like Bryson DeChambeau) you'll be forced to swing on a slightly different plane.
Does the one plane swing work?
8:2214:33Why A One Plane Swing Works - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then at impact the club head is to the right of my hands. Always so i always want to retain thatMoreAnd then at impact the club head is to the right of my hands. Always so i always want to retain that maintain that relationship to make this utopia easiest golf swing we want to have. Right. So what i
What muscles are needed for a single plane swing?
This entails that you are flexible with strong rotator cuffs, abdominal, and latissimus muscles. Having such strong muscles will help you unwind with ease to drive more power on your downswing. 2.
What is a single plane swing?
One plane swing is also known as single plane swing. Many body parts are moving during a swing. Your left arm (for right-handed golfers) and shoulder should move in unison and follow the same plane that your golf club has. The key component in a single plane swing is the rotation of your body and how strong it is.
What happens if you don't hinge your golf swing?
If you do not hinge it correctly and at the right time, then your swing will be off plane. You should pay attention to how your hips sway and how your shoulder tilts and bends during your swing. Aside from mastering how your body should turn, you should also set and maintain your spine angle throughout your golf swing.
How to improve your golf swing?
Find out your ideal swing plane based on your body type, more particularly, by the length of your arms. Do the drills to improve your golf swing. Use training aids to speed up the process of learning how to swing correctly.
How to get back to the first plane on a downswing?
You can do this by focusing on your body rotation as the main driving force behind hitting the ball instead of your hands or arms. Hinge your wrists properly to create motion.
How to hit a golf club with a 45 degree angle?
STEP 1: Position the shaft of your driver at a 45 degree angle relative to the ground during address . STEP 2: Swing your club to the right until your left arm is across your chest and the shaft is parallel to the ground, more specifically, the target line .
What is the ideal plane?
Your ideal plane is the one that best complements how your body is built. By simply focusing on the length of your arms, you can know the ideal plane that you should use.
What is a golf swing plane?
The plane is an imaginary flat surface used to describe the path and angle on which the club swings. The golf swing consists of the backswing plane and the downswing plane, and can be on plane, upright (above the plane) or flat (below the plane). Former PGA Tour professional Ben Hogan popularized the swing plane in his 1957 book "Five Lessons;
What is the pattern of a golf swing?
The golf swing follows a circular pattern, or arc.
Why is a flatter swing better?
The flatter swing has a better chance of staying connected, making it easier to time the swing. It also causes the ball to come off the clubface on a lower trajectory with a tendency to draw, if the clubface is square to the target.
What happens if a golf club is on a plane in the downswing?
If the club is on plane in the downswing, the club will travel straight down the target line. The result will be a straight shot--if the clubface is square, or facing the target at impact.
Does the length of a golf club affect the angle of the shaft?
The length of the golfer's arms, legs and torso affect his posture; the length of the club affects the angle of the shaft at address. A 5-foot-2 golfer holds a 40-inch-long club at more of an angle (flatter) than a 6-foot-2 golfer; therefore, a shorter golfer will tend to have a flatter on-plane swing than a taller golfer. If that same 5-foot-2 golfer swings the club below that plane, his swing is flat in relation to the plane.
What is a one plane swing?
What is a one-plane golf swing? The one-plane swing is flatter and works around your body and your lead arm remains on the same plane as your shoulders at the top. Strong rotation from your shoulders, chest and hips, and maintaining your posture are the keys to a one-plane swing.
How to improve your golf swing plane?
Your spine angle at set-up determines your swing plane. Having more bend in your posture encourages a flatter, one-plane swing while standing taller encourages a more upright two-plane swing. Regardless of what type of swing you choose, you should practice the set-up until it becomes second nature. If you adjust your set-up to help produce a different swing plane it can potentially throw off your alignment, so practicing it becomes that much more important. Maintaining your spine angle throughout your swing is critical, and rehearsing it to develop the muscle memory to execute consistently on the golf course is essential. An important aspect of a proper golf swing plane is maintaining your spine tilt as you rotate, which means your arms and torso need to be strongly connected for a one plane swing, and well synchronized for a two plane swing. Seeking the help of a professional instructor or using a golf plane aid like the Swing Align are great ways to understand and improve your swing plane.
Why is Swing Plane Important?
The below points highlights why finding the right technique and improving your swing plane is so important to becoming a better, more consistent ball striker - the goal of most golfers!
What is the spine angle of a golf swing?
The set-up for a one plane swing generally has more spine angle with the golfer being bent over around 35 degrees with even weight distribution on each foot. During the backswing your shoulders turn on a steeper angle than your hips because you are bent over more.
Why do people use one plane swings?
Both one plane and two plane swings can create power and accuracy. In general, the one plane swing is good for players that have strong flexibility and recoil. A two plane swing is good for players that may not be as flexible but have timing and rhythm. Many top modern golfers have migrated towards one plane swings due to their specialized golf strength and flexibility. Many top instructors advocate for a one plane motion as being able to produce more consistent distance and accuracy.
How to do a golf downswing?
A good drill is to put a driver on the ground outside of the ball and perpendicular to your target line and imagine your shoulders pointing inside the head of the driver. To start the downswing rotate your hips and torso with your arms following in a more passive role. Remember the downswing plane is the same as the backswing plane so just return the club the way you brought it back paying particular attention to keep your spine and shoulders on the same tilted plane. At the finish your trail shoulder has rotated through and is pointed at the target and your arms and hands have rotated around to be above your lead shoulder.
What does it mean when your swing plane is bigger?
A larger angle between your swing plane and the ground indicates a steeper swing plane which is typical of a two plane swing where the arms swing up onto a steeper plane at the top. The golf swing moves both up and around. The less it moves up, and the more it moves around, the flatter your swing plane. If your arms swing around and stay on the ...
Golf Swing Plane & Why It Matters
A golf swing plane is an invisible flat surface a golfer follows during their golf swing to produce the ideal swing path for the clubhead.
Why It Matters
As mentioned, the golf swing plane impacts just about every aspect of your golf swing. Remember those horrible slices, pushes, pulls, hooks? Yeah, those were most likely from an outside-in or inside-out swing as a result of an incorrect swing plane.
Identifying Your Golf Swing Plane
There are two types of swing planes that are most viable for golfers. Those are the one-swing plane and the two-swing plane.
How Do You Swing In-Plane?
To swing in plane, you’ll first need to know the ideal swing plane angle. In this case, the angle of the pane glass from Ben Hogan’s analogy should be roughly 60 degrees from the ground.
Driver Swing Plane
Hitting with a driver is not easy. Most amateur golfers struggle with consistent drives even with a solid iron game. We mentioned earlier that the driver has a flatter swing plane of roughly 45 to 50 degrees compared to an iron’s 55 to 60.
More Useful Swing Plane Drills
Now that you have the feel and a good idea of what the swing plane should look like, we need to check your body rotation. Here are some additional drills to help your golf swing create the right plane.
Final Thoughts and What Next?
Never underestimate the golf swing plane. Regardless if you’re a one-planer or two-planer, you need to practice swinging in plane if you’re looking for a consistent and good golf shot.
What plane do you swing on in Hogan?
For Hogan, the correct plane depended on the player’s height. Tall players swing on a steeper or “more upright” plane; short players swing on a shallower or “flatter” plane.
What happens when you swing a golf club?
When you swing a golf club, it makes a circle around you.
Is the downswing plane flatter than the backswing plane?
This downswing plane was always a little flatter than the backswing plane. This “two plane swing” concept dominated golf for many years, and many teachers still teach it.
What are the three planes that divide the body in half?
Cardinal Planes – 3 mutually perpendicular, imaginary planes dividing the body in half, by mass. Sagittal Plane – plane in which forward and backward movements of body/segments occur. Frontal/Caudal Plane – plane in which lateral movements of body/segments occur. Transverse Plane – plane in which horizontal movements of body/segments occur ...
Which plane is a horizontal movement of the body?
Transverse Plane – plane in which horizontal movements of body/segments occur (when erect) A human body segment rotates around an imaginary axis of rotation which passes through the joint to which it is attached: Mediolateral Axis – Imaginary line around which sagittal plane rotations occur.
What Does Swing On Plane Mean in Golf?
Imagine you have just stepped up on the tee box, adjusted yourself, placed the golf ball, and take the position behind the ball with your clubhead.
What is the optimal swing plane?
Your optimal swing plane is the full imaginary line that bisects you at the chest. If you have visualized the whole picture correctly, you must notice that the line creates an angle and intersects at the golf ball (i.e., the ground).
What happens when you change planes?
When you start with your backswing on plane, a small change during the downswing leads the clubhead off plane. Chunking, moonshots, topping, and slicing are all possible.
How to make a golf ball divot?
How to do it: First, place the golf ball on the lie board. Make sure to have contact with the board during impact while taking a regular swing. You’ll see a small mark following the path of your clubhead after the impact. Now, examine the divot.
What does it mean when you hit a ball without hitting the alignment sticks?
If you hit the ball without hitting the alignment sticks, it means you’re close to your ideal swing plane. You can challenge yourself by bringing alignment sticks closer together. The closer together the alignment sticks, the better your swing plane will be.
How to swing a golf ball?
How to do it: Take position in line with your designated target and place the ball on the ground. Lay an alignment stick horizontally about 5-6 inches on every side of the ball in line with your designated target. Adjust yourself and take full swing.
Why is it bad to change your swing plane?
The worst is when you change planes throughout the regular swing, because now you’re making an unpredictable shot.
