Golf Swing Plane Explained

Considering the number of golf tips and swing methods that make reference to the swing plane, it would make sense for anyone interested in improving their game to become familiar with what the swing plane is and how it works. Swing plane incorporates the path of the swing, club angle at set up and the proper use of hands and arms. When these elements work in harmony, a functional swing plane is the result and hitting good shots becomes a great deal easier.

Definition

In its simplest terms, a swing plane is a plane created using the ball, the golfer's body and the distance between the two. Imagine a pane of glass resting on a line which extends from the golf ball upward to the golfer's shoulders. That pane of glass represents a reference for the ideal swing path, with the golf club running parallel to the plane created by the glass.

There are, in fact, two swing planes for most players. There is one swing plane for the backswing and another, distinct swing plane for the downswing.

The swing plane for the backswing resides on the line created between the ball and a golfer's shoulders. The swing plane for the downswing is flatter and slightly lower than the plane for the backswing. This means that you must drop the club slightly to begin the downswing.

Importance

What makes the swing plane so important to a successful golf shot involves the orientation of the club face. Since the club face should be square to the target at impact in order to get the desired results, anything that might affect the angle of the club face needs to be understood and controlled. The swing plane is one of those things.

A club swinging along a path that is not compatible to the swing plane is likely to come into the ball either too steep or too flat. That alone will turn the club face off its proper angle and lead to an errant shot. In addition, the golf swing that is not on plane makes it far more difficult to manage solid contact on the shot.

The One Plane Swing

It's worth mentioning that not all golfers subscribe to the two-plane theory. There are a number of golfers--including PGA Tour pros--who prefer to work with a one plane swing. The one plane swing differs from the two plane swing in that it uses a backswing that is flatter and then utilizes that same plane on the way down. The idea behind this approach is that a single plane will simplify the process and make it more easily repeatable--particularly under pressure.

Incorrect Swing Planes

Most incorrect swing planes will involve backswings that are either too steep or too flat to get the club in a good position at the top. A good position for the golf club has the club shaft pointing "down the line"--that is, toward the desired target. Swing planes that are too flat will typically result in a "laid off" position--the shaft pointing to the left. Planes that are too steep tend to leave the club pointing to the right, across the target line.

Solution

One of the best ways to find out where you stand with your swing plane is to make a video of several of your swings to understand your own tendencies. Set up the camera so as to get a head-on view of the target at which you're aiming (see image).

Video footage will allow you to see exactly how your swing matches up to the swing plane--on both the backswing and downswing.

Once you understand how your swing is oriented to the desired plane, make 10 to 15 practice swings, emulating the plane you'd like to match. If your tendency is to be too flat (below the plane line), practice going steeper in your backswing. If you are more likely to be steep in your takeaway (above the plane line), practice a flatter backswing.

Make it easier to stay on plane by relying on the turn of your body to drive the takeaway, rather than hands and arms guiding the club.