Swing plane is the path made by the club during the golf swing. It is determined by the angle of the shaft relative to the ball and to the ground. The swing is on plane when in the downswing, an imaginary line could be drawn from the butt end of the club to the ground and would intersect with the target line. In golf vernacular, upright swing plane or above plane are the accepted terms for a high swing plane.
Upright Swing Plane
An upright swing plane is one in which the club is above the plane. At the top of the backswing, the club will be closer to the golfer's head. In an ideal golf swing, the finish position will mirror the backswing, and so the hands and club should finish close to the ear. An upright swing plane can produce a consistent and reliable ball-flight pattern. To do so, the club must stay on the same plane throughout the swing. Changing planes during the swing will result in inconsistency and undesirable ball flight.
Direction
The primary influence of swing plane is the direction of the ball flight. An upright swing plane with a square face at impact produces a pull ball flight. An upright swing plane with an open face at impact produces a fade ball flight.
Trajectory
An upright swing plane tends to produce a steep angle of approach, which results in a higher ball flight. The steeper angle of approach also can lead to more thin shots. A thin shot is one in which the ball is struck while the club is on an upward swing path instead of a correct descending one. The leading edge, not the clubface, strikes the ball first, resulting in a shot that is non-solid, erratic and uncontrollable.
Benefits
There are several benefits to playing with an upright swing plane. Although there will be some loss of distance, the compensation is more accuracy. It is easier to control ball flight with an upright swing plane, as there is less spin on the ball. The reduction of spin results in less roll and, therefore, makes an upright swing plane desirable for short-iron shots.
References
- "Rock Solid Golf;" Dana Rader; 2003
- "The Physics of Golf;" Theodore Jorgensen; 1999
- "The PGA Teaching Manual;" Dr. Gary Wiren; 1991
- "The Search for the Perfect Swing;" Alastair Cochran and John Stobbs; 1968
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