How to Improve Your Swing Plane
The swing plane is such an important part of the swing in terms of distance, direction, and consistency. If you get the swing plane correct, you will have more chance of hitting solid consistent golf shots.
As one of the most discussed parts of golf instruction, most golfers would agree to the significant importance of the swing plane; however, being only imaginary it is also one of the least understood concepts. One minor mistake in the swinging may have a big impact on the swing plane.
What is the Swing Plane?
The swing plane is the tilt of the inclined plane made by the club's shaft as it travels when you swing. The swing plane can be on plane, upright or flat.
When you set up to the golf ball, the club shaft starts at an angle to the ground. Imagine there is a huge pane of glass extending from the club shaft through your chest and form the same angle to the ground. This pane of glass represents the ideal swing plane.
How Does the Swing Plane Affect Your Shot?
The swing plane affects the direction the golf ball travels when hit and the trajectory of the shot.
A swing plane that is too steep tends to create fat shots and a flat swing plane tends to create thin shots. If your swing gets off plane, you will see shots that miss both left and right of the target, depending on if your plane is too flat or steep. Not only that, but a swing plane that is off will also result in shots that are not hit solid.
How to Improve Your Swing Plane?
The first mistake golfers would make that gets their swing off plant most likely happens at the takeaway. If you start you swing off plane, the rest of your swing would very likely wrong.
As you start the backswing, the triangle formed by your arms and shoulders moves backward away from the ball as a single unit. The wrists and forearms do not move. Keep your arms and shoulders moving together in one piece to maintain the triangle.
If you are on plane in the early part of the backswing, you will just need to rotate your shoulders and bend your wrist as you continue the backswing.
At the top of your backswing, the club’s butt end should be pointed directly along the target line. If it points outside the target line, it means your swing plane is flat, and if it points inside the target line, it means your swing is upright. Use this as a reference to check if your swing is on the right plane.
