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Swing Plane Tip – Beginner’s Guide To Learning What Your Swing Plane Is
By Foursome | November 3, 2008
The swing plane is a term used to describe the path that your club travels in when you make your swing. The next time you are on the course playing with a friend, take a look at the angle in which his club shaft meets with the ground.
Have your friend then make a practice swing in slow motion. You’ll notice that the angle of the club shaft goes behind, down, and through, all in a relatively constant motion. That would be your friend’s individual swing plane. Every golf player has his or her own unique swing plane.
What Is The Best Swing Plane To Have?
There is no right or wrong swing plane. Some golfer’s angles come in steep, while others are shallow. Although not set in stone, you’ll notice that shorter people whom use standard length golf clubs will have a shallow swing plane. And taller men and women who use standard length clubs tend to show a steep swing plane in comparison.
Of course these are just generalities but you’ll find them to be true with at least 75% of those playing golf.
Other differences which may affect a person’s swing plane is joint stiffness and flexibility. Some older men and women who have tighter joints will also have a steeper swing plane, even if they are considered short, as compared to younger players or older persons who are very flexible.
The Type Of Club Also Makes A Difference
A golf player’s swing plane may also be affected by the size and type of golf club being used. For example, when a player is using a sand wedge (a very short club as compared to a driver), they will have a considerably steeper swing plane than when using the driver. In fact, the driver is the longest golf club in your bag and will always have the flattest swing plane.
You can use different swing planes, each with good success, so long as you never allow your swing plane to vary too much during the swing. It is okay if your backswing tends to be a little steeper than your downswing, so long as they have exaggerated differences.
Last Minute Tip: Achieving the right swing plane will be determined by your position, or setup. Try not to stand too close to the ball and never tilt your upper torso too far to the left (right-handed golfers), or too far to the right (left-handed golfers). Doing so will make your swing plane a bit too steep.
Topics: General, Tips & Practice |