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One Plane SwingWe've read the hype, now for the practical... with Jeff RitterWhen I am looking at golf swings one of the elements I take note of is whether or not the player is swinging on one or two planes. By this I mean, are the arms and shoulders on a similar plane at the top of the backswing or differing planes. In my coaching, I have found that although successful players have proven many ways to find a successful impact, the more a player can swing within a similar arm and shoulder angle the less timing they will need to stay on a reasonable plane throughout their hit, thus leading to more consistency in their ball striking.
To begin building a single plane motion, follow these simple steps:
1. POSTURE IS THE AXIS Think of your spine as the axis for your swing that the arms will then swing around. Here I set up with a decent amount of forward bend, likely more than you’re used to. This increased forward tilt will make my shoulders pitch more down towards the ball as they rotate back and through.
2. ARMS SUPPLY THE SHAPE A single plane swing is ‘flatter.’ Make threequarter length swings back and through where your arms are swinging across the logo on the pocket of your golf shirt. Here my left arm hits my chest putting my arm and shoulders on the same tilt. As I swing through, my right arm now occupies the same space as the left once did, again hitting my chest near the logo of my shirt.
3. STAY CENTERED Players who swing on two planes have an arm swing and shaft angle that’s more upright than a single plane motion. Upright swings strike down too much into impact, so players with this motion have to add more “width” to shallow out the hit. A one- plane motion isn’t too steep, but can get shallow. To steepen the hit stay “centred” as you rotate. Hitting some balls standing only on your left foot will help.
Note: Keep in mind that if you are moving to more of a single plane motion and are bending more forward you may have to have your clubs flattened a bit. Mine here are three degrees flat from standard.
Originally published in GolfPunk Magazine, May 2009 Words: Jeff Ritter Photography: Chris Ohdee |
