What Is the Correct Golf Swing Plane?

Practice your swing by taking into consideration the swing plane.

If you are an avid golfer, then the concept of the swing plane is something worth considering. Golf Smith defines the swing plane as "the imaginary plane on which the clubhead travels during the swing." Because golf is played on an inclined plane (the golfer stands at an angle to the ball), the club must be swung on an arc. The swing plane is the angle of your swing arc in relation to the ground and plays a major role in how straight, high and far you hit the ball.

Upright/Vertical Swing Plane

In an upright, almost vertical, swing the club travels in an arc similar to a Ferris wheel and it is almost perpendicular to the ground. Taller golfers often swing more upright because they are higher from the ground. An upright swing can create a high trajectory shot; however it is also the cause of most slices because the golfer with an upright swing tends to stand too close to the ball.

Flat Plane

A completely flat swing plane can be compared to a merry-go-round. If your swing were totally flat, the club would swing around your body, horizontal to the ground. Golfers with flatter swings tend to stand further away from the ball, causing them to stretch towards the ball and use more of their wrists, which can cause hook shots.

Perfect Swing Plane

A perfect swing plane is accomplished with consistent practice. Not every golfer will use the same plane, or arc of swing. In order to perfect your swing plane, Golftipsmag.com suggests imagining "a dotted line drawn from the ball, along the clubshaft and up past the grip. This is your swing plane line." When you go to swing, keep the club on this angle. The movement of your arms may cause the club to move slightly above this line, but as you continue on the descent, the club should drop back into place. Continue practicing your swing in this manner until you no longer hit slices or hook shots.

Influences

There are many things that influence a golfer's swing plane. Height, posture, distance from the ball, and how you hinge at the wrists all play a role. Taller golfers should keep in mind that they tend to hit vertically, and thus adjust positioning to protect against slicing. Shorter golfers should remember to not stand too far from the ball to protect against hook shots. Every golfer should use good posture and try not to bend too much at the wrists.

Club Size

Practice your swing using different club sizes because you may need to change your plane according to the club being used. For example, a driver will create a much more flat swing because it is such a long club, whereas a sand wedge will create a more upright swing. Keep these things in mind when practicing so you can counteract them.

References

• Golf Smith: Golf Glossary
• Golf Tips: Swing Extremes