- If your fundamentals are correct, you are more likely to make an efficient one-plane golf swing. Alignment is particularly important: feet, hips, arms and shoulders must all be aligned to the target. Both v's of your grip (between thumb and forefinger) should point to the same spot between back shoulder and neck. Posture should be athletic with a straight back. Your ball position should be appropriate for the club you are using. Many golfers who make a two-plane swing have to make a two-plane swing because their fundamentals are poor.
- Take a pitching wedge and make sure that your set-up and fundamentals are perfect. Put two clubs on the ground parallel to the target line, one close to your feet and the other on the far side of the ball; this creates a "railway" line. Make some short swings feeling like your forward arm is moving across your chest to initiate the backswing; the club face should stay square to the "railroad tracks" as long as possible. On the forward swing, you should not feel any rerouting of the club. As you start to get a feel for the simplicity of the swing, make some longer swings.
- Some golfers have swings with what's politely called "a lot of moving parts." However, most golfers should aim to have a one-plane swing that looks (and is) simple and efficient. How do you know that you have a one-plane swing? It's simple: simplicity. If you feel like you have to reroute your arms on the downswing in order to hit the golf ball, you have a two-plane swing. If you feel like your arms go back then come forward along the same "track," then you have a one-plane swing. In your backyard, office or basement, try to feel that your swing is simple. A good PGA or LPGA professional will help you work toward a one-plane swing even though some touring professionals have a two-plane swing. Why? Because a good teaching professional knows that a one-plane swing is more likely to help the amateur golfer hit more good shots and fewer really poor shots and thus enjoy the game more.
