Golf Swing Plane Comparison

You may be just missing one small piece of the swing...

A simple golf swing requires the fewest moving parts possible, yet the golfer must still be able to generate a swing speed sufficient to achieve the maximum distance possible.

Mechanically, we are trying to bring the club shaft and hands back to a similar position at impact relative to where we began the golf swing (at our address position). To do so, it is preferable to keep the swing plane very close to matching the starting and impact positions.

An understanding of body/type and building a swing to match will maximize the effectiveness of the swing. Utilizing the muscle memory from motions replicated in other sports can assist the golfer in gaining a quicker and more permanent feel for the "new" swing.

A golfer's swing can essentially be identified as belonging to one of two types: a body swing or hand/arm swing. The majority of power in the one-plane swing originates in the body (core) while the two-plane swing is dictated by hand/arm dominance. In Canada I teach many "body", or "one-plane" golf swings. Not coincidentally, many of the students I teach have a background in hockey. In hockey the arms remain close to the body while shooting, stick handling and passing. The weight distribution remains in between the feet or slightly more on the front foot. (See pictures)

A common error for many golfers is the unintentional combination of both swing types where the backswing position does not match the release. For example, if a golfer with a natural tendency toward a two-plane backswing (hands/arm) develops a one-plane release (hands/arms becoming passive on the downswing), the swing plane will be forced to the outside on the downswing. Typically the ball will start to the left of the target and slice back to the right. To get the club back on the two-plane path, the hands and arms must do some of the work to drop it back on this lower plane. Conversely, in a one-plane swing the club simply doesn't leave this plane so passive hands and arms are required throughout, resulting in a body release.

One-Plane or Two-Plane?
Golfers with reasonable strength and flexibility may wish to consider developing a one-plane motion. A student recently coined this the "Set and Forget" swing ... an apt description as this is ultimately one of the biggest advantages; once you are set at the top you just need to learn how to release your body. The club simply stays on top the plane and requires no hand/arm manipulation in the downswing! A one-plane swing is simpler mechanically and can be more easily achieved by the golfer with a higher degree of core strength and flexibility. A two-plane swing is a more traditional swing and focuses more on timing & tempo to coordinate the hands and arms.

Each golfer's swing type is indicative of his/her power source. Whether a one-plane or two-plane swing is used, golfers will achieve greater results by staying true to form throughout the motion. Regular practice will groove the swing and help replicate success on the links.

Stick handling:
Arms are close to the body

Passing:
Arms remain in the same position as in stick handling; shoulders and core move to release the stick.

Slap shot wind up:
Arms remain underneath the shoulders, stick follows the shoulder plane and the lower body is solid with the weight distribution staying centered between the feet.

Slapshot at the bottom:
Stick follows the shoulder plane through the shot, right shoulder drives underneath, hands are passive, target arm stays tightly connected with the upper body and hitting against a solid lower body.

The Brent Morrison Golf Academy is located at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, 1025 Qualicum Road, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1M5. (250) 752-8786. For more information on instruction programs for adults and juniors, contact the Academy office.

« Back