Every golfer has a unique swing plane that impacts their overall performance on the golf course. The golf swing plane you have will impact how you approach the ball and how you strike it. The golf swing plane is an essential part of your game and can be the difference between success and failure as a player. Most golf pros and commentators talk about the golf swing plane, but they don’t go into the details and technicalities.
Therefore, not many newbie golfers understand a golf swing plane and why it is important for their game. One of the main points of contention is that it can be difficult to determine if your golf swing plane is correct, and if it isn’t, how do you change it? The lack of understanding related to golf swing plane only leads to confusion and stops players from improving their game on the course.
If you’re looking for answers regarding your golf swing plane and want to know how to perfect it, you’ve come to the right place. We will be discussing everything related to the golf swing plane and share some drills that will help you get the perfect golf swing plane. Golfers of all levels can easily attain the perfect golf swing plane with a little practice and knowledge.
What is a Golf Swing Plane?
The first thing you need to know is what is a golf swing plane. To put it simply, your golf swing plane impacts the direction and trajectory of where your golf ball will land on the course. To put things into perspective, we will share a simple exercise to help you learn easily.
- Imagine swinging your golf club and striking the ball.
- Practice that swing again but this time, pretend the club is drawing a circle around your body.
- The path and angle of the club as it goes back and forth is your swing plane.
Your swing plane may not always have the same angle and because every player is different and maybe using golf clubs of different lengths. Ideally, your golf swing plane would be the same as the lie angle of your club. When the golf club is parallel to the ground, the angle between the shaft and the ground measures the swing plane and the lie angle.
Why Does Your Golf Swing Plane Matter?
Understanding what a golf swing plane is can be a bit technical for some players, so we will get into the basics of why your golf swing plane matters. When you have a good golf swing plane, it will improve your shot’s distance, consistency, accuracy. Your entire outlook of the shot will change as it will allow you to strike the ball cleanly, and it will travel greater distances on the golf course. Your clubhead path and the golf swing plane are closely related.
The club head’s path will determine which direction the ball will travel, and your swing plane will determine how far the ball is going to travel. The swing plane path will influence the amount of sidespin imparted on the shot and the overall direction of the shot. Here’s a simple example:
- If you impart too much sidespin on the shot, it will result in a shot that hooks or slices away from your target.
- That is the same with your swing path. When you don’t have the correct swing path, you will hit shots that miss your target frequently.
- Your shots will also lack power and conviction and will not travel great distances.
The main reason for that is because the clubface doesn’t hit the impact zone in the sweet spot, which will result in an improper connection.
Drills for Getting the Perfect Golf Swing Plane
If you’re struggling with your golf swing plane, you don’t need to lose heart. The good news is that there are plenty of drills you can practice to get the perfect golf swing plane. These are drills that every golfer can use to ensure that they have the correct swing path.
· Lie Board Drill
The lie board drill involves placing a plastic piece used by golf club fitters to check whether the lie angles of the golf club are correct. This tool can be used to ensure that you are making a proper impact with your golf club and are following the right swing plane. Here is what you need to do:
- Take a lie board and place some masking tape over it before putting it at the bottom of your club.
- Hit a couple of balls with the lie board.
- Check the bottom of the club look for the mark from the impact. The mark should be in the middle of the club.
- If the mark is towards the heel side, it means your lie angle is too upright, and the swing plane is flat.
- If the mark is on the toe, it means your lie angle is flat, and your swing plane is steep.
When using this drill, ensure that you are hitting each shot from the bottom of your club.
· Alignment Sticks in the Ground Drill
The next drill informs correcting your golf swing plane, and you will need some alignment sticks or snow poles and stick in the ground. Here is what you need to do:
- Push the alignment sticks into the ground at a 45-degree angle
- Get ready to hit the ball, ensuring that the pole is towards your back foot and on the outside of the ball.
- Hit shots and leave the pole behind you.
- You must ensure that your swing completes inside the pole.
- If you are hitting the pole on the downswing or takeaway, your swing plane is steep
Ensure that you are swinging correctly when trying this drill, as it will allow you to be more efficient with your golf swing plane.
Our Final Thoughts
Most newbie golfers struggle with their golf swing plane, but you shouldn’t let that dishearten you. It happens to all golfers, and you can correct your swing plane with a little practice and determination. The key is to understand your golf swing plane, as that will allow you to perfect it in the long run. Try the drills mentioned in this article, and you will not only perfect your golf swing plane but will also strike the balls more cleanly, consistently, and accurately.
