Most amateur golf professionals struggle to adopt the perfect swing for their game, which is why they struggle on the golf course. There are two main types of golf swings that you can practice, and each has its own pros and cons. They are known as the single-plane golf swing and the two-plane golf swing. The swing that is harder to adopt and practice is the single-plane golf swing. That is because it is more technical and harder to teach to individuals.
The single-plane golf swing also doesn’t come naturally to most players. Therefore, if you want to perfect the single-plane golf swing, you will need to practice with a coach. Before we get into the basics of the single-plane golf swing, you must understand what it is and how you can adopt it. This guide has been prepared to share the basics of the single-plane golf swing.
Should You Adopt the Single Plane Golf Swing?
The question that confounds most golf players is whether they should adopt a single-plane swing or opt for the two-plane swing. We will distinguish both types to make an informed decision about whether the single-plane swing is right for you.
The first thing you should know is that:
- The single-plane swing is where a right-handed golf player’s left arm is positioned at the top of their back-swing and will match the tilt of the shoulder when looking directly at the target line.
- The two-plane swing is where the left arm of the golf player is generally higher (in a vertical or upright position). That would mean it is above the shoulder plane.
Most players find that the two-plane swing is the more common one and the easiest to master. However, the single-plane golf swing can offer you an advantage over other players. It is sometimes referred to as the “rotational swing” by golf instructors. To prove whether the single-plane golf swing is better than the two-plane golf swing, we will share some arguments for and against both swings.
Why is The Single Plane Golf Swing Better?
Many golf players believe that the single-plane golf swing is the best one to adopt for your game. There are, of course, multiple reasons why they think that should be the case. So, let’s get down to basics and discuss the main reasons why single plane golf swings are better:
It’s Easier to Repeat and Simpler
With the single-plane golf swing, if you practice it correctly, you can manage to synchronize the movements of your hands, arms, shoulders, and hips easily. You won’t need to practice any specialized motions for this swing, such as thrusting with your hips, an abrupt hinge with your wrists, or dropping the club on the plane during the downswing. All you need to do is ensure that your hands are in the correct position and hold the clubface square to make a solid connection.
You get a Consistent Draw Shot
For golfers who love hitting draws on the golf course, the single-plane golf swing is the best option. When you swing the shoulders and arms on the same plane, it creates a flatter swing naturally, where the club arches around the body. That helps promote the clubhead’s path to approach the ball from the inside line, and that holds the key to hitting shots from left to right. That produces a draw and allows you to get out of tricky situations on the golf course.
Legendary Golfers Used This Golf Swing
Most golfers try to mirror their game on their idols and some of the most legendary golfers of all time used to play with the single plane golf swing. You can count the legendary golfer Ben Hogan as one individual who used the single-plane golf swing when he dominated the golf circuit. Moe Norman was another legendary golf player who used this golf swing to great effect on the golf course. If this swing was great for these golfers, you could truly take your game to the next level as well.
Easier to Generate Power into Shots
The main reason why many golfers prefer the single-plane golf swing is that it is thought to help them generate extra power on their shots. That issue is still up for debate, but it can be said that the unrestricted motion of the swing helps to hit the ball cleaner and harder. As a result, you manage to create a powerful and wide arc with the single-plane golf swing. The rotational force of the swing also plays a major role in ensuring the golf ball travels a significant distance.
Our Final Thoughts
If you want to learn whether you are a player who has a natural single-plane golf swing or a two-plane golf swing, all you need to do is stand in front of the mirror while practicing your swing. If your left arm matches your shoulders, it is a clear indicator that you have a single-plane golf swing, and if your left arm is above your shoulder, you have a two-plane golf swing.
Due to the differences between the golf swings, it can be difficult to differentiate which one is better for your game. You will need to get tips from a professional PGA golf instructor to learn whether a single-plane golf swing is the best option for your game. It has worked for professional golf players in the past, helping them win numerous championships. So you should have no problems reaping the same benefits from a single-plane golf swing and elevating your golf game to the next level on the golf course.
