A single plane golf swing is a type of golf swing that emphasizes simplicity and consistency. It is characterized by the golfer’s arms and the club remaining on a single plane throughout the entire swing, without any significant changes in the angle of the club or the golfer’s wrists.
The single plane swing was popularized by golf instructor Jim Hardy, who believed that it was a more natural and efficient way to swing the club. According to Hardy, a single plane swing allows golfers to achieve greater consistency and accuracy, while also reducing the risk of injury.
In a single plane swing, the golfer typically stands closer to the ball and maintains a more upright posture than in a traditional swing. The arms and club are positioned more directly in front of the golfer’s body, with the clubhead pointing at the target at address.
During the backswing, the golfer’s arms and the club remain on the same plane as they move away from the ball. The clubhead stays low to the ground and the left wrist remains relatively flat. In the downswing, the golfer rotates the body and brings the arms and club back down to the ball on the same plane, with the clubhead remaining low to the ground.
The single plane swing is often compared to the two-plane swing, which is more commonly used by professional golfers. In a two-plane swing, the club moves on a steeper angle during the backswing, with the clubhead pointing away from the ball at the top of the swing. This requires more wrist action and can lead to greater inconsistency.
While the single plane swing is not necessarily the best choice for every golfer, many amateur players have found success with this technique. It can be particularly useful for golfers who struggle with consistency and accuracy, as it provides a simpler and more repeatable swing motion.
Single Plane Golf Swing Techniques
| Technique | Description | Benefit | Challenge | Video Tutorial Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Plane Swing | A technique where the golfer’s left arm is in line with the shoulder plane at the top of the backswing. | Consistency in ball flight and accuracy. | Requires flexibility and timing. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLGnMEA9EGY |
| Minimalist Swing | A technique that focuses on a simple and compact motion, using only the necessary movements to strike the ball. | Reduces the chances of making errors and promotes better ball striking. | Requires practice to develop feel and timing. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwroU6Fq3Bk |
| Rotary Swing | A technique that involves rotating the body around the spine without any lateral movement. | Generates power and consistency by maintaining the same swing plane throughout the swing. | Requires practice to develop proper sequencing and timing. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyCrV7LzvjE |
| Stack and Tilt | A technique that involves keeping the weight forward on the front foot throughout the swing. | Consistent ball striking, promotes better ball flight and more distance. | Requires significant adjustment from traditional swing techniques. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuAY0v_EYMc |
| Square-to-Square | A technique that involves maintaining a square clubface throughout the swing. | Promotes consistency in ball flight, accuracy and distance control. | Requires practice to develop proper feel and timing. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQFkLr0nNQo |
Single Plane Golf Swing Pros
| Name | Age | Nationality | PGA Tour Wins | Single Plane Golf Swing Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson DeChambeau | 28 | American | 8 | One Plane Swing |
| Moe Norman | N/A | Canadian | N/A | Minimalist Swing |
| Steve Stricker | 54 | American | 12 | Rotary Swing |
| Mike Bennett | N/A | American | N/A | Stack and Tilt |
| Jim Furyk | 51 | American | 17 | Square-to-Square |
Single Plane Golf Swing Cons
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Limited Flexibility | Some single-plane techniques require significant flexibility, which may be a challenge for some golfers. |
| Timing | The single-plane technique requires precise timing throughout the swing. |
| Limited Shot Variety | Single-plane techniques may limit the variety of shots that can be played. |
| Difficulty of Transitioning | Transitioning to a single-plane technique can be challenging for golfers used to traditional techniques. |
| Injury Risk | Poor technique or lack of flexibility can increase the risk of injury. |
Single Plane Golf Swing Equipment
| Equipment | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Single Length Irons | Irons with the same length and weight promote a consistent swing plane. | Promotes consistency and accuracy. |
| Training Aids | Aids that help golfers develop proper single-plane swing mechanics. | Helps golfers develop feel and timing. |
| Driver | A driver with a lower center of gravity promotes a more consistent ball flight. | Promotes consistency and accuracy. |
| Wedges | Wedges with less bounce angle can be used with a single-plane swing. | Promotes accuracy and distance control. |
| Golf Balls | Golf balls with low spin can promote a more consistent ball flight. | Promotes consistency and accuracy. |
Single Plane Golf Swing Training Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Practice Slow Motion Swings | Practicing slow motion swings can help develop proper timing and feel for the single-plane technique. |
| Film Your Swing | Filming your swing can help identify areas that need improvement and track progress over time. |
| Develop a Routine | Developing a consistent pre-shot routine can help with timing and preparation for each shot. |
| Take Lessons | Taking lessons from a qualified instructor can help develop proper technique and address any issues or challenges. |
| Incorporate Fitness Training | Incorporating fitness training that focuses on flexibility and strength can help improve single-plane swing mechanics and reduce the risk of injury. |
