Swing Plane Explained

The swing plane is a term used to describe the path that your
club travels in when you make your swing. The next time you are
on the course playing with a friend, take a look at the angle
in which his club shaft meets with the ground.

Have your friend then make a practice swing in slow motion.
You'll notice that the angle of the club shaft goes behind,
down, and through, all in a relatively constant motion.
That would be your friend's individual swing plane.
Every golf player has his or her own unique swing plane.


What Is The Best Swing Plane To Have?

There is no right or wrong swing plane. Some golfer's angles
come in steep, while others are shallow. Although not set in
stone, you'll notice that shorter people whom use standard
length golf clubs will have a shallow swing plane. And taller
men and women who use standard length clubs tend to show a
steep swing plane in comparison.

Of course these are just generalities but you'll find them
to be true with at least 75% of those playing golf.

Other differences which may affect a person's swing plane
is joint stiffness and flexibility.  Some older men and women
who have tighter joints will also have a steeper swing plane,
even if they are considered short, as compared to younger
players or older persons who are very flexible.


The Type Of Club Also Makes A Difference

A golf player's swing plane may also be affected by the size
and type of golf club being used. For example, when a player
is using a sand wedge (a very short club as compared to a driver),
they will have a considerably steeper swing plane than when
using the driver. In fact, the driver is the longest golf club
in your bag and will always have the flattest swing plane.

You can use different swing planes, each with good success,
so long as you never allow your swing plane to vary too much
during the swing. It is okay if your backswing tends to be a
little steeper than your downswing, so long as they have
exaggerated differences.

Last Minute Tip: Achieving  the right swing plane will be
determined by your position, or setup. Try not to stand too
close to the ball and never tilt your upper torso too far to
the left (right-handed golfers), or too far to the right
(left-handed golfers). Doing so will make your swing plane
a bit too steep.

For further golf tuition go to http://www.learninggolfswing.com

Wayne