Updated on March 9th, 2023 at 11:05 am
Golfers love to throw around the terminology one plane or single plane swing vs. double plane or two plane swing. However, very few golfers have the knowledge to explain these different swings and how they can implement them into their game.
Take a look at what a single plane swing is and how it could help you become a better ball striker.
What is a single plane golf swing?
The single plane golf swing was created by Jim Hardy, in an effort to keep a golfers upper body more stable and controlled. With the single plane golf swing golfers can return the club to the impact position with relative consistency.
Single plane golf swings do not require as much movement away from the ball and therefore they are known to create more torque, higher ball flight and better speed at impact.
However, the single plane swing is not the only way to swing a golf club. Many amateurs use a two plane golf swing.
What is the difference between a one plane and two plane golf swing?
The main difference between the one plane and two plane golf swing is that a golfer does not need to reroute their swing at any point when they are swinging a single plane swing. This is often seen by the club’s positioning at the top, where the hands are a bit higher with the two plane swing, as there still needs to be room and time for them to drop into place.
If you have ever seen Jim Furyk swing a golf club, you have a good idea of what a two plane swing looks like. Think of the way Furyk takes the club up and then reroutes it and drops it into place. Of course, the Furyk swing is a very exaggerated version of a two plane swing, but it will give you a general idea.
Most amateurs with a two plane swing will have two planes, but they are probably relatively similar in angle.
Is the single plane golf swing better?
Single plane golf swings are often preferred as they are simple and require less timing to be accurate. It is also easier and better for players looking to draw the ball and keep their swing more shallow. The plane at the address remains consistent throughout the entire swing, making the swing easier to repeat.
However, if you ask any golf professional, some players have a natural ability to swing the two plane swing with higher speed and greater distance. One plane swingers need to have a good amount of flexibility and torque, as there is not quite as much movement to create speed.
Todd Graves is often considered the best instructor of the single plane golf swing. In addition to running his golf school, Graves was Moe Norman’s (often considered golf’s greatest ball striker) coach and has helped other players on other professional golf tours as well.
Graves stated that the most important benefit of the single plane golf swing was the speed at which golfers could learn it.
Unlike traditional swings that can take years to perfect, the single plane swing can be a liberating approach to learning the most difficult sport.
Is the single plane swing easier on your back?
The single plane swing is a much flatter plane and does not require you to place stress on your back during the Golf swing sequence. Some golfers find that you can feel a little pressur
e in the hips and knees with the one plane swing, but that usually happens in the first transition.
It’s best to work with a golf instructor that can help you learn a new golf method. Sometimes if you change your approach to golf without first doing the research, you could end up with an unwanted and unnecessary injury.
Problems with a one plane golf swing
One plane golf swing can cause the plane at impact to be too shallow and result in the golf ball being pushed to the right or even hooked. The spine angle and spine tilt in the one plane golf swing can also lead to poor weight transfer and initial trouble with power.
One of the great things about a one plane golf swing is that it will make solid contact with the golf ball considerably easier. Players find that hitting down and through the ball is more consistent. However, there are times when a reverse pivot can also come into play.
If you are making the switch to a one plane golf swing, try to watch a professional golfer or scratch golfer play and notice the position of their left shoulder throughout the swing. This shoulder should stay relatively stable and not dip the way many amateurs think it does.
What is the perfect swing plane in golf?
The perfect swing plane in golf will likely start at around a 60 degree angle that extends up through the shaft of the club and into the golfer. However, this perfect swing plane will vary depending on the height of the player and their specifics at setup.
Most shorter golfers will have a more shallow plane simply because of their stature. Taller golfers often have a more upright swing plane, making it even easier to have a two plane backswing.
There is no perfect number for your golf swing plane. The most important thing is to be in a great address position and then decide if you are going with the steeper plane for a two plane swing or a single plane shallow golf swing.
Final thoughts
When you analyze the golf games of thousands of golfers, it’s pretty easy to see that delivering the club at impact with plenty of speed and a square clubface is not limited to single plane golfers.
Many famous players like Bryson Dechambeau and Matt Kuchar have used the single plane swing throughout their careers. If you are looking for brilliant insights into incorporating this into your golf program or training, they would be players to consider studying.
