One vs. Two Plane Golf Swings: [Differences + Pros & Cons]

• Jim Hardy developed the concept of One and Two Plane swings while discussing Ben Hogan’s swing with John Jacobs in 1977.
• All golf swings can be categorized as either One Plane or Two Plane, depending on whether the arms swing on the same plane as the shoulders turn.
• The Plane Truth Golf Institute was created to help golfers understand and improve their swings.
• Matrix is an education program that helps instructors teach Jim Hardy’s concepts through the use of technology.
• The One Plane Swing style keeps the spine bent over at address and during the swing, with shoulders on a steeper plane than arms.
• When you do a Two Plane Swing, your spine is more upright, your arms hang vertically from your shoulders, and you stand closer to the ball. Most importantly, though, your arms swing independently of how much your body rotates.
• A Reddit user shared that Hardy explains that a one-plane swing is when the lead arm travels on the same level as the shoulders, whereas a 2 plane swing occurs when the lead arm goes above the shoulder line.
• Jim Hardy’s Plus And Minus system Ball flight/impact test is positive or negative depending on the Fault. If it moves steeply, then it is a positive number (+1,+2, +3), but if it shallowly, then it is a Negative number (-1,-2,-3).

I was down in Palm Springs visiting my buddies at their golf course when I first heard of The Plane Truth. It was all the rage among the locals and, being a bit of a golf geek myself, I was intrigued. I asked around and got mixed reviews – some people swore by it and some people said it was all a bunch of nonsense.

I decided to do a bit of research on my own and see if I could figure out what the big deal was. After all, if it really did improve your golf game then it would be worth checking out, right?

Well, long story short, I tried it out for myself and I have to say that I was pretty impressed. It took a little bit of getting used to but after a few rounds I could definitely see an improvement in my swing. And, more importantly, my scores started dropping.

If you’re on the fence about trying it out for yourself, just go for it. You might be surprised at how much of an impact it can have on your game.

The Plane Truth – One & Two Plane Golf Swings

The normal plane of a golf swing is between the golfer’s shoulders and hips. A flatter swing plane, in which the club travels in the same plane from backswing to follow through, is indicative of a one-plane golf swing.

A two-plane swing, in which the arms move up onto a steeper plane at the top, is characterized by a larger angle between the swing plane and the ground.

One Plane Swings (blue shirt)

In golf, what does the term “one-plane swing” mean? The one-plane swing is more aerodynamic because the lead arm stays in the same plane as the shoulders throughout the motion.

The keys to a powerful one-plane swing include a stable core, a strong rotation from the shoulders, chest, and hips, and a forward head position. A golfer bent down at a spine angle of 35 degrees with even weight distribution on each foot is often in position for a one-plane swing.

When you’re in the backswing, you’re bent over further than when you’re in the forward swing, so your shoulders spin at a greater angle than your hips. As you spin around, you notice a tight connection between your lead arm and your chest.

Maintaining a neutral spine and firm footing, you twist your upper body against the support of your trail leg.

In a perfect takeout, the clubface would be square to your spine angle and aimed slightly downwards as it reached ground level.

To achieve this, at the peak of your swing, your arms should be parallel to your shoulders, and your shoulders should be angled down on a line that extends just past the golf ball.

Putting a driver on the ground perpendicular to your goal line and outside of the ball is a useful technique; while doing so, picture your shoulders pointing into the driver’s head.

When you’re ready to begin the downswing, you should twist your hips and torso while keeping your arms relatively still. Keep your spine and shoulders on the same tilted plane throughout the swing, and remember that the downswing plane is the same as the backswing plane.

Once you reach the end position, your trail shoulder will be facing the goal and your arms and hands will be over your lead shoulder.

Two Plane Swings (white shirt)

At the peak of the swing, the lead arm will be higher than the shoulders, defining the two-plane swing. For a two-plane swing, the golfer should be bent over at the waist by about 20 degrees, with a little extra weight on the back foot.

In the two-plane swing, the ball is typically set up closer to the body to promote a more upright turn, and the spine tilts back to bring the shoulders somewhat back of center, as opposed to being set up more centrally in the one-plane swing.

In the backswing, the shoulder rotation is flatter and more in line with the hip rotation, while the arm swing is more vertical. In the two-plane backswing, timing is even more crucial than in the one-plane swing, as an overly rapid shoulder rotation might cause the arms to drift inside, necessitating a lift at the top.

For the two-plane swing, remember to swivel your hips to create space and keep your arms in front of your body as you swing up. It is possible to turn by lifting the front heel.

All these factors will make up for the decreased mobility. Remember the driver exercise we talked about earlier? Shoulders are less rounded than they are in a one-plane swing at the top of a two-plane swing, and they should point further out than the ground-based driver’s head.

Start the downswing by bringing your hips forward and keeping your shoulders relaxed. For a more natural arm drop on the descent, try keeping your arms slightly outstretched rather than tucked between your shoulders.

Some players believe that keeping their back to the target for an extra heartbeat allows them to get their arms into a better position before spinning them around to the ball.

The two-plane golfer often finishes with their chest facing the target rather than rotating their shoulders through the entire swing like the one-plane golfer does.

So, what is a one plane golf swing, and how does it differ from a two plane golf swing?

In a one plane golf swing, the club is swung on a single plane, with the arms and body working together in a coordinated fashion. This type of swing is often used by professional golfers, as it can produce more consistent results. In contrast, a two plane golf swing involves swinging the club on two different planes. This can be helpful for beginner golfers, as it can provide more power and accuracy. However, it can also be more difficult to master, and may not produce as consistent results. Ultimately, the best type of golf swing for any given player will depend on their skill level and preferences.

The benefits of using a one plane golf swing

The golf swing is a complex movement that requires coordination and timing. There are many different ways to swing a golf club, but the one plane swing is widely considered to be the most effective. This type of swing is characterized by a single plane of motion, which helps to ensure that the clubface remains square to the ball throughout the entire swing.

As a result, the one plane swing can help to improve accuracy and distance control. In addition, the one plane swing is much easier to learn than other types of swings, making it a great choice for beginners. While there are many different swinging styles, the one plane swing offers the best combination of power and accuracy, making it the clear choice for serious golfers.

How to execute a one plane golf swing

The one plane golf swing is a popular technique used by many amateur and professional golfers. The key to this swing is to keep the club on a single plane throughout the entire swing. This can be accomplished by maintaining good posture and keeping the arms and wrists in alignment with the shoulders. One of the biggest mistakes that players make is to allow the club to get too vertical on the backswing, which can cause it to come over the top on the downswing. Another important tip is to maintain a consistent tempo throughout the swing. By keeping a smooth, even rhythm, you will be more likely to make solid contact with the ball and produce a accurate shot. By following these simple tips, you can develop a reliable one plane golf swing that will help you improve your game.

When is it best to use a one plane golf swing instead of a two plane golf swing?

A two plane golf swing is the most common swing used by amateur golfers. This type of swing has a backswing that is on one plane, and a downswing that is on another plane. A one plane golf swing is often used by professional golfers because it is more efficient and powerful.

When the club is swung on one plane, it creates less wind resistance and allows the golfer to generate more clubhead speed.

As a result, a one plane golf swing can help a golfer to hit the ball further and with more accuracy. However, this type of swing can be more difficult to master, and so it is not always suitable for beginners. In general, a one plane golf swing should only be used by experienced golfers who have a good understanding of their own swings.

Tips for improving your one plane golf swing

A good golf swing is the key to hitting the ball well. A lot of amateurs have a two-plane golf swing, which means that the club comes down on the ball from above on the backswing, and then from below on the follow-through. This can make it difficult to control where the ball goes.

A one-plane golf swing is a simpler, more efficient way to swing the club. The club stays on the same plane throughout the entire swing, making it easier to hit the ball consistently.

There are a few things you can do to help improve your one plane golf swing. First, practice your swing in slow motion. This will help you get a feel for how the club should move through the air. Second, try using a mirror to check your form. This will help you ensure that you are keeping your arms and body in alignment.

Finally, make sure to practice regularly. The more you swing the club, the better your results will be. By following these tips, you can develop a strong, consistent one plane golf swing that will help you hit the ball better than ever before.

Examples of famous athletes who use (or used) a one plane golf swing

Over the years, there have been many great athletes who have used a one plane golf swing to achieve success on the course.

One of the most famous is Arnold Palmer. Palmer was known for his powerful and flowing swing, which helped him to win seven major championships. Another great athlete who used a one plane golf swing was Tiger Woods. Woods utilized a one plane swing to become one of the greatest golfers of all time, winning 14 major championships.

In recent years, Jordan Spieth has also achieved success with a one plane golf swing.

Spieth won back-to-back Masters titles in 2015 and 2016, cementing his place as one of the best young golfers in the world. These athletes demonstrate that a one plane golf swing can be a great tool for any golfer who wants to improve their game.

Conclusion

The direction of your swing is established by the angle of your spine during setup. Standing erect promotes a two-plane swing, while slouching promotes a flatter, one-plane swing.

It’s important to get comfortable with the set-up regardless of the swing style you choose. Changing your set-up to generate a new swing plane has the potential to disrupt your alignment, so it’s crucial that you put in the time to perfect your new technique.