Trace the Plane Line

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Do you tend to get "stuck" in the downswing? Do you hit blocks and quick hooks? Do you want to get the ball to start on your intended target line and stay there?. Improper and overly aggressive use of the body is typically the cause. In this video, I give you a simple drill and very important fundamental for the arms that you can work on both at the club and at home to start hitting perfectly straight shots.

  • Better golfers often come from inside the plane line (higher handicap players tend to come over the top)
  • Better players also tend to get stuck because they're using the upper body too much
  • The solution is to keep the body quiet and rotate the arms
  • Use a mirror and practice keeping your body square and slowly tracing the plane line
  • Also use arm rotation to keep your elbow from getting too far ahead of the club

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Chris
Craig - rotating the forearms in the downswing seems to lead to timing issues for me at impact. If I rotate the forearms at the top of the backswing and maintain those angles on the downswing, would this have the same effect in steepinging/keeping me from getting under plane?
March 16, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. It would depend on when you made that move. If you did it too soon/right before the top it would change the pitch of the shaft too early. This move shouldn't be overly timing dependent. It will feel as if you are shifting and just starting to turn the arms down sooner versus getting stuck and waiting too late. You can see the same type of scenario in the Square the Face Early and Level Shoulders Drill.
March 16, 2023
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William
Hi Chuck, with the “Trace the plane” drill, in the video you focus on more of the rotation from the top being driven by the right forearm (right handed golfer). If rotating the left forearm is more natural or easier, with more of the knuckles down rotation, is that just as good? Or for some reason should the focus be more on the right forearm? I realize that physically both forearms have to rotate together, but wondering if it matters which forearm should get more of the focus and is more of the driver of the rotation? At least for me, I have a tendency to use my whole arm and shoulder when trying to focus on the right side to help the rotation. By the way, I believe you have nailed it with this drill to correct an under the plane downswing, which I have struggled with for years. Very tired of hitting so many thin shots. Thx very much.
August 11, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the post William and glad you like the drill. I can say for myself it is more a lead side driven motion (personal feel). The trail is very good at making the plane steeper coming down. However, like you if I do trail I get excessive club pitch shifting and shoulder spin. I prefer to feel it more as a turning down of my lead as my trail follows.
August 11, 2022
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Kevin
Hi Craig - I've been working on this move and my contact has really improved by having my body "take a nap." My misses are more solid but left pulls at times though when I used to hit blocks with my irons. I feel like my path is much more left which I know is the goal. I feel like maybe I'm releasing the right forearm too early or at times not posting up early enough to let the forearms clear? Just looking for some direction on how to fire that right forearm better. P.S. I think I finally fixed my deep right arm in the backswing - making left arm only swings as my rehearsal move and adding the right arm (Winter Backswing) seems to be the key with more right arm connection awareness. Ill show you in my next review...
September 25, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Why trying to fire the right arm? If anything you get into impact too early. You need to keep the lead swinging/pulling until the point of no return and the club releasing itself.
September 25, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig - sorry for the confusion - I am trying to address my under plane condition unless you think the backswing work will help address that and zero out my path and get my hands to work down better from the top? I am finding it hard to balance pulling from the left (obliques, delt etc.) and at the same time decelerating the left shoulder socket to just allow the forearms and left wrist to rotate while the shoulders stop at square. Not everything from the left pulls which was where I had things mixed up before.
September 25, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I just don't want you focused on trying to throw the trail hand to steepen. Just gradually rotate the forearms a little more. The main thing is you tend to flip. So, we have to stay away from that. Better backswing, and a little gradual turn of the forearms will start to steepen the under plane issue.
September 25, 2020
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Mikko-Pekka
How is this different from saving the shot with arms? It looks like the body isn't in control of things after all? What have I understood incorrectly?
September 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mikko. Saving the shot would be more flipping the hands at the last possible moment. The premise of what this drill is trying to correct. Getting tilty and stuck required you to flip the hands because the club face is wide open. The body directs the motion, but the forearms have to rotate to get the club back to square.
September 12, 2020
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Mikko-Pekka
Thanks Craig.
September 12, 2020
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Matthew
I was focusing on the left arm at about 3:48 - 3:52 in this video where Chuck makes the adjustment from shallow to on-plane. Would it be helpful to focus on engaging the left rear delt and lats at that point to try to pull things onto plane instead of thinking with the forearms and wrists? It looks like his shoulder comes around toward square and left elbow points more down the target line in this move. Since I'm also working to relax my hands, maybe this is a good focus for me?
July 15, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Take a look at the Left Arm in the Golf Downswing (LADD). You don't want to get too active with lead shoulder retraction and pulling the shoulder out of the way. The forearm/wrist will do the vast majority of the squaring. However, the lead lat will aid at pulling the arms in front.
July 15, 2020
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Matthew
Yea, okay, because if I start pulling too much with that shoulder, then I'll start having trouble with square shoulders at impact probably huh. I'll check that LADD vid. Thanks!
July 15, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Exactly. You will tend to start ripping the shoulders open.
July 16, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig - I was videoing my swing tonight and keep seeing my delivery coming in under the elbow plane line. You had not recommended this video to me but I was wondering if this is one I should consider?
July 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. That is a little under plane. This is a great video to tackle this subject. Also, helps you flip less because the face is rotating better to square up into the the strike.
July 14, 2020
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Kevin
I did not work on this drill this week but after today I think I need to. Hitting it well off the tee but really struggling with fairway woods off the deck and really hitting it heavy out of the rough. Assuming if I zero in more on my attack angle it would help?
July 18, 2020
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
How does this relate to shallowing out the club? Seems like a opposite concept? I think I fit the description of someone who needs to work on this I’m just trying to understand it better. In some videos it’s let the club shallow out by allowing the for arms to rotate back slightly and this seems like its saying the opposite?
June 16, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tyler. This is saying the opposite. Better ball strikers tend to get a little too shallow and need to zero out their path/plane a little more. For example: I tend to pull too much getting under plane. The drill above is crucial for me not to come too far from the inside.
June 16, 2020
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Alan
Hi Craig - practicing this move is definitely helping - on the down swing I find two slightly different outcomes 1. After rotating the hands move in and run along the toe line and the club moves out for impact 2. Slight alternative when the rotation is less -the hands are between the toe line and the ball and the arms and club are in a line at impact - do you promote a preferred option?
July 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. It will be just slightly ahead/outer edge of the toe line because the hands will be slightly higher at impact versus address. And, if you start getting more over the feet I would be afraid you would start altering the path too much, or holding on to some wrist angle.
July 22, 2019
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Baxter
I am confused on which move I need to make. In the video chuck describes two moves, one where he is "twisting" the shaft and the other move is with his arms, in that he is wanting to rotate them in a way that would put the right arm in a palm down type position. My question is, do we want to try and make both of these moves together or is one a better thought than the other. I know that he says that we need to be gradually rotating our arms in the downswing, but when I try to do this I notice that I have a hard time keeping the left elbow pit pointing towards the target like Chuck talks about in the LADD video. Thank you for the help!
February 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Baxter. The move above is only for players that get under plane, or have excessive pull in the downswing. Make sure you fit that category first. There will be a slight arm movement of lead arm down as the trail follows on top of it. If you struggle with maintaining lead elbow positioning. You maybe over doing the move and need to feel it a little more in just the forearms.
February 23, 2019
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Baxter
Perfect. Thank you for replying. I commented on another video about striking the golf ball closer to the heel and this was one of the videos that you recommended. Is there any other videos that I should watch. I have watched the shank video, and I I confirmed through video that I am under the plane. But I also mentioned that when I come into impact that I have a lot of secondary axis tilt. Just trying to get the path cleaned up for when I am able to get golfing here in a few months. Thank you for the help!
February 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Baxter. The Level Shoulders Drill (which I believe you already checked) is one of the best for excessive secondary tilt. I would also check Preventing Hip Pain, and Step 2 - Core Rotation. Film making the body movements only until you can start stacking yourself at impact without the excessive tilt.
February 23, 2019
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Baxter
I will definitely look into those. Thank you for the help!
February 23, 2019
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Tom
In the Road Show video "How to Fix a Pull Hook and Inside Swing Path" Chuck explains that the club is delivered out on to the plane via hip rotation (at about time 12:00) and in this video he says it is done via arm rotation. Can you please elaborate on how these two motions work together in the swing? Also, I would enjoy seeing a Road Show video that details the student adding the right arm so we can all see the issues we are having with this final piece being resolved by the master. Thanks
February 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. The video above is for players that get under the plane coming down. Therefore, those swingers need a little help to actually steepen the plane to keep from getting underneath with the arms. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path Video and Rotary Golf Downswing Overview for details how the weight/hips bring the club onto plane.
February 20, 2019
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Giap
Since the squat is my first move in the downswing. should I slowly start to rotate my left hand down as I squat in the downswing?
February 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. The club is always rotating. As you squat/shift your face/lead hand will start to rotate down slightly.
February 2, 2019
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Giap
So you are saying the clubface will rotate on itself?
February 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. If you tend to over pull, or leave the face open. Your feeling maybe rotating the face earlier in the downswing. Therefore, rotation will be gradual and not requiring a flip at impact.
February 3, 2019
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Andrew
It looks like Chuck is tracing the shaft plane line in this video. Should we be tracing the elbow plane line?
January 26, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Yes, tracing the elbow plane line.
January 26, 2019
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Marcel
Hi Chuck and Craig, do you do this also with the driver?
January 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marcel. Yes. This video is what saved the end of my career with the driver.
January 23, 2019
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Carver
I have looked at at least a dozen pro swings on V1 and they are consistent on two things: 1) on the back swing their hands consistently trace the line from the heel of the club head up through their elbow. The clubs is slightly above the line. 2) the club flattens on the downswing coming a little under the plane line. Not stuck but clearly flatter which generates more swing speed. I have trouble trying to get the club head slightly under the plane line.
November 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Carver. If you struggle getting shallower you need to do the opposite of this video. Work on 2 Videos. Keep the Rear Shoulder Back and How to Fix Plane and Path. Keeping the trail shoulder back longer with proper weight shift and lead arm movement will aid in further shallowing.
November 18, 2018
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Jeffrey
Hi there, When rotating or spinning the shaft on the downswing, it looks like it promotes and in to out delivery. I'm assuming you have to just find that right balance enough for you to be right at the plane line or above the plane line? Also, what body part is doing the rotating on the way down? is it the left arm , right arm or mixture of both? Thanks in advance!
September 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. Yes, the key is finding the balance to zero out the path versus being out to in. Players who are very good with pulling in the downswing have sometimes said it feels that they are coming over the top, but in actuality are right on plane. The lead arm will lack some strength to help turn down the shaft. You will still use the lead arm primarily, but will be a mixture of both.
September 27, 2018
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James
This is excellent. Thank you for the very thorough explanation of this issue that tends to creep into my swing. I would think this swing fault could also increase the chance of hitting it fat or thin if you’re coming into the ball too shallow.
May 20, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Yes. Glad you liked the video.
May 21, 2018
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Colin
I can see that I am clearly under the plane line but I'm a little confused because it was my understanding that weight shift would keep me on plane. Now I have to effectively rotate the arms early so that the club is further in front and doesn't get suck? This should free me up to release properly?
August 8, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Colin. Weight Shift will set you on plane in the initial transition. You tend to push a little from this position leading you to getting stuck (Level Shoulders Drill). Better players that pull too hard tend to get under plane and therefore work on zeroing their path. After the shift and feeling working on some effective rotation in the forearms will zero out your path and free you up from being stuck. The drill and concept above was foreign to me before Rotary. I was stuck under plane only to rotate the body harder to try and fix. Mastering the move above was a complete game changer for me.
August 8, 2017
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Colin
I tried it today with a short iron and it makes a lot more sense doing it rather than watching it! It's not a really complicated move. Thanks for your help and comments.
August 8, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great. Remember though take it slowly at first. Like with lag. Anything can be over done. Let's make sure we hit the happy medium.
August 8, 2017
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RANDY
how does the backswing path of the club head compare to the downswing path of the club head? Randy
June 18, 2017
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RANDY
plane not path
June 18, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Randy. When you replied to your own answer it took it off of our list. I apologize for the wait time. The will be pretty similar. RST is a one plane swing with elevation. You will have a slightly shallower downswing. But, you shouldn't have a ton of deviation.
August 8, 2017
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Brandon
I'm underplane right now and after reading another article (https://dev.rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction/golfbiomechanics/on-plane-golf-swing) the author cites that "it's all in the shoulders" whereas Chuck mentions rotating the forearms to zero out the path. Which one is recommended and more effective?
May 23, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. That is the RS1 swing. We are now teaching solely the RST Swing. That one would be geared towards older players and a less bio-mechanical approach to the swing. I definitely want your swing geared more to the forearms.
May 23, 2017
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Brandon
Hi, it doesn't look like the path pro is available online anymore. What's the best way to do the shaft plane line drill at driving ranges where there is no grass and only mats? https://rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction/swingdrills/shaft-plane-drill
May 23, 2017
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Robert
Get 5/8 inch PVC pipe. Need about 10 feet to be safe, but probably less. One "T", and four elbows. Cut two lengths about 18" and two about 12". then cut one of the 12" pieces in half. Create a rectangle with the T in the middle one end, then stick the remaining pipe on the T. You can cut that piece that goes upwards out of the to the size you like. Use a connector if you need to make it longer or shorter for different drills. Then you can rotate the vertical piece to the angle you need. Probably less than $10. I don't glue it, the PVC is tight enough it will stay in place without it, then I just disassemble it (well, I usually just take out the vertical part) and throw it in my trunk when I'm done. If you're going to swing at it and you feel you need a cushion on the plastic, get a piece of water pipe insulation to put over it. The only caution is if you hit it on the end with force, like a full swing, it will crack. But good for drills where you aren't going to hit it full force.
October 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. Tough without any grass. To be honest, I actually used to use my golf bag in those circumstances. Make very careful and proper swings. Also, take out the woods.
May 23, 2017
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Asgeir
Hi, is it a trade-off between lag and forearm rotation? What I mean is that I think it makes lots of sense to decrease the angular velocity of the club face in the hitting zone (by forearm rotation), but this cause for me a longer release phase (giving up some lag gradually). Or do I misunderstand? Thanks, Åsgeir
March 18, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asgeir. You shouldn't have that much a lag difference. Yes, you can preserve a little more by not allowing the zero out or rotation in the arms to take place. However, you will have a greater tendency to get stuck. And, what is the use of having the extra lag if you can't release it efficiently.
March 18, 2017
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Lynn
In trying to keep on 'plane' I hit the ball on the heel - many shanks as I agressively try to stay on plane. My default swing is redirecting the club to the inside on the downswing. Lynn Grants Pass OR
March 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lynn. When you try to zero out the path do you maintain your tush line? Also, do you still add lead arm release or do you feel the trail taking over?
March 15, 2017
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Lynn
Hello, Craig - been a while - I rewatched the tracing plane line and level shoulders video you recommended long ago. I am working on that this week. Not certain what you mean by lead arm release. Which video is that? Lynn
March 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lynn. Left Hand Release Drill. Sometimes when players start zeroing out the path. They will tend to lose the tush and start over taking the release with their trail hand. Take a look at How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps to understand the tendencies of why the release and tush are so important with the issue. Yes, it has been awhile. I hope all is well with you!
March 15, 2017
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Lynn
Will work on that this week.
March 15, 2017
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Nacho
Hi Craig, I see this like keeping your torso as closed & passive as possible in transition (while you shift your weight to the left by externally rotating the lead leg) and let the force of gravity do its work with the arms. By doing this (I found out) your torso stop rotating; you create and maintain lag; your shoulders are more square at impact (leading to better impact) and your club doesn't go under plane (which also contributes to a better impact and to avoid the dreaded push out or pull hook). What do you think Craig? Best & thanks!
February 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nacho. The torso will still rotate a little to help pull the arms down and keep you from being too shut. However, from your notes it sounds like you are on the proper track. Let the weight and gravity do some of the work for you without ripping open the torso too soon and pushing from the trail side.
February 2, 2017
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Brandon
Should we also set up a plane line on the follow through to mirror the backswing?
November 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. If you release the club properly and you are working down the proper path. More than likely you don't need a guide through the follow through,
November 27, 2016
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Dean
My swing plane (club shaft) used to be too steep on the downswing, but with some work I've flattened it out, but in the process have got my right arm underneath the plane, creating the classic in-to-out swing path (+8-10 degrees on Trackman). This video is helpful, but I find in rotating my forearms in the downswing to keep my arms on plane (goal of 0 degree club path) I have trouble maintaining lag (tend to release too quick) and notice my club face comes in closed at impact. What do you suggest in my practice sessions to overcome this?
October 24, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. I would check a few things while working on this move. Lead elbow positioning to help from over rotating too soon (LADD and Curing Elbow Pain). Feel like the release is a little closer to the lead pant seam (Left Hand Release). It sounds like instead of a gradual rotation you are trying to flick or rip the club to a squarer positioning to early in a effort to zero out. It's not a fast move.
October 24, 2016
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Brandon
What's the best way to practice this at the driving range? Should we get a Styrofoam device like this and take it with us to the range or is the best alternative to record our swings on video and re-watch it?
September 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. Recording the videos or the styrofoam device will work. I used to use and alignment rod or a broken shaft.
September 22, 2016
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Jason
is this to help set up a crossover release in that the process just starts earlier in the downswing?
August 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. This is to help players that really drop the club underneath the plane and want to have a zeroed out swing path with a crossover release.
August 22, 2016
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Gareth
Should i be focusing on rotating my left hand more or the right. I see Chuck uses the right which he does not usually do?
August 16, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gareth. The forearms will have to rotate. If you are extremely under plane. You might have to feel a little with the trail side. But, you can for minor under plane issues feel it solely in the lead hand.
August 17, 2016
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Loran
If I want to achieve this sort of precision, like the rotation of the forearms and wrists, I must start slowly from the top of my swing with deliberation? What is mainly responsible for zeroing the shaft plane from the top? The arms? Or forearms? Wrists?
July 18, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
This drill is designed for those players that tend to get really stuck. There are several factors that effect swing plane. More often, the position of the spine is dictating the plane or path that the club is on. The club should always be rotating, so if you know that you have your body getting into a good impact position with your hips staying back against the tush line and your lead side of your body is stacked up with proper secondary axis tilt, and you still see the club being too flat, then you would add the drill by rotating the wrists/forearms which rotate together based on on the distal radioulnar joint.
July 19, 2016
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Loran
Then, if the spine remains practically immobile until the finish...why do so many PGA golf players have back surgeries? Tiger Woods?
July 19, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Big time rotation and tilt. Its sheer force and compression on the spine.
July 20, 2016
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Joshua
Hello Craig, with respect to the rotation of the arms is that motion primarily done with the right arm?
June 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joshua. Both arms will rotate in the swing. One doesn't primarily do more than the other.
June 2, 2016
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Brandon
Is there a way to re-create this training device at the driving range? The range I practice at has only mats and doesn't have grass to stick an alignment stick in the ground.
January 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. You could use a stand bag (Ping or other) depending on how much you trust your swing.
January 25, 2016
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Gary
Does the wrist and forearm roll from the top of the downswing to the impact area while maintaining the swing plane and keeping the elbow pointing down the line? If i havent been clear on my question please ask for clarification. Thank you in advance Gary
October 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. I believe I got this one answered in your LADD Video question. If I am reading your question correctly then you are on the right track.
October 22, 2015
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Gary
I asked further questions in the golf swing release video for your review and answers Thanks
October 22, 2015
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Gary
Does anyone else have issues with most of Chucks videos with respect to the videos cutting in and out throughout the videos on wifi?
October 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. I haven't heard many complaints on our end and this video is playing. If you continue experiencing difficulty. Please contact customer service.
October 22, 2015
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James
I did state my previous question correctly. I should have said: I tend to get below the plane on my DOWNswing. Is it correct to say the following with respect to the backswing and downswing? In the take away rotate the club (ARMS) back to the top then rotate the club (ARMS) back to square at impact? Any thoughts appreciated
September 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The arms will rotate the club in the backswing. However, the vast majority of movement will be from the body. The arms will square up the face into impact.
September 2, 2015
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James
I tend to get below the plane on my backswing. Is it correct to say the following with respect to the backswing and downswing? In the take away rotate the club (ARMS) back to the top then rotate the club (ARMS) back to square at impact?
September 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. If you are getting below the plane going back. Take look at the Pool Noodle Drill or the 4 Square Drill to help. In the takeaway, the shoulders/obliques are pulling the club back with minimal arm movement. The arms will elevate and have some rotation, but the origin of movement does not start with the hands or arms. Coming down it might feel a little more army because the arms/hands will be squaring the face versus the body.
September 1, 2015
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bryan
I tend to do what Chuck describes in the ideal slow motion example naturally but I often hit 10-15 yard pulls to the left, right handed player. After a couple of balls, this makes me want to leave the club face open more through impact which causes a 5-10 yard straight push to the right. I'm having trouble finding the middle ground here.
August 20, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bryan. If you are pulling the ball the club might be coming into the strike a little steep with a shut face. Take a look at the LADD Video and try to get on plane and square up the club.
August 20, 2015
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Loran
When I do this arm rotation, I feel like I am pulling the club to the left of the target...a sort of over the top feeling from the top of the backswing. If not I look like I have overdone the lag.
July 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. This drill is to help zero out the plane. If you tend to come under plane and create too much lag it will feel a little over the top in the beginning because of such a drastic change.
July 23, 2015
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Craig for turning me on to this video. In my review today, you noted that I was coming into impact below the plain. I realized that a pro some 7 or 8 years ago had me doing a similar (actually it was the same move, but he taught it in a different way) move as recommended here. About an hour after I got the review, I was off to work on it. I took the "zero path" swing thought (excellent) with me, and I hit some really solid shots. I have some sequencing issues (starting the swing from the ground up) that I must work out, but I am getting closer to my RST swing. Thanks again.
July 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Boris. You need to start zeroing out your path. The swing looks great. Just some fine tuning to really master getting that impact position. Thanks for the post.
July 15, 2015
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Sergio
Hi. Regarding the arc that the clubhead describes during the entire swing, is it like a semi-circle (as the RST logo) or in somepoint does it straighten? I have found that after the impact, I try to force the clubhead to keep a straight path (maybe with the wrong idea that that will cause a straight ballflight), instead of keeping the clubhead travelling left and up, just following the swing arc.
July 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sergio. It is like the logo and the club is working on an arc. The body is pulling away from the target and the energy and club gets released towards the target. But, it will have to follow back just as you would think of like the logo.
July 14, 2015
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Loran
There is a deliberate effort to supinate the right trail arm in order to slam down and square the face at impact? Does this require coordination? And does this move require muscle memory?
June 20, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hell Loan. Yes, this requires some coordination. Most players tend to come over the top (spinner) which this drill doesn't apply too. If you are used to dropping the club inside on the way down you need to feel some manual steepening of the plane.
June 21, 2015
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Loran
This rotation of the right arm and wrist is the dominant feeling on the downswing? Do the obliques do anything to add momentum?
June 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
If you are dropping the club under plane you still want lead oblique pull to open the hips for added momentum/speed. You might feel a little more trail arm dominant, but the lead arm still needs to be the driver of the downswing. Take a look at Stop Coming Under the Plane for more explanation (Advanced Downswing Section).
June 4, 2015
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Martin
To add.. Ive had difficulty shallowing then internally rotating instead it looks steep then i turn club down onto the line. so my fear is that i over do this and become steep again. any thoughts.
May 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Martin. See below.
May 18, 2015
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Martin
Craig On my recent swing analysis you had me revisit this drill/ concept. I understand the need for it for sure. What is puzzling to me is when i trace the elbow plane line properly on video it really feels as though im "coming over the top like?" although i can see on replay im not. Is that bc ive been so under for some time the proper plane feels that way? Second, if i dont "stall" my body as chuck says in the video i really cant strike solidly... so does this mean for a while i may feel armsy until i get used to that timing? thanks martin
May 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. For your swing I can easily gather why it would feel over the top. Yes, its because you have been too far under. You are actually zeroing out the path giving yourself the ability to release it harder and more efficiently. Even for my own swing when I started learning how to zero out my path it felt the same way. It will subside as long as we keep it in check and don't over do it. It will feel a little armsy. That isn't a bad thing. Getting rid of body push/spin for kinetic efficiency. We will monitor it. With as good as your move is. I'm not worried about over the top.
May 18, 2015
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Martin
Thanks and I'll take the vote of confidence!
May 18, 2015
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byung soo
or little bit under plane than iron? i try to match my iron down swing match exactly on elbow line, and success.but i wonder if i do that on driver ,if its not too stiff.
April 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Byung. Take a look below.
April 6, 2015
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byung soo
does the driver has same plane?it has to come down elbow line as iron?
April 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Byung. The Driver will still use the elbow plane line.
April 6, 2015
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Matt
I am around a 8-10 handicap player, but I have tendency to be above the plane. Is there any specific videos like this that helps with working on getting more on plane? I have found that i tend to be closer to on plane is when I feel like i am swinging way out to the right. From Face on, my impact positions do look farely decent, but is this a good thought to have while i try and work out the over the top move?
January 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. Take a look at the Stop Coming Over the Top Video in the Downswing Section. Also, the LADD Video in the same section. Both will help you use weight shift and proper lead arm control to shallow out your plane.
January 20, 2015
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Greg
Is the ideal on plane swing when the shaft is at or slightly above the right forearm on the downswing?
October 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Without getting to technical about it the swing plane will be slightly about the trail (right) forearm on the downswing.
October 13, 2014
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Martin
So I worked hard to trace the line and in play I found I was now coming down very vertically? Is. That a result of not rotating the club head downward properly ?
October 7, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. You might have over done the work. If you are just using all arms and stalled out the body too much the club will get vertical. Use a little weight transfer, pull from the lead side, and some lead arm swings. It will get you rotating again and shallow it back out.
October 7, 2014
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Matt
What causes the hands and handle of the club to become more vertical and be higher at impact than at address? Is this a big issue, and if so, are there any drills to work on? Thanks again
September 28, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. Physics and the weight of the club make the hands raise and the club drop. There aren't too many drills you need to work on to make this happen. However, take a look at the Slingshot for Distance Video in the Advanced Downswing Section for more information on the effects of the move.
September 29, 2014
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Matt
Am I right in assuming that plane line above is matched up to the elbow plane line and not the shaft plane line at address? I have been working with the swing plane perfecter, which is basically tour sticks with a protractor on the bottom, and the idea behind that is to match up the alignment sticks with your shaft angle at address. What is the difference between the "elbow line" and the shaft angle line at address? I've only seen instructors use the latter.. Thanks guys the website is amazing!
July 26, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Matt. We actually have a great video of that on our youtube channel. Check it out: http://youtu.be/_zqL_jV88ps
July 26, 2014
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Jason
I watched this video to stop over drawing the ball and after a couple of shots it definitely seemed to be a very quick and controllable fix. I noticed two things it did aside from squaring the plane and I just wanted to see if you guys agree. 1- It took my focus off trying to flip my hands to square the club and gave me something much easier to focus on to square the club. 2- I noticed my follow thru was so much better. My right arm was really extended at the target.
July 6, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Understanding how to zero out the plane correctly is important. The two things you noticed are excellent. It helps with releasing versus flipping the hands and getting good extension through the shot.
July 6, 2014
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Jeremy
Would using a device such as Plane Swing (www.planeswing.com) be of value for the above type of problem (or even just generally) or are there inherent flaws?
May 7, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Not familiar with it and the link provided wouldn't allow the page to load. I can tell you that swing plane is in the periphery and is consequential to the correct movements of the body. So if this thing what I think it is, I would be cautious as it can be more of a band aid device and effect some of the movements in the body that are critical for downswing sequencing.
May 8, 2014
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Ryan
Awesome Chuck and this is me for sure... As a single digit golfer I tend to come in under the plane at impact exactly as you talk about in this video and I have actually been creating a correct swing plane with 2 alignment sticks ( or what i think is a correct swing plane) where one being on the backswing and one for the realease and follow through!!! I use the shaft angle at address to establish my swing plane by placing a ball on a tee so my impact position remains a consatant then i move back Down the line where i think the stick should be and get into setup with the club and use the angle of my shaft to create the angle of my alignment stick ( I feel confident in this---so that the swing plane i create is correct)!!!! But then my worries and concerns about exactly how far behind me should I want the stick to be so I can trace it down??? So what I have been doing recently is just making my takeaway and at about 9 oclock just drop the club and use where my head club lands on the ground as the point for my alignment stick t enter the ground and then after i release teh golf club at 3 oclock and drop the club I place the other stick in the ground where my club head lands ( so that usually genreates about 6 feet i both directions)! Also I get concerned about where in relation Down the Line my stick should enter the ground. So do i want it to enter the ground directly behind the ball in line with my target or inside or outseide of that point?? In order to clarify I hope LOL my questions would be how do I know that my alignment sticks are set perfectly so that I'm training myself to trace the swing plane incorrectly!!!!!! Thanks guys I hope you understand what I'm asking...
May 7, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ryan, this can be a very tough thing to set up on your own for sure. The best way that I can suggest setting this sort of thing up is to have a stationary camera and software that you can draw an elbow plane line on. Then use the camera to pick a spot to set the downswing stick up behind the ball with enough clearance for your swing shape. If you are going to set something up perfectly, you have to have someone else with you or use a camera as I described. The 3:00 stick should be in a position that is down the line with a full extension of the hands and arms and the shoulders only open about 34 degrees. I would watch the 5 minutes to a perfect release video and see steps 4 and 5 and use that to help set up the down the line stick. Hope that helps
May 7, 2014
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Ryan
Thanks Chris yea i try to have have someone from the club mark the spots but i will def taka advantage of your advice and try it out!!!!!! Fantastic Stuff as Always...
May 8, 2014

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