Fix Over the Top and Under the Plane Golf Swings

Learn how to correct over the top and under the plane golf swings with a single fix for greater speed and accuracy.

Watch the full 3-minute video lesson

Understanding Common Golf Swing Flaws

Golf is a game of precision and power, and yet many golfers find themselves struggling with fundamental swing mechanics that hinder their performance. Two of the most prevalent issues are the 'over the top' swing flaw and the 'under the plane' swing. Surprisingly, these seemingly opposite problems can be addressed with the same corrective strategy.

The Over the Top Flaw

Most golfers, in fact, about 90%, fall into the 'over the top' category. This swing flaw occurs when a golfer's club moves outside the ideal swing plane during the downswing, leading to inconsistent contact and often resulting in slices or pulls. Many golfers are unaware of how to effectively fix this problem, leading to continued frustration.

The Under the Plane Flaw

On the flip side, golfers who struggle with an 'under the plane' swing often find themselves hitting the ball too far to the left, resulting in a snipe hook. This flaw also stems from a misunderstanding of the correct swing mechanics and a lack of awareness of how to align their body movements with the club path.

Finding a Common Solution

At first glance, fixing both the 'over the top' and 'under the plane' swings may seem like tackling two entirely different beasts. However, both issues arise from a fundamental misunderstanding of the overarching movement pattern of the golf swing. By elevating our perspective and examining the root cause, we can identify a unified approach to addressing these flaws.

Understanding the Golf Swing

Golf differs from many other sports due to its unique change of direction. In basketball, for instance, the shooting motion is straightforward, with the ball moving in a linear path. But in golf, the swing requires a combination of rotational and lateral movements, making the mechanics more complex. Many golfers lack a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve in their swing. This is where the concept of the 'big picture' comes into play.

Balancing Speed and Accuracy

Another critical aspect to consider is the need for speed in the golf swing. While accuracy is crucial, hitting the ball with sufficient speed is equally important. Many golfers mistakenly believe that reducing their swing speed will help keep the ball in play. However, this often results in a decrease in accuracy and an increase in frustration.

Achieving Both Speed and Accuracy

The challenge lies in providing golfers with a solution that enhances both speed and accuracy without compromising one for the other. To effectively address the 'over the top' and 'under the plane' flaws, golfers must learn to produce speed while maintaining a consistent and repeatable swing path.

Key Takeaways

Both 'over the top' and 'under the plane' swing flaws stem from a misunderstanding of swing mechanics.
Understanding the overarching movement pattern of the golf swing is essential for improvement.
Achieving speed and accuracy simultaneously is possible with the right approach.
Golfers should aim to enhance their swing mechanics rather than simply tone down their speed.
AI swing analysis tools can provide valuable insights into improving swing patterns.

See What GOATY Finds in Your Swing

Upload a swing video and get your GOATScore, root cause diagnosis, and personalized drill prescription in 60 seconds.

Analyze My Swing Free

or

Try a Free Live Lesson