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The Proper Golf Swing Plane: How to Analyze Your Swing

Published: September 10, 2023

Have you ever wondered how your swing plane compares to the best players in the world?

tiger woods swing planeTiger Woods' swing plane is great!

Some pros can be wildly off plane at times (we're looking at you, Furyk!), yet they still manage to find their way back to the proper golf swing plane through impact.

Want to feel this in YOUR swing? Try a free AI-powered golf lesson → — GOATY gives you real-time voice coaching, pose tracking, and instant feedback on every rep.

So let's examine what you truly need to know about analyzing and measuring your own swing plane.

In this video, you'll see the swing planes of Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, and Keegan Bradley side by side, plus I'll demonstrate how to accurately measure your own plane at home.

You'll discover:

  • How to diagnose and address being off plane in your golf swing,
  • Where to draw the swing plane line when analyzing your own swing on video, and
  • How to position your camera correctly for an accurate swing plane analysis.

BONUS: I explain the forces acting on your club that cause shaft bend during the downswing, including the phenomenon known as "club head droop." For a complete data-driven assessment of your swing mechanics, try a free AI swing analysis.

Watch this video now to learn how to measure your swing plane and focus your practice on what truly makes a difference!

Checkpoints for Practice

  • Swing Plane is Measured Using the "Elbow Plane"
  • Elbow Plane: Line Drawn From the Hosel of the Club Through the Elbow at Address
  • Club Remains Parallel to This Line Throughout the Swing
  • Perfectly On Line Through Impact

How to Analyze Your Golf Swing Plane

Learn to measure and improve your golf swing plane for better performance.

  1. 1

    Understand the Swing Plane

    Begin by familiarizing yourself with the concept of the swing plane. The swing plane is the angle at which the club moves during your swing. Recognizing how your swing compares to professional golfers can help you identify areas for improvement.

  2. 2

    Set Up Your Camera

    Position your camera at the correct angle to capture your swing. Ideally, the camera should be placed at a 90-degree angle to your target line, ensuring you get a clear view of your swing path and can analyze it effectively.

  3. 3

    Draw the Elbow Plane Line

    To analyze your swing, draw a line from the hosel of the club through your elbow at address. This line represents the 'elbow plane' and should remain parallel to the club throughout your swing.

  4. 4

    Record Your Swing

    Take a video of your swing while ensuring the camera captures the elbow plane line. This recording will allow you to visually assess whether your swing stays on plane or deviates at any point.

  5. 5

    Analyze the Footage

    Review the recorded footage and compare your swing path to the drawn elbow plane line. Look for points where your swing may be off-plane and note these areas for focused practice.

  6. 6

    Practice Adjustments

    Based on your analysis, practice making adjustments to your swing to align it with the elbow plane. Focus on maintaining the correct angle throughout your swing to improve consistency and accuracy.

Related Golf Instruction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of swing plane in golf?

The swing plane is crucial as it determines the path your club takes during the swing. A proper swing plane helps ensure consistent contact with the ball, leading to better accuracy and distance. By analyzing your swing plane, you can identify areas for improvement and work towards achieving a more effective swing.

How can I analyze my own swing plane at home?

To analyze your swing plane at home, you can use video recording. Position your camera to capture your swing from the side, then draw the swing plane line from the hosel of the club through your elbow at address. This will help you visualize whether your club stays parallel to this line throughout your swing.

What are some common mistakes golfers make regarding swing plane?

Common mistakes include failing to maintain the proper swing plane throughout the swing or misaligning the swing plane line when analyzing. Many golfers also struggle with the concept of 'club head droop,' which can affect their swing mechanics. Understanding these pitfalls can help you make necessary adjustments to improve your performance.

What role does the elbow plane play in measuring swing plane?

The elbow plane is a critical reference point for measuring your swing plane. It is defined by a line drawn from the hosel of the club through your elbow at address. Keeping the club parallel to this line throughout the swing helps ensure that you are on the correct plane, which is essential for achieving solid ball striking.

Learn the 3 Tour Pro Consistency Secrets You've NEVER Heard!

Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!

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