Fix a Flat Golf Swing Plane
| Target Fault | Focus Area | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Flat swing plane | Backswing | Golf club and an alignment stick or spare shaft in the end of the grip |
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
A flat plane moves the club too far around the body too quickly, so the shaft points well behind you at the top with the lead arm low across the chest. From there the club either drops too far inside (a flick of the hands, pulls and hooks) or the player throws it over the top to compensate. Watching where the butt end of the club points gives clear checkpoints for an on-plane takeaway and halfway position.
How to Perform the Drill
The coach gives no set rep count. Our general guideline: 3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps, then half swings with a ball, adding speed only once the steps feel natural.
Fit an alignment stick or spare shaft into the end of the grip so you can see where the butt end of the club points.
Take the club away slowly and straight back. With the shaft parallel to the ground, the club should be slightly in front of your hands and, looking down, the shaft should sit over your toe line.
Halfway back, check the butt end: it should point at or near the target line, slightly over or under depending on your height. If it points well right of the target and out across the line, the plane is flat.
If you are struggling with a flat plane, exaggerate the opposite: take the club straight back, then up, so the butt end points down at the ground. That is too upright on its own, but practising it usually lands you somewhere in the middle.
Hit a few shots alternating the exaggeration with normal swings, then check the halfway position on video or in a mirror.
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
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