Full Swing & TempoIntermediateFixes: Steep Downswing

The Plane of Glass Drill (Rounded Swing)

Curated PGA Drill by Matt Fryer Golf

Focus Area

Swing Plane/Path

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by Matt Fryer GolfWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

This drill trains a rounded, natural swing path, forcing the club to work on a flatter, shallower plane, which directly corrects a steep downswing and eliminates the out-to-in path that causes slices and pulls. By focusing on the clubface being square to its arc, it promotes the necessary release instead of holding the face square to the target.

How to Perform the Drill

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Setup the Plane of Glass (Constraint): Place two canes (or alignment sticks) into the ground at the same angle as your club at address.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Position the first cane in line with the ball, slightly in front of it. Position the second cane at the target, also slightly in front of it (3:38-4:25).

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Practice the Motion (No Club): Put your arms out in front and focus on moving your hands 'up and down this plane of glass,' working them around your body to create a rounded motion (5:04).

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Integrate with the Club: Take your setup, feel your hands staying on the imaginary plane, and emphasize a rounded swing path rather than a straight line (6:22-7:13).

  5. 5

    Step 5

    The goal is to feel the clubface turning over and staying square to its arc, not directly at the target.

What Good Feels Like

Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.

Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed

Over the TopDeep DivotsSlicePull ShotsPoor ContactRestricted Swing

Not sure this is your real fault?

Upload one swing video and our AI will identify whether steep downswing is actually what's costing you strokes, using physics-backed metrics and a practice plan matched to what it finds. Your first analysis is free.

Related Practice Drills

View All Drills ↗