6 Great Golf Swing Plane Drills That Actually Work
Getting your golf club on plane can mean straighter, longer shots that end up close to your target.
If you are struggling to get the club on plane, it could be because you aren’t exactly sure what the proper swing plane is.
Here are six great golf swing plane drills that get the club on the proper plane, help you hit better shots, and result in lower golf scores and more consistency.
Contents
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
6 Proven Drills to Perfect Your Golf Swing Plane
Grip the Alignment Stick and a Club
Alignment sticks on the ground can help you determine your setup and direction. However, there are additional ways in which an alignment stick can help you get the club on plane.
For this drill, grip an alignment stick and a golf club at the same time.
You’ll want to ensure the alignment stick is still coming out the top of the grip and leaning against your side. When you take the club back, ensure the alignment stick still touches your hip (if it comes off, you are off plane).
When it comes time to hinge, get the bottom of the alignment stick you are gripping to follow the path of the alignment stick on the ground (just behind the ball).
You’ll have more awareness of what swing plane looks like, and it will be easier to find that proper position on the backswing.
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
Drop the Club Drill
This simple drill from Martin Hall is a great checkpoint drill.
Simply swing the club back to the top of your swing and let go. You don’t have to completely take your hands off the club; just let it drop a bit.
When you do, does it fall behind your back or too close to your neck?
The club should fall between your right shoulder and your neck. If you are in this spot, you are on the proper plane.
Keep the Wrists in the Pool Drill
For this drill, you will imagine you are standing in a swimming pool. As you take the club back, imagine keeping your hands in the swimming pool until they go past your hip. At this point, your wrists can hinge and move more upright.
Not only does this drill help you stay on plane, but it also helps with the correct timing of the wrist hinge and getting the club set to increase power. This visualization is so simple that you can use it as part of your pre-shot routine.
One thing to note here while watching the video is that the instructor is still pivoting. He is not swaying his body back as the club moves back. You can keep your hands in the water without swaying!
Tee in the End of the Club Drill
Putting a tee in the end of the golf club can help you see many things in golf.
For this particular drill, you are going to use it as a reminder of where you want the butt end of the club to point as you swing it back.
You’ll try this one with your driver.
Once the club has made its way past parallel from the ground you want to then feel like you are pointing that tee at your lead knee. This action is again another visualization type drill but it works.
You can even hit a few shots with the tee in if it helps you.
When working on this drill, wear your HackMotion to record some numbers and get a general idea of whether or not your wrist is moving through the swing the best way that it should.
You should notice yourself getting to a flatter position at the top of the swing when you are more on plane.
Alignment Stick in the Ground Drill
Alignment sticks are one of the easiest ways to work on different issues in your game.
If you are wondering how to fix your swing plane using an alignment stick, the key is to match the angle of your shaft to the angle of the alignment stick.
First, set up to hit a golf ball and try to get an alignment stick in at this angle. Then, move about three feet in front of that point. From this position, you can use the alignment stick to guide your swing plane.
If you struggle with swinging above or below the plane, you’ll figure it out quickly when using this alignment stick in the backswing.
Coat Hanger Drill
If you need a little reminder about where your wrists need to be to stay on plane in the backswing, this coat hanger drill is a great option.
For this one, you’ll grip the coat hanger and your golf club. As you swing back, you want the small hook inside the plastic hanger to push up on your hand.
When you do this your wrist will be moving more towards flexion and away from extension. This helps with getting on the right plane and improving your chances of striking the ball cleanly.
In addition to this coat hanger drill, you can use the new HackMotion vibration option. It will give you that same reminder if your wrists start moving to a position that takes you off the right plane.
Final Thoughts
Even when your swing plane is correct you still need to work on power, balance, stability and consistency.
Your wrists being in the right position will make a big difference in the swing plane. Wear your HackMotion while you work on any of these golf swing plane drills to get even more feedback and data.
Having the HackMotion on is like bringing a coach with you to the driving range.
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