Flat Golf Swing – Pros, Cons & How to Fix It If It’s Too Shallow (Drills Included)

Golfers are always looking for tips to help them play better, and one common question is: what are the pros and cons of a flat golf swing?

A flatter swing can be a powerful weapon when executed correctly. However, if it tips too far into being too shallow on the downswing, it can lead to inconsistency, fat shots, and even shanks.

This article breaks down both sides and shows how HackMotion can help you find the “just right” wrist angles to keep your swing efficient and repeatable.

Flat Golf Swing (Key Takeaways)

Here are the most important things to know about the pros and cons of a flat golf swing:

• A flat swing can feel more natural and create more speed, which often means more distance.
• Too flat can slide into being too shallow on the downswing, causing hooks, fat shots, or heel strikes.
• Maintaining posture and rotation is essential for flatter swingers.
• The lead wrist is the key: too much flexion closes the face and shallows the shaft excessively.
• HackMotion helps train the Goldilocks range of wrist angles, so your swing stays powerful and consistent.

What Do We Mean by “Flat Golf Swing”?

A flat golf swing is one that travels more horizontally, or “under” the standard plane. In other words, the shaft and clubhead work on a shallower angle compared to a neutral swing.

Many golfers find this easier to produce because it feels more rotational and natural.

Swing plane basics:

• Swing back on or near the middle line – “on plane.”
• Swing back and down nearer the bottom line – “flat.”

The Pros of a Flat Swing

Flat swings aren’t all bad; in fact, they can be very effective when managed well.

Many players discover added speed, distance, and an easier draw pattern when swinging on a flatter plane.

A More Natural Feeling to Produce

Swinging flatter is often more natural once golfers learn that the swing is rotational. Beginners in particular find it easier than trying to lift the club vertically.

Can Create More Speed (and Distance)

A flatter swing gives the clubhead more travel, adding whip and speed. That speed can translate into distance as long as you can square the face.

Easier to Maintain Swing Plane

Because the move feels simpler, repeating it is easier. The challenge is staying in posture without standing up through impact.

Can Help Produce a Draw

A flatter swing often attacks from the inside, making it easier to hit a draw a shot shape many golfers want for both distance and control.

The Cons of a Flat Swing (When Flat Becomes Too Shallow)

The downsides usually appear when a flat swing tips over into being too shallow.

A shallow downswing can throw off low-point control, face angle, and consistency. This is where hooks, fat shots, and shanks creep in.

Common issues:

• Difficult to square the face if your rotation stalls.
• Thin or heavy shots as the low point drifts back.
• Flat backswing leading to steep, over-the-top downswing.
• Trouble escaping rough with a shallow angle.
• Getting “stuck” inside and catching the heel.

Are You “Too Flat” or “Too Shallow”? Quick Check

How do you know if your flat swing has gone too far? The signs show up in your ball striking and shot patterns. If you see these symptoms, your swing may be more shallow than you think.

Look for:

• Trouble with tight lies, but better results from fluffy lies.
• Striking drivers well but struggling with irons from the turf.
• Divots behind the ball or no divot at all.
• Push-hooks or big curving hooks.

Setup Essentials for a Functional Flat Swing

A flat swing can still work well if your setup matches it. The right ball position, posture, and grip can help prevent the swing from tipping into shallow territory.

Key adjustments:

• Ball position: Avoid creeping too far forward with irons.
• Posture: Bend from the hips and keep your spine angle stable.
• Grip check: Stronger grips often need less wrist flexion.
• Alignment: Stay neutral rather than aiming excessively right.

Body Rotation: The Key to Making Flat Work

Rotation is what keeps a flat swing functional. Without it, the club gets trapped, the face closes, and poor strikes follow.

The more you maintain your posture and keep turning, the better chance you have of keeping the swing on plane.

Tips:

• Keep your chest and belt buckle moving through impact.
• Focus on turning instead of sliding toward the ball.
• Use HackMotion feedback to ensure wrists and body work together.

HackMotion Drills to Fix a Flat Swing That’s Too Shallow

When your flat swing drifts too shallow, the fastest fix is adjusting wrist angles.

HackMotion makes this easy by showing you real-time data and providing instant feedback. The drills below will help you keep your wrists in the “just right” range.

Opposite Motorcycle Drill

Many golfers with flat swings over-flex the lead wrist. This drill teaches you to add just enough extension to prevent the shaft from dropping too far behind you.

Dynamic Transition Drill

This drill ties wrist control to body rotation, preventing stalls.

Impact Range Checker

This drill links wrist angles with forward low point for cleaner contact.

Final Thoughts

A flat golf swing can absolutely work, but it must avoid becoming too shallow. By staying in posture, rotating the body, and managing the lead wrist, you’ll keep the positives without suffering the negatives.

HackMotion helps you find the right wrist range with instant feedback. Start with the Motorcycle Drill, then explore our Golf Drills Library and How to Square the Clubface to keep building consistency.