The One Plane
Swing And Ben Hogan

Is a one plane swing better than a two plane swing? For those who aren't familiar with the "One Plane Swing" concept, in the very simplest of terms the idea is that the golfer swings back in a flatter plane and forward in roughly the same plane. In theory, this allows the arms and body to work more cohesively than they do in a more upright swing, but it isn't necessarily so.

In a two plane swing, a golfer goes back in a steeper plane and shifts to a flatter plane going forward. All good golfers who have a more upright backswing plane make this shift of plane, which is why I suggest anyone wanting to be good should understand what is happening in a two plane swing.

As for Ben Hogan, I'm hoping interest in one plane swings will generate more interest in his nearly perfect swing. One plane swing proponents claim Hogan's swing belongs in their camp, but Hogan was not a one plane swinger even though he did have a flat backswing.

The reason Hogan was not a one plane swinger is that Hogan actually flattened considerably as he transitioned into the forward swing, which means he shifted planes just as any other two plane swinger does. This is a very important distinction for anyone wanting to learn Hogan's technique as he did make a large shift in planes, but ultimately, it was how he swung through impact that made Hogan great, not whether he had a one plane or two plane swing.

 

If you're having trouble with the navigaton bar (left), try the CEGolf.com Contents page.

 

Casey Eberting Golf Instruction

©Copyright 1997-2024, All Rights Reserved