If you’re like most golfers, you’re always striving for perfection.
Whether you’re a 20 handicap or a scratch golfer, chances are, you want to refine your swing. Golf seems to bring out the perfectionist in us all, despite knowing that there is no such thing as “perfect” in our sport.
In fact, in 20+ years of hacking away myself, I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who was content with their swing. They’re always working on something – tempo, backswing, takeaway, shallowing, or something else. That’s just the nature of this game that we golf love so much.
One part of the swing that it feels like everyone is trying to improve is their plane and downswing.
Why?
Because the better you move on the way down, the better you’ll hit the ball (and more consistently too). Needless to say, it’s a huge part of the golf swing and probably why you’re reading this article.
You’re probably trying to figure out if the one plane golf swing might be the one for you. So let’s dive in and see if this unique method can help your swing and ultimately, help lower your scores.
One Plane Golf Swing 101
Let me first start by saying that I’m not necessarily endorsing this method or any method for that matter. Golf is a weird game where everyone can swing differently and get very different results. The point is, always “Swing your swing.”
But if “your swing” just isn’t cutting it anymore and you’re frustrated with your results, the one plane golf swing might help. If things are going well in your game and you’re happy with results, I wouldn’t recommend a swing overhaul. This often leads to more confusion and a long time of very mediocre results unless you’re fully committed.
Let’s start by learning more about the one plane (aka single plane) golf swing.
What is the Single Plane Swing?
The single plane swing is a method of swinging the golf club by Jim Hardy. While he created this system, it was made a lot more popular and common by the great Moe Norman.
How does it differ from a “normal” swing?
Well, it creates a more shallow swing plane by creating a flatter plane compared to a two plane backswing. The shoulder plane is pretty much the same throughout and is more of a rotational swing.
This YouTube video does a great job explaining the system and the domino effect each part plays in your swing. One thing I notice is that it does not look like a more natural swing motion than a traditional swing, but there are variations of this method. For example, Bryson DeChambeau has a steeper plane than most and is considered to have a single plane, so just know, there are varieties as well.
Here are the rules and directions of the one plane swing (assuming you’re a right-handed golfer, if not, just reverse the instructions).
Rule 1: Get the Address Correct
Like most swing methods, so much happens before you ever take the club away on your backswing. For this method, the setup is quite different compared to a traditional two plane swing.
First, you want to have a wider than average stance with both feet flared externally. Then, you want to identify your two lines that play a pivotal role in your address position.
- The first line is making sure your club shaft and left arm are in a straight line (if you’re watching your swing from a face on angle). The only way to do this is to tilt your shoulders so that your right shoulder is lower than your left shoulder. Your upper body will have a tilt that might feel a little awkward at first.
- The second line that you need is with your right arm if you’re watching from behind the line. Your trail arm should connect with the club for a straight line down to the golf ball.
Once you have these two positions, then we can move into the backswing.
Rule 2: Maintain Side Bend at the Top
The second rule of a one plane swing is to maintain your tilt and body angle at the top of your backswing. You aren’t swaying toward your back foot or rotating around your lead foot in a reverse K position. Do not move your body forward, instead stay on plane during the downswing.
Instead of moving off the ball, you want to rotate around your body and maintain the side bend. From here, you want to return the lead knee to the same position.
The big thing here is to make sure your lead foot rotates, the trail foot stays on the ground, and your lead knee flexed. From this position, you will then extend your arms after you make contact with the golf ball.
Rule 3: Maintain Your Posture
The only way this system works is if you adhere to rule number three – maintain your spine angle. As he says in the video, “You want to stay in your bends” even after impact.
Finally, complete your swing with your front knee flex and your back foot down. Yes, you read that right, your back foot stays down longer through the swing than normal. Your trail leg will also move down into the ground as well.
Understanding the One Plane Swing
As he discusses after the short tutorial, there is no mention of the club itself in the swing or specific swing thoughts.
Why?
Because the club is a product of the tilt, rotation, and all other components of the swing.
Essentially, you don’t need to worry about the position of the club on your backswing or downsizing if you do this correctly. These rules or checkpoints should do all the work for you so that your body takes care of getting the club in the right position.
The end result is an unconventional swing but can produce good results if your entire body is in the right positions. Here is how this differs from the more common and conventional two plane swing.
Breaking Down the One Plane Method – Moe Norman Case Study
Moe Norman is widely considered one of the best ball strikers to ever touch a golf club. This YouTube video will show you his fundamentals and get you more familiar with this swing method. Pay in particular attention to his front arm, grip, and setup.
I’ll be honest, it doesn’t look that natural at all but clearly, it worked for him. Also, there are variations of this golf swing that make it a bit more natural (like Bryson) in today’s world.
But Moe Norman was a trendsetter when it came to making this type of swing famous. Here are six key differences in his golf swing plane that made him such a great player.
- Moe had straight legs (known as the A-frame). A conventional two plane method encourages bent knees. Having straight legs made it easier for him to get the same consistent setup every single swing.
- His lead shoulder is much higher than his right shoulder thanks to a wide stance and straight arms.
- Another unique part of his setup was straight arms directly at the golf ball. His front arm aligns perfectly with the left side of his body.
- The club shaft started on the same plane as impact and the club stays on that plane throughout the swing.
- Here’s where it’s unlike anything else – Moe set up the ball with the club 5-12 inches behind the golf ball. For most golfers, setting the club at this point and not the golf ball would be terrifying. But that’s what he did every single time (even with a driver).
- Finally, his lead hand was neutral and his right hand was underneath at address (known in this system as the non-rotational hand).
All in all, it is far from a conventional swing – from lower body to club position at address, but clearly it worked for him. Like I said in the intro, sometimes you just have to swing your swing!
Why Golfers Like the One Plane Swing
If you watched the video above, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering if this is effective or a little out there.
So, why do golfers love it?
Because there is a system to follow.
The single plane swing is great for some players as there is a system to base your swing around. This is a simpler swing motion when hitting balls. Unlike a two plane swing, which has an enormous amount of variables, the single plane is one that has a more direct approach.
In fact, you don’t even worry about the plane or club position, as the right setup positions should do the work for you. What makes this method so appealing is that there are certain checkpoints to look at in your swing. You don’t necessarily need an expensive instructor to help you out of a funk and instead, can use your phone to analyze and adjust your swing.
Think about a time when you’re at the range and all hope feels lost. You’re hitting bad shot after bad shot with no idea how to fix your game. While you might get a lesson, it doesn’t guarantee success and sometimes the results are short lived.
The next week, you’re still hitting shots all over the place and feeling more frustrated than confident when you leave the course. You’re constantly guessing if your alignment, ball position, tempo, or something else is wrong. The guessing game gets very frustrating for a lot of players and why so many of us avoid the range in the first place.
But with a one plane swing, there are several checkpoints to evaluate when your ball striking has seemingly vanished. That’s one of the perks of this system, it’s easier to evaluate and fix on your own than two plane swingers.
One Plane vs. Two Plane Swings
If you’ve seen anyone with this swing or watched the video above, you know there are some huge differences to a “normal” swing. As a two plane swinger, it definitely made me take a few golf swings and see how it could work… but like I said, it’s definitely not for everyone.
First, the same plane method keeps the swing plane the same throughout the swing. While the two plane golf swing changes the swing plane during the transition and downswing.
How the swing plane changes depends on the golfer. For example, some golfers might have a swing plane that goes inside to outside. This usually leads to an over the top, steeper swing plane.
While others might have an outside to inside swing plane. In this example, a player would take the swing outside on the backswing and drop it inside on the downswing.
The two plane swing is much more up and down as the club is not behind you. It also has a lot of factors that contribute to a good swing including address position, grip, takeaway, downswing, tempo, and more. But if you go to a driving range right now, I would argue that 85% or more of all swings are a two-plane method.
While it might take longer to learn, two plane swings usually lead to better results. Hence, why pretty much everyone on the PGA Tour is playing a two-plane swing.
If you want another alternative swing method, check out our article on the Stack and Tilt golf swing.
Problems With a One Plane Golf Swing Compared to a Two Plane Swing
You might be wondering, what’s wrong with the single plane golf swing?
Here are some reasons why a lot of people in the golf world don’t believe in this and instead, teach a more traditional two plane swing.
In to In Swing (Incorrect Swing Plane)
One of the main reasons this swing isn’t loved by all instructors is because it produces and in to in swing. Meaning, you naturally take the club much more inside on your backswing and don’t reroute it on the downswing. Instead, your move on the downswing is on the same plane.
This can lead to some very bad golf shots if you get too quick. Your shot dispersions can become huge as you can either hit a huge push block right or a snap hook left. That leads to a nasty two way miss that is very hard to salvage if you’re playing a tight golf course.
Not to mention, if you haven’t practiced this method enough, you might also come wildly over the top as well. This will produce a nasty slice that makes golf even harder.
Lack of Speed From Same Plane
One of the main parts about a one plane swing that is essential is timing. If your timing is off, you invite the two way miss into your game.
Too much of the swing comes down to body rotation which ultimately, leads to limiting your swing speed. This can lead to less distance and longer approach shots into the green which can mean higher scores. If you try to go too fast on your backswing to add some distance, it can throw off your timing all together.
Many golfers find that a one plane backswing doesn’t have as much force at impact which hurts your ball flight and distance.
FAQs About One Plane System
Do you have more questions about the single plane golf swing? If so, we’ll hopefully be able to answer them in our frequently asked questions and answers below.
Does the single plane golf swing work?
Yes, the single plane swing can work if you can execute consistently.
The key word being “can” as it’s not something you can just adopt tomorrow and get results overnight. Sadly, like any swing change, it will take some time to learn the fundamentals and get your mind/body on board.
Once you learn the swing and practice it so you can trust it on the course, then yes, it can work. One of the ways it works so well is that it allows you to hit a draw, when most golfers struggle with a cut (or slice).
A draw can ultimately lead to more distance, more consistency, and a shot that most golfers would kill to have.
Who has a single plane golf swing?
Some of the best examples of one plane swings include Moe Norman, Bryson DeChambeau, and Matt Kuchar. Perhaps the best one plane swinger is Moe Norman who was a right handed player with incredible ball striking abilities.
In other words, big names do have this type of swing planes but they are not as common.
If you do wish to learn this method, I recommend finding a golf instructor who specializes in this method to get you on plane. Otherwise, if you’re just trying to figure it out with a mirror or glass window and reading endless golf swing plane tips, it might be difficult to get the club head in the right position.
Does Tiger Woods use a single plane swing?
No, Tiger Woods uses a different method but there are some similarities. While each golf instructor he has worked with has different philosophies, none had him convert to a traditional single plane method.
According to Jim Hardy (the founder of the method), he doest have some tendencies though. In this Golf Today interview, he said, “Tiger Woods makes a terrific One Plane move with the irons and plays his best golf when he does the same with his woods, says Hardy. Problems arise when he mixes both One and Two Plane elements in his swing with the longer clubs.”
Which is something important to note… you can’t have a 1.5 swing plane. It has to either be a one plane golf swing or a two plane swing.
If you try to do a bit of both styles you are setting yourself up for a ton of frustration as they don’t work together. Each method is very different so pick one and stick with it!
How do you practice a single plane swing?
As I’ve mentioned in this article, one of the perks about this method is that you can practice it relatively easily. Unlike a two plane swing, you only have about 4-5 major things to look at in your entire swing. This should make it easier to practice more effectively and hopefully, make it more repeatable when you’re on the golf course.
When practicing, make sure you have a tripod and phone so you can video your swing. You’ll want to video it from both behind the line and a face on view.
Once you have both videos, the main things to double-check are:
- Two starting lines. Your left arm should form a straight line with the golf club from a face on view. If it doesn’t, make sure to tilt backwards until it forms a straight line. Similarly, from down the line, you want to make sure your right arm forms a straight line with the golf club as well.
- Other things to evaluate include maintaining your side bend throughout and maintaining your posture as well.
Remember, you don’t have to worry about the plane of the club as our address position does the work for you. Instead, focus on hitting your checkpoints to make the most of the single plane method.
Bonus: The Single Plane Golf Swing Books
If you want even more information about this type of swing, make sure to read The Single Plane Golf Swing: Play Better Golf The Moe Norman Way. This is a great read that is endorsed by a lot of big name golfers and even celebrities like Tony Robbins.
The book was written by Todd Graves with Tim O’Connor. Todd learned the single golf swing plane method from Moe Norman and has spent a large portion of his life teaching it to others.
While I haven’t gotten a chance to read it yet, readers have said it makes things simple above all else. So if you’re interested in developing this swing but don’t want to overcomplicate it, make sure to give it a read.
Or, grab a copy of The Plane Truth For Golfers by Jim Hardy. He breaks down the fundamentals and compares the two types of swing in depth.
Final Thoughts on the One Plane Swing
The single plane golf swing works well for some people as there is a system to replicate. You don’t have to “guess” as much on the range when your ball striking isn’t the level you want.
But just because there is a system, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best system for every player. While it might work for some, it definitely does not work for everyone.
Remember, if things are going well with your swing and game, I would not try to switch. However, if you wish you hit the ball better and want to try something different, this system might be the one for you. Again, I’m not necessarily endorsing this by any means, but I’m all about testing and experimenting in your game.
If you do choose to go this route, make sure you practice it extensively on the range. Don’t just read this article, watch a few YouTube videos, and take it without going to the first tee. That’s almost certainly a recipe for disaster.
Instead, train it on the driving range so that you can trust your new swing on the course.
