Is Symple Swing a "Single Plane Swing"?

Yes, in fact Symple Swing is the "most" single plane or "one plane" golf swing there is.

Summary
A single plane swing is where the backswing and downswing travel on the same plane (or path). The idea of of single plane swing is somewhat new. Many golfers continue to use the more complicated so called 2 plane swing where their backswing is on one plane then they change position, rerouting the club so it comes down on the correct plane.

Actually we don't agree with the term "2 plane swing". With a so called 2 plan golf swing what's actually happening is that you are taking the club back "off plane" and then rerouting it on the downswing to get it back "On Plane". I believe that is best called an "Off Plane Swing" because the backswing is off plane. The old term "dropping in the slot" actually refers to getting the club back on-plane which is what you have to do after an off plane backswing. With Symple Swing our backswing is on-plane and our downswing is on-plane so no rerouting or dropping into the slot is not necessary. This makes things much simpler.

There is general agreement that the single plane swing method is the simpler and more consistent way to hit a golf ball. Symple Swing because of it's unique PowerThumb grip grip makes it very easy to keep the club on the correct swing plane on the backswing and the downswing. Because of this Symple Swing is probably the most "single plane" of any golf swing. In our tests Symple Swing have kept the club one the "single swing plane" better than any other swing.

A few basics about "The Swing Plane and The Single Plane Swing"

With Symple Swing (and all other swings) the swing plane is defined by a line from the front shoulder joint to the ball. During the backswing and downswing if your club is above that line you are said to be "above the plane" (also called an upright swing). If your club is below that line you are said to be "below the plane" (also called a flat swing).

"Above the plane" backswings usually involve lifting the club with the shoulders or the hands. The club generally gets "too vertical" meaning that the butt end of the club points inside the extended target line. If you get too steep (above the swing plane) it gets very difficult to get your downswing back on plane. What usually happens is an Outside-To-Inside swing causing a pull.

"Below the plane"  involves bringing the hands back too much to the inside (below the swing plane) and often the butt of the club points outside the extended target line. Quite off this can result in a high weak shot to the right (for right handed golfers).

With Symple Swing during the backswing and the downswing the hands and the club stay "on-plane". The butt of the club should be pointing at the extended target line during the whole backswing and the downswing with Symple Swing !!!  Note that the club face stays be perpendicular to the swing plane during the backswing and downswing which eliminates any problems timing the squaring up of the club face at impact.  A good drill is to freeze near the top of your backswing and then turn your head to look at your club face. First check your lead wrist to make sure it's flat and then look at the club face. The club face should be perpendicular to the swing plane. To understand what "perpendicular to the swing plane" means, just picture yourself standing in one of those big white swing trainers (see http://shop-safely.com/shops.asp?shop=simplegolf&pid=D-GRVCIR  ) . Your club face is perpendicular to the white ring at address and then it would stay perpendicular during your backswing and your downswing.

I don't believe a flat swing plane or an upright swing plane exists. I see it just as being above or below the swing plane. For example, a guy like Jim Furyk takes the club back above the swing plane and the loops the club and drops it down to get back "on-plane" during his downswing. I would not describe his swing as an upright swing. I would say his backswing is above the swing plane and then he manipulates the club so he gets it back on plane during his downswing. That does work but it takes lots of practice and really good timing to do that consistently.

It is quite incorrect to describe Symple Swing a flat swing. Symple Swing is an "on-plane" swing. Since many, maybe most traditional swings are above the swing plane it may look like Symple Swing is flatter but the bottom line is that Symple Swing is just more "on plane".

If anyone ever tells you that Symple Swing is a flat swing. Tell them that you believe the swing plane is defined by a line from the front shoulder joint to the ball and Symple Swing's backswing and downswing traces that line. So Symple Swing is "on-plane" not upright and not flat. Then ask them how they how they define the correct swing plane. You'll probably just hear a lot of stuttering and stammering in response.

You may have heard the term "Single Plane Swing" recently. Well, Symple Swing is the most "Single Plane Swing" there is, because our PowerThumb grip allows us to stay more "on-plane" during our backswing and downswing than any other swing.

Joe Davidson - President
Simple Golf

 If you'd like any additional information about the single plane swings and Symple Swing please email  or call us at 203-794-4900.

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