By Ken Martin, PGA, Director of Instruction
The Single Plane Setup is the launching pad for the Single Plane Swing. As we have often stated, it positions your arms where they will most naturally return through ball impact - on plane with the clubshaft.
This week I would like to point out a very subtle change in your Setup that can make a very big difference in your ball striking. It has to do with the position of your lead arm as allowed by the position of your lead shoulder.
As we all know, the arms are connected to the torso via the shoulder joint. If that joint is closer to the target line than your chest, your lead arm will be free to swing the club back and forward on the proper inside path with minimal torso rotation. If that joint is even with or further from the target line than your chest, you will have to turn your torso more on the backswing in order to swing on plane. And, if you don't turn enough, the club will swing back above the plane. Both of these scenarios caused by a lead shoulder even with or behind the chest relative to the target line simply cause more errors than starting with the lead shoulder in front of the chest.
Compare the two pictures below; they are of an avid Natural Golfer who visits me for a tune-up now and then.
The difference is subtle but he will vouch for the big change it made on his forward swing path and therefore quality of impact. Notice the picture on the left and how little of his lead forearm and shoulder you see relative to the picture on the right. Simply by positioning his lead shoulder in front of his chest he corrected the following:
- Squared Stance
- Trail forearm "on plane" with clubshaft
- Proper distance to ball
- Improved posture
- Correct forward swing path
Double check this part of your Setup the next time you are on the practice tee. Let your lead shoulder lead the way and you may find yourself with a bigger grin after impact...
Ken
 |
Ken Martin was certified in February 1995 and is a PGA member. Ken teaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Ken's personal motto on the golf course is: "Experience and Enjoy".
Send comments to kmartin@naturalgolf.com
|