Finding Your Swing Plane - Mike Adams

In the most recent issue of GOLF Magazine, Top 100 Teacher Mike Adams shares his theories on how any golfer can improve his or her game by first understanding that the proper swing plane is not universal. Instead, it is a unique yet dynamic plane that "chooses the golfer" as opposed to the other way around. In other words, there is no one single "swing plane" that every golfer should follow. This made quite a bit of sense to me, and it should to you, too.

Adams' method of determining the correct swing plane for you is quite simple: stand with your right arm at a 90-degree angle so your upper arm is touching your rib cage just to the side of your torso and your thumb pointed up as if you were hitchhiking. Next, fold your forearm towards your chest without taking your upper arm off your ribs. The space between your thumb and your body shows you the limitations of your arm flexibility and therefore suggests which of three possible swing planes you should use: the high road, a mid-plane, or a lower takeaway.

According to the article, Ben Hogan favored the highest swing plane option and would often imagine a plane of glass resting on top of his shoulders and extending down towards the golf ball. He would then begin his backswing while attempting to not "bump" the glass plane with his hands throughout the duration of the swing.

Personally, I have always favored a more mid-level swing plane (which I usually attribute to my baseball-playing past). This plane tendency - among other things - would often cause me to come into the ball rather shallow and cause more hooks that anything when I was off my game. After using Adams' quick forearm test, however, I learned that I should focus on using a higher swing plane. Looks like I have something to work on at the range (or golf dome).

Fellow Top 100 Teach E.A. Tischler also offers his own take on finding the correct swing plane (high, mid, or low) for your body type on the GOLF.com website.