Do you struggle with getting into position with your backswing? Maybe you're too steep? Too flat? This drill is for you!
Where Hockey meets Golf!
Backswing Plane Basics
Ever wonder why so many hockey players are able to transition to golf more seamlessly than other athletes?
Unlike a baseball swing, the fundamentals of a slap shot in hockey translate very well to a golf swing - particularly when it comes to the backswing. If you struggle with too steep of a backswing (> 80°) or too flat (> 60°).
Try The Hockey Stick Drill
Try taking some practice swings with the club gripped like a hockey stick. When the hands are separated, you'll have less wrist action, allowing to take the club back on a more consistent plane. Take a few practice swings and take note of the deWiz Backswing Plane number, and then try to replicate it with your normal grip! So:
- Grab it like a Hockey stick: Hold the club with your hands split apart (Like a Hockey stick). This limits your ability to be too flat (> 60°) and will set you up for a correct Backswing Plane.
- Connect Feel and Real: As you swing with your hands split apart, really focus on the unified movement of your arms and hands. This will ensure your body understands where the arms and hands needs to be in the Backswing.
Track your Backswing Plane with deWiz
To ensure that you are on track while trying the Hockey Stick Drill, use deWiz and monitor the Backswing Plane number. Simply enter Discovery Mode, Slide the Backswing Plane Metrics to the top and it will read out the number after every swing.
Why Backswing Plane matters
There are numerous reasons as to why Backswing Plane is an important aspect to an efficient golf swing. However the most prominent is for players struggling with a slice. If you have a flat Backswing Plane (> 60°) you tend to get stuck. The hands have nowhere to move but over-the-top causing you to cut across the ball resulting in a slice or duck hook.
Getting your Backswing Plane closer to 70° will set you up for an On Plane transition resulting in straighter and more consistent ball flights.
Summary
Improving your backswing plane is a straightforward yet effective way to improve and it is fairly simple to alter. By using the split hands drill and tracking your progress with deWiz, you can ensure your backswing is in the optimal range and hit better shots!
