The Plane Truth for Golfers: Breaking Down the One-plane Swing and the Two-Plane Swing and Finding the One That's Right for You

All golf instruction no matter how contradictory will make perfect sense when viewed from Hardy's work. It may not be a fit for your swing but you will know that and why that is the case. The only Golf Bible left standing is The Plane Truth for Golfers by Jim Hardy. The rest are just contributors to Hardy's prescription for the 2 golf swings. (the one plane and the Two plane) Sorry Ben Hogan you have been dethroned. I have read books that say the exact opposite to never do this or that or vs vs do this or that. I have also found for me that some times doing exactly what a certain teacher says to never do is exactly what works best for me. But thanks to Hardy's work I am not the slightest bit confused by any of this instruction or contradiction. If you want to actually solve your quest to figure out what swing works for you then get this book. It is not just another same old same old. It is the real Golf swing Bible. All golf instruction no matter how contradictory will make perfect sense when viewed from Hardy's work. Big picture update: Golf instructors mean well but harm students. This is a powerful concept to grasp! This was said during the seminar: Body Swing Connection - Titleist Performance Institute @ 2011 PGA Show, by TPI co-founders Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips. (see YouTube video - very worthwhile viewing) There are three books that form a rather complete package for someone trying to finally achieve a repeating swing and stop screwing it up. #1 The Golf Swing Bible since 2006 = The Plane Truth For Golfers by Jim Hardy. There are 2 books that present the information in 2 different fashions and/or DVD set (Library like I did) I like best The Plane Truth for Golfers Master Class: Advanced Lessons for Improving Swing Technique and Ball Control for the One- and Two-Plane Swings Get all three as this work is the new Golf swing BIBLE - PERIOD! Sorry Ben Hogan. Ben Hogan's the 5 lessons is great for a one plane swinger but will screw up a two plane swinger. The work by Jim Hardy can and will once and for all help you/stop you from screwing up your swing by realizing that there are 2 different swings with 2 movement prescriptions. #2 The supplement to the Hardy "Bible" expands and illustrates and reveals major components and nuances = Your Perfect Swing by Jim Suttie He reveals power sources. Turners, coilers, rotators, sliders, high swings, low swings, late releasers, early releasers, open or shut face releasers etc. Very valuable compliment to Hardy's work. #3 How to Learn Golf by Harry Hurt, He teaches you about all those who are teaching you how to swing. What methods they are advocating and what categories all that instruction falls into. A very valuable resource for trying to sort out the instruction that appears everywhere. In the end you can focus on what you want and avoid what is not for you. Outstanding book for a golfer set on improvement and trying to make heads or tails out of all the swing advice confusion. He took lessons from the worlds best at very high cost. But the book can also apply to books, TV and magazine "lessons" From page 24: "No matter which approach you choose, you need to know where your instructors are coming from, which of the major methods they advocate, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Otherwise you are likely to find yourself bouncing from one pro to another, perpetually trapped in a state of confusion and frustration as you are inundated with conflicting advice and diametrically opposite swing thoughts. No one knows better that I do after taking lessons from twenty-one teaching pros in twenty-four months. Instead of suffering the pain and confusion of running a similar instructional gauntlet, you can simply read this book." Another helpful book is Lowdown From the Lesson Tee : Correcting 40 of Golf's Most Misunderstood Teaching Tips by David Glenz

This is an excellent book. Like many of the reviewers, I have been frustrated over the years by the contradictory recommendations of the various teachers, teaching methods and authors. Nicklaus and Hogan say keep the ball in the same position off your left instep for all clubs. Harvey Penick, Tommy Armour (and Jim Hardy) say move it back as you go from driver to the short irons. Byron Nelson and Harvey Penick say you should stand as close to the ball as possible. A recent instructor told me to stand further away and lean over more. What's going on? Now I know. Different types of swings have different requirements. I quickly realized that I had been wandering back and forth between the two types of swings, sometimes hitting good shots and having a good round, sometimes even a good week, but soon losing it. Jim Hardy gives advice that is specific to the two types of swing. My only complaint is that there is not enough information to determine what type of swing would work best for me, but I was so impressed by the book that I bought the tapes. He must have realized that this was a weakness of the book. In the first tape, Hardy has Tom Pernice, Jr. demonstrate the amount of shoulder turn necessary for the one plane swing: the left shoulder has to be able to turn right under the chin, the right shoulder pointing up at the sky. I'm afraid that I'm just not this limber (I could never do yoga with my friends who are into it). So my decision seems to be made. This didn't surprise me too much, because in the past couple of weeks, I've been trying both types of swing, and while I never slice with the one plane and I've hit some great shots, I don't seem to hit it quite as far (and I've hit a few vicious hooks with it). The two plane swing it will have to be.

This book provides very good instruction with a general theory of the golf swing that is easy to keep in your head. I had already been paying enough attention to my swing mechanics to see that I was closer to the one-plane swing. This book filled in the gaps and has me on the road to a more consistent swing. As Mr. Hardy notes, the one-plane swing really does have fewer moving parts. There is just a lot less to think about. The latest key piece I discovered is having my left arm rotate clockwise (Hardy uses the word "pronate") on the back swing. I read those words but only got the "feel" of that by accident on the golf course. Once that happened, I reread the backswing chapter and it made sense, for me at least. The main mistake I make now is occassionally topping the ball, which I can quickly correct because Hardy has pointed out that in the one-plane swing you do not want to be straightening up on the downswing. If anything, he says, you want to be bending over slightly more as you make contact. (I believe I am accurately representing these little "tidbits" but double-check for yourself.) Anyways, the main criticism of the book probably lies with the editors and publisher. There are enough "geometric" terms (planes, angles, etc.) that additional illustrations would be helpful. Also, the color photos of Peter Jacobson demonstrating both swings should be redone in parallel sequences for easier comparison. I would also recommend Jeff Peshut's little book "Golf's Timeless Fundamentals", which I became aware of when reading his review of another golf book. He ties the key to a good golf swing to the motion of a pendulum. The "one-two", "three-four" swing thought really helps, especially on short chips and when putting. His explanation of a tempo tied to the pendulum that each person uniquely creates has also been enlightening for me. Together both books cost around $20 with shipping and I'd say represent an excellent value. I must also agree with another reviewer that Hardy's book probably sets a new standard, though I am no real judge of golf instruction. I would have to think that anyone who reads Hardy will be asking his or her next instructor whether they teach "one-plane", "two-plane" or both.

First read Ben Hogans 5 Lessons in 1950s, and along with many others my first thoughts on the swing plane. Numerous readings over the years provided much insight. Though I was never a scratch golfer I did play often over the years and some of his methods did not work for me. The authors explanation of the actual two swing planes shows me why. The book is well written, understandable and well illustrated. I seldom play now and wish I read his boo sooner. As a side note I played on the Hutchinson High Salthawk golf team with the author. His mention of Carey Park and Harold Hoffman in the books forward provided good memories.

I bought the Kindle version and the pictures and text are fine. However, this is a hard book to characterize. In some ways I didn't like it, but I think it has a valuable place in a passionate golfer's library. The book takes an unusual approach. Essentially it says all full swings fall into one of two categories: one-plane and two-plane. The authors describe each with a pronounced preference for the former. One-plane swings seem best for the flexible and athletic young and seem to be the majority preference of touring pros. Famous exponents might be Moe Norman and Ben Hogan. The two-plane swing is oriented more to the amateur who has passed his most flexible years and is willing to sacrifice power for accuracy and ease on the body. There are a number of famous touring pros who used this method. Also, to my eyes, it is very similar to the "square to square" method promoted by Doug Tewell. And, that's the rub. While a number of touring pros say that each person's swing is different because of body type etc. and that there is value in following instinct -- to an extent [Gary Player, elsewhere]. The "teaching theme" of the book is that you can choose either method and stick with it, but that mixing parts of each leads to disastrous results. This is where I disagree. It may be true for some combinations of factors. But if you watch any tournaments you will see players combining elements from each method. These combinations appear successful for MOST of those you watch, from Tiger Woods to Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk to Bubba Watson, etc., etc. So what is really good about the book? First it describes each end of the spectrum in minute detail with good, if sparse, illustration. Second, it dissects each type of swing into each phase from stance to finish in great detail. Third, at the end of each section it has several, usually four, drills you can do specific for the type of swing being described. I really liked these. So what is wrong? I've just started playing again after 40 years. I do know what "open face" is vs. "closed face" but maybe not so much about open and closed stance nor the distinction between a pull and a draw or hook, a push and a slice. So, first I wish that an extensive glossary had been included. Second, I feel that the content is much more oriented toward the tee than the short game and might not be so helpful for the latter, but I don't know yet. Third, although nicely written, I think the text is woefully wordy. But, mitigating this are the nicely done summaries at the end of major sections. You might get by reading these alone (and the drills). So why do I think this book should be in YOUR library? Most golf books present their "method," such as "stack and twist" and theirs alone. You can't tell what is and is not compatible with what you have been doing, or why it might be the method for you. This book describes the CHOICES you can make for the method which works best for you. As a reference and a guide for remedying common problems on the tee, it seems very valuable.

I'm a one-plane swinger with a swing that was "corrupted" with mixed elements from both single-plane and two-plane swings. I didn't understand elements from each swing type are often opposing. Initially, I took golf lessons from an Golf Pro/instructor that taught HIS swing type, which made things worse. Both "The Plane Truth for Golfers" books were my breakthrough - I own both versions. Each book presents the same information but with somewhat different verbiage. However, I use drills from both books. I have read over 75 golf instructional books. But once I understood the different (and opposing) swing types, I simply removed the two-plane elements from my one-plane swing and things got much better INSTANTLY. Furthermore, I DIDN'T need a swing with "perfect" form to enjoy the game. All I need is to make PROPER ball contact - with repeatability - using the imperfect one-plane swing I have. In the final results, perfect golf swing form isn't required. Its about proper ball contact at impact with higher than average consistency. In addition to these two books, I bought "The Plane Truth" DVD set (4 videos) from SolidContact[dot]net website, and the Orange Whip for proper feel / sequencing training (see Jim Hardy's Orange Whip video on YouTube). All combined, they are cheaper than the price of two golf swing lessons, which could do more harm than good. Additional benefit: I can watch the DVD over and over when I need a refresher. No cost. Hint: I watched the complete video on first viewing, then used the "next chapter" button on my DVD remote to skip instruction on swing type that doesn't apply to me. Once you understand the elements of YOUR swing type, you can take videos of your swing from proper viewing positions (belt/waist high from both front and back, making sure to capture golf club face at top of backswing) to identify any faults that you still have. Important: What you "feel" in your swing often isn't what you're actually doing. A slow-motion camera would be best but even phone videos will be extremely valuable. Hint: You can try swinging in you back yard using Whiffle balls to work on proper form, then go to the driving range to check your actual ball flights. Work on one thing at a time, then use the drills in the book to fix them. I think this DIY approach is better than becoming dependent on an "uninformed" golf pro every time you need a fix. BIG $$$. However, if you choose to hire a golf swing instructor, make sure they teach YOUR swing type (one-plane/ two-plane) or they will really mess you up. Also, seek out a tutorial with CURRENT information on ball flight analysis and their root cause. IMPORTANT: Modern ball flight analysis (using slow-motion video) proves the "club face angle" - AT IMPACT - is the most dominate element of the "initial" ball flight direction - with "club face path" being the less dominate influence of the two. Any tutorial that has these two key points REVERSED is outdated and will greatly hinder your progress. (Research this yourself or test this concept using your putter.) WARNING: There are Golf Pros out there still teaching with outdated information, misdiagnosing ball fights / swing faults. Again, they can mess you up!

I am a good athletic player who shoots in the 80s regularly and whose game had reached a stalemate. This book has helped me tremendously. I am a one planer and the book explains exactly what you need to do. Jim does a good job of telling you the few fundamentals that are a "must" for each swing. He is also very clear that it is OK to be a little "off"- he is giving the optimum requirements for each swing, and he concedes that even good players will deviate slightly at times- this is fine. Overall a great book and easy to understand. I used to have back pain after playing, but not with these changes! I highly recommend the DVDs as well.

Interesting approach to the swing. Mr. Hardy lays out the specifics and details for each type of swing, be it upright or more rounded. He also discuss the elements in each swing type, and what works with each, and what does not. Mr. Hardy is not dogmatic about which swing to use, but he does stress that the elements from the two swings should not be intermingled. Bad things result! An example of this would be the up and down arm motion for an upright swing will not work with the rounded swing. I'm working on moving to a flatter one plane swing, for more consistent shot making. The two plane swing is great when it is on, but ouch! when it is off. Sadly, Mr. Hardy does not work directly with non-pros, so he doesn't have a school you can go to. I would have given the book five stars, but it could use some more examples/drills on how to ingrain working on the swing. The pictures are adequate for demostrating the different types of swings. (I believe that Mr. Hardy is writing another book on this same topic. It would be interesting to find out how long a pro takes to make these type of swing changes. Golf is one of the few sports where the amateur thinks they can play like a pro!)

One thing that people fails to appreciate that because of your height, your arm length and your strength, we all hit the ball a little differently. Not to mention slight variations between short irons, long irons and the driver. By categorizing the swings, the author really emphasizes different techniques required to successfully execute a good swing that works for you. Highly recommended for beginners and anything who is serious about the game.

One of the best books on the mechanics of why and what for.

If you go to a golf coach, he or she will have read this book. Been around a while now and is seen as a classic of golf books alongside the Dave Pelz, Ledbetter, Utley .....ones. A really nice winter read, but be careful it doesn't mess you up. In trying to chose whether you are a one planer or two planer you will them extrapolate into what you should or shouldn't be doing with your swing. This choice ncould really mess up what you golf coach is teaching. As my coach says, so long as golfers read books like these, we will be teaching to remove self diagnosed fixes. This is really a pros book and the contents to be used alongside a pros teaching. This is exactly the sort of book that has messed me up. But I love to read about golf like this....so I am a regular user of golf coaching to rub out the errors I develop as I apply the wrong stuff!!

1プレーンと2プレーンでゴルフのスウィングを2分して理解するという手法は分かりやすかった。 これを読んだ後だと日本のゴルフ雑誌や練習場のレッスンは、2プレーンを基礎にしつつ最近の1プレーンの要素も取り入れる、という傾向にあると思う。 一応、本の中にはそれぞれのスウィングの条件（前傾の角度、スタンスの取り方など）に加え、練習方法も書いてあるが、これを読んで実践するだけで上達することは難しいと思われる。 私の場合はこの本の理論を理解したレッスンプロを探して1プレーンのスウィングを作ることにした。 USGTFの資格を持った人は、2プレーン理論を理解している人が多い傾向にある。

A basic instructions to play better golf . Since i practice 15 years ago , it was not explain at all in the teaching schools. Late but interesting to master the game.