Do you know what “D-Plane” is in golf? Not many players do. But don’t beat yourself up too much over not knowing what the term means. It’s not a concept you’d learn from taking golf lessons or reading golf tips in magazines. But knowing what D-Plane is in golf can help you go low and reduce your golf handicap dramatically.
D-Plane is a concept introduced in the book The Physics of Golf, published in 1993. The term refers to “the plane located between the intersecting lines created by the clubface angle and the clubhead path.” Changes in D-Plane determine the shot pattern a ball takes when hit, either straight or curved.
On every impact between the club and the ball, the clubhead angle and the clubface angle intersect (D-Plane) at a single point. This intersection creates the D-plane for a shot. When you hit the ball with the clubface aiming in the same direction as that the clubhead is moving, the shot goes straight. When you don’t, your shot curves.
Validating the D-Plane Concept
Previously, scientists lacked the tools to validate D-Plane theory. But now thanks to Trackman technology they can not only validate the theory, but also test its validity. Trackman’s state-of-the-art technology helps golfers at all levels realize their full playing potential. Put another way, Trackman technology helps you understand why the ball is doing what it’s doing.
Trackman uses dual radar technology to track a club’s and/or a ball’s movement. Its exceptionally precise swing and ball measurements are instantly translated into actionable moves for golfers. Tests using Trackman shows that golfers need two swings to go low:
1) With the driver, you should contact the ball after your swing bottoms out. Shifting your swing slightly to the right of target aligns your club path and clubface angle, creating a vertical D-Plane and a straight ball flight.
2) With your irons, you should make contact with the ball before your swing bottoms out. So shifting your swing slightly to the left of target aligns your club path and clubface angle, creating a vertical D-Plane and a straight ball flight.
While it sounds like these are simple adjustments, they’re not that easy to make. To help, I’ve provided a drill for each type of swing below:
Golf Drill #1: Driver — A common error weekend golfers make with their drivers is opening their hips to the target line too soon. This move forces the club to strike the ball with a descending blow. That’s deadly. It saps power and reduces accuracy. The drill below trains you to make this move:
Place the handle of your driver between your legs so that the shaft sits against your right thigh. Swing to the top. Keeping your left hand in this position, use your right palm to hold the shaft gently against your right thigh. Now swing your left arm down and shift your weight while keeping your hips closed. Repeat this move until you’ve ingrained the feeling.
If you do this drill right, the grip should push your right palm out only a little. If you do it wrong, the shaft will move way outside the target line.
Golf Drill #2: Irons/Hybrids
To hit irons crisply, you need to hit the ball with a descending blow and swing slightly left of target. But many weekend golfers—including students in my golf instruction sessions—swing either below or over the correct swing plane, weakening impact. To hit it straight, you need to follow a line slightly left of target as you swing through impact. The drill below trains you to make this move:
Extend your arms and address a ball without a club. Point your right index finger at a spot just outside the target line behind the ball. Point your left index finger in the opposite direction. Now make a mock swing and mentally trace the line with your right index finger all the way to the ball and beyond.
Having traced the line mentally, take your club and trace the same line.
The second line is the line your swing should follow for solid contact with your irons and your hybrids. Repeat this move until you’ve ingrained the feeling.
Working on these drills will help you develop two swings that will provide better contact, accuracy, and performance. More important, it will help you develop two swings that will cut strokes from your scores and shrink your golf handicap.
