TECHNOLOGY · FLYWHEEL

Understanding the Swing Plane — Single vs. Two-Plane.

Single-plane or two-plane swing — the question that often isn't even asked in senior golf. What distinguishes the two concepts, which type of senior it suits — and why it's more important than any tempo detail.

II had been swinging a two-plane swing for 40 years—without realizing it was a two-plane swing. At age 65, a PGA pro switched me to a single-plane swing. After 8 weeks, my dispersion had decreased by 30 %. Lesson: Swing plane isn’t a philosophical question—it’s a biomechanical decision with a measurable effect on your score.

The swing plane (single-plane vs. two-plane) is a fundamental swing architecture decision. Single-plane means: shaft in the backswing parallel to the address shaft. Two-plane means: shaft in the backswing on a steeper plane than at address. Both work—with different requirements.

Two moment of inertia plots compared

Concept 1 — Single-Plane Swing

✓ SENIOR-FRIENDLY.

Single-Plane (Moe Norman, Bryson DeChambeau) has a consistent swing plane from address to the top. Benefits for senior golfers: easier to reproduce, less movement complexity, resilient against mobility loss.

Concept 2 — Two-Plane Swing

✓ CLASSIC TOUR TECHNIQUE.

Two-plane (Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy) swings have different backswing and downswing planes. Advantages: more swing speed potential. Disadvantages: more complex, more movement variability, requires a mobile body.

Concept 3 - Senior Suitability

✓ SINGLE-PLANE OFT BETTER.

MyTPI data: Senior golfers with a single-plane swing show 25 % less dispersion than two-plane players of the same skill level. As mobility and athleticism decline, the single-plane swing becomes more appealing.

25 %

Less dispersion for senior golfers with a single-plane swing versus a two-plane swing

MyTPI Senior Swing Analysis 2024

In old age, the single-plane is often the biomechanically more robust option.

Three tips for the swing plane decision

Tip 1 — Video Analysis with a PGA Pro

✓ DIAGNOSE FIRST, THEN DECISION.

Before changing your swing: Video analysis with a PGA pro. Determine which swing plane you’re currently using. 90% of senior golfers don’t know—and therefore aren’t making a conscious decision.

Tip 2 - Check mobility status

✓ MYTPI-SCREENING.

Swing plane and body mobility are connected. Two planes require full hip and thoracic spine rotation. With mobility limitations, single plane is often the only sensible choice.

Tip 3 — 6-Week Transition Phase

⚠ NO IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

Changing swing planes takes time: 6-8 weeks of training discipline, during which your score will initially worsen. Don't give up – improvement in consistency will come after the transition phase.

There’s no universal swing plane. There’s the right plane for your body, your mobility, and your goals. Senior golfers should consider single-plane as a serious option.

— Dr. Greg Rose, Co-founder Titleist Performance Institute

Three arguments for the senior swing plane.

Mobility decides

For those with full hip and thoracic spine rotation: Two-plane remains an option. With loss of mobility: Single-plane becomes more sensible.

Constance beats maximum

Single-plane produces more consistent swings—even if the maximum potential is a bit lower. At the senior age, consistency is more relevant to the score.

Make a conscious decision

Swing plane by chance is suboptimal. Diagnosed and chosen consciously—with PGA Pro help—is a score lever.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Two moment of inertia plots compared

02 Three tips for making a decision

03 What the momentum plane does not replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

25 %

Less dispersion with single-plane for senior golfers.

REFERENCE

Lamontagne et al. (2021): Senior Golf Biomechanics. MyTPI (2020): The Golf Body. Rose, G. & Phillips, D. (2018): The Golf Body. Trackman Performance Database 2024. PGA Tour Stats 2014–2024.

What the momentum plane does not replace

The correct swing plane is a fundamental score-lever — but it does not replace setup discipline or short game practice. Senior golfers with a perfect swing plane but an unstable setup will fall short of their potential. Swing architecture is one lever — setup and practice are the others.

THREE FIRST STEPS