Shoulder Plane — Golf Drill

The shoulder plane is the specific angle at which your shoulders rotate around your spine during the golf swing. For high handicappers and competitive players alike, mastering this tilt is the secret to eliminating the 'over-the-top' move and ensuring a consistent strike. If you’ve ever felt your body stall or found yourself standing up through impact, you’re likely fighting a 'flat' shoulder plane that forces the club into a steep, unplayable position. This skill is about maintaining the correc

How do I know if my shoulder plane is too 'flat'?

If your lead shoulder moves horizontally or stays level with the ground at the top of your backswing, your plane is flat. You will likely notice your club getting 'laid off' or feeling very heavy in your hands.

Can I practice these shoulder plane drills at home?

Absolutely. You don't even need to hit balls. Using a driver or even an alignment stick across your shoulders in front of a mirror is one of the best ways to build the muscle memory for a steeper tilt.

Why does it feel like I'm going to hit the ground when I point my shoulder down?

This is a common sensation when correcting a flat turn. The 'downward' feeling is often just a return to the correct posture. As long as your spine angle remains stable, pointing the shoulder down ensures the club has a clear path to the ball.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the shoulder plane drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard: Your hips might NOT be the reason your hips won’t clear (from 0:21). Cross a club over your collarbones and practice downswing turns keeping the shaft underneath an alignment stick, forcing the trail shoulder back and allowing the lead hip to clear.
  2. Meandmygolf: Rotate Better With This Feel #golfswing #golftips (from 0:20). Place a driver across your shoulders and rotate so the lead end of the shaft points down toward the ball, preventing a flat shoulder plane.

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