Can Impact Zone Golf® be applied to the Single Plane Swing?

I received a very good question a short time ago…thanks to RL.  Here it is:

Can these 5 dynamics be incorporated easily into your natural golf method? Bobby Clampett’s book, although it implies you can choose your own style of swing and just focus on the impact zone, clearly relates these 5 dynamics to a conventional golf swing where body pivot is necessary. Yet, your natural golf swing methods have minimal body pivoting as it is more an arm swing. Am I right or mistaken? How do you plan to integrate the impact zone dynamics into your natural golf swing?

And, here is my answer:

Impact Zone Golf’s 5 Dynamics provide an overview of elements found in all quality golf swings.  Therefore they can be applied quite easily to the Single Plane Swing method.  Regarding the body pivot, I addressed the issue in a previous post by stating the following:

How your body moves to apply pressure (through impact) is a direct result of how you setup to the ball. In other words, where you position the ball at setup will correlate directly to how you must move to apply pressure in the correct direction.

There are two basic components to ball position:

  1. Left or right relative to hip center (belt buckle) – right of center is considered “back”, left of center is considered “forward”.
  2. Proximity, meaning near or far relative to toe line – one can stand close to the ball (Jim Furyk) or far from the ball (Nancy Lopez).

Jim Fuyrk SetupNancy Lopez Setup

Also, two generalizations can be made relative to how your body will move when considering whether to stand closer or farther from the golf ball:

  1. Standing closer requires more body rotation to apply pressure in the correct direction, i.e. “turn your belt buckle to the target through impact”.
  2. Standing farther requires less body rotation to apply pressure in the correct direction, i.e. “face the ball through impact”.

The 4th Impact Zone Dynamic is “Lagging the Load” and the source of this lag is the workhorse or body pivot.  The pivot blends both lateral and rotational movement.  Simply stated, when one uses a Single Plane Setup the lateral component is maximized and the rotational component is minimized.  Below I have posted pictures of my Single Plane forward swing above pictures of my more conventional “two plane” swing.  When comparing the two you will see less rotation in the Single Plane Swing sequence.  (click on pictures to enlarge)

SPFO6.1

The other primary difference you will see is that my left knee remains flexed through impact in the Single Plane sequence (top) while my left knee straightens through impact in the two plane sequence (bottom).  The straightening left leg facilitates a faster and more rotational body pivot.
The bottom line is that where you position the ball relative to your body will determine the movement necessary to return the club consistently through impact.  The workhorse for all quality golf swings is the pivot.

3 thoughts on “Can Impact Zone Golf® be applied to the Single Plane Swing?

  1. Long time no … communicate.
    I need help ! I can’t tell whether I should play golf the traditional way, Natural or what. When are you available for lessons.

  2. Ken, well-thought-out material coming from a well educated viewpoint Always nice to read your writings and look forward to more discussions about our old friend Moe Norman and great talks about impact.Because truly impact is all that matters and having the club square to the path. Also please let Bobby Clampett know that Pyle is alive and well and look forward to competing with both of you on the champions tour in 2013

  3. Ken: Thanks for the help. I always enjoy working with you. I am optimistic that I can quickly get back on track. I’ll let you know how I make out. See you in 5 weeks. I hope to work with you frequently this next season and look forward to more satisfying golf.

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