My Top 5 Swing Analysis Lines

0 2

Yesterday 22:52

Written by Brendon Elliot

Utilizing swing analysis software such as the V1 GOLF and V1 COACH apps helps me properly convey information to students as I diagnose and help them improve their golf swings. However, the insights offered by these tools are not just about refining my students’ swings; they also assist them in truly understanding the concepts that we discuss.

Over the years, one central overarching theme in my coaching has been ensuring that students clearly understand a couple of critical points. The first is having a solid baseline of the golf swing basics. From pres-wing to in-swing, from driver shots to short wedges, and chips to putts, I want to give them the information necessary to ensure they can help themselves during a round when things go a bit off the rails. The second thing I aim to have students fully understand is their tendencies in relation to the baseline basics of the game.

Let’s dive into the top five (and a half) swing analysis lines that have become indispensable in my coaching toolkit as I review my student’s swings with them.

1. Target and Club Path Lines

The target and club path lines are invaluable when analyzing swings or even putting strokes. I put these two lines together (hence, my five and a half lines) to help demonstrate to my students the path their club takes during the swing, both in the backswing and downswing…or in the backstroke or through stroke as it relates to putting. Visualizing the club path—whether it’s inside-out or outside-in—is made easier for my students to understand when I include their target line for reference. It is critical to always have a target as a reference point when dissecting the swing. Correcting common issues like slices or hooks becomes a much easier story to tell with these two lines in tandem. These visual aids help me guide students in making the necessary adjustments to get them back on track.

2. Body Lines

So I goofed, kind of, in saying that I was going to be presenting to you the five and a half most indispensable analysis lines in my coaching toolkit. It dawned on me as I started writing this second section on Body Lines that there are four body lines that I refer to when analyzing swings or putting strokes. Oh well, I’ll keep the old numbering as is. You’ll still get my point!

Anyway, the Body Lines refer to your toes, knees, hips, and shoulders, all in relation to your target line. These lines, in general terms and for more standard shots, should all be parallel left (for righties) of your target line. This will ensure you have a better chance of getting your swing path and swing plane to jive with how you are set up with your body.

3. Swing Plane Line

Okay, I hear what you are probably saying now…”Woah, Coach Brendon, I feel confused now. You already talked about Swing Path lines, so how would a Swing Plane line be any different?” Let’s dissect that now.

In golf, understanding the difference between the Swing Plane line and the Club Path line is crucial for improving your swing mechanics:

Swing Plane Line

The swing plane is an imaginary flat surface or angle determined by the club shaft’s angle at address and throughout the swing. Essentially, it’s the path your club should move from the backswing to the follow-through.
A consistent swing plane helps ensure that the clubface lines up correctly at impact, promoting straighter and more accurate shots.
For many golfers, the swing plane might be visualized as a line extending from the ball, through the shaft, and up over the golfer’s shoulder.

Club Path Line

Once again, the Club Path describes the actual route the clubhead takes during the swing concerning the intended target line.
As mentioned previously, the Club Path line is categorized as “inside-out,” “outside-in,” or “straight” relative to the target line. These terms describe how the clubhead moves in relation to the target line during impact.
The club path is crucial for the type of shot being hit, such as a draw or fade. For example, an inside-out path is typically associated with hitting a draw.

Understanding these concepts can help golfers to diagnose issues with their swing and work on correcting them to produce more consistent ball striking.

4. Spine Line

The Spine Line in a golf swing is an imaginary line representing the angle of a golfer’s spine from the address position and throughout the swing. Its significance lies in:

Consistency: Maintaining a consistent spine angle helps keep the swing plane steady for solid contact with the ball.
Power and Efficiency: A stable spine angle enables efficient power generation and effective energy transfer to the ball.
Balance: It ensures balance throughout the swing, reducing the chance of mishits like slices or hooks.
Body Position: Proper spine angle supports correct alignment and positioning, aiding in optimal hip and shoulder turns.

The Spine Line is crucial for improving swing mechanics, performance, and accuracy.

5. Head Movement Line

Consistency in golf often boils down to minimizing unnecessary movement, especially with the head. I utilize a head movement line to show students how to maintain focus and consistency in their shots. By learning to keep their head stable (NOT still) throughout the swing, they can improve timing and hit crisper shots. This analysis line reduces errors and can boost their confidence on the course.

Integrating these swing analysis lines from V1 GOLF and V1 COACH apps into my coaching sessions makes me a better coach. They provide a clear visual representation of abstract concepts, making it easier for my students to grasp and apply feedback.

Final Thoughts On Swing Analysis

By embracing swing analysis, I can help my students better understand their technique and elevate their overall performance and enjoyment of the game. These swing analysis lines are an absolute must for any coach looking to enhance their teaching methods.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is a multiple award-winning Golf Professional based in Central Florida. He is the 2017 PGA of America’s National Youth Player Development Award Winner and is the recipient of more than 25 other industry awards with a focus on Coaching & Education. He is considered by his peers as an industry expert on topics ranging from Jr. Golf Development to Operations to Industry Sustainability. He is the founder of the Little Linksters Golf Academies and the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, a 501c3 nonprofit also based out of Central Florida. Brendon is also a freelance golf writer for PGA.com, Golf Range Magazine and several other golf websites and blogs. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. You can learn more about Brendon at BrendonElliott.com and Little Linksters at littlelinksters.com.

The post My Top 5 Swing Analysis Lines appeared first on V1 Sports.