Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
One of the more common problems that amateurs struggle with is maintaining their balance in the golf swing, with many of us mid-handicappers often falling either too far forward or too far back as we shift weight.
Obviously, when your weight isn’t distributed properly, you’re going to see inconsistent shot results due to poor ball-striking issues — which is also why many of us remain mid-handicappers!
To help get the feel for how to maintain swing balance, PGA Tour pro Tommy Fleetwood has an easy range drill to try. So check out the video and tips below (courtesy of the Iamthepar Instagram account).
Try Tommy Fleetwood’s swing balance drill
Whether you’re a mid- to high-handicapper who tends to scoop with a wedge or someone who just can’t quite compress the ball by making ball-first contact, the drill Fleetwood describes is a cure-all for poor swing habits.
“One of the tips that I like, and that a lot of Tour players do on the range, is they take the [lead] foot off [the ground] in the backswing and then they try to stomp or step into the shot,” Fleetwood says.
“People talk about walking through the shot sometimes, but I particularly like — and I’ve seen a lot of guys — take it back and stomp [with the lead foot], and they swing from there.”
Working on this motion, Fleetwood says, will give you insurance against falling back, which can be one of the main causes of mishits like skulls or shanks.
“You can’t fall back,” he says, “you have to step into the shot, get your weight on that [lead] side, hit the ball first to create that nice, flush divot and then get the flight that you want.”
If you’re struggling to keep your balance in the swing, Fleetwood’s drill is a useful one to use in practice to feel how your body is moving in the backswing and through impact. So try it out for yourself: Avoid focusing on the outcome of the shot and simply go through the process to improve your ball-striking.
The Swing Plate Base
The Swing Plate (new model)
Developed by PGA Professional Jamie Brittain. Manufactured in the UK and distributed by GTA in the US and Canada.
The 2021 version of the standard Swing Plate has 1 swing plane rod and 2 ground target rods (3 rods total), essentially extending the target line. The bracket for the swing plane rod includes a sticker with degree angle markings from 0 to 90 degrees.
You can order the product with or without the alignment rods, but the shipping is quite a bit cheaper for the ‘base only’ model if you have your own golf alignment rods. The rod holders fit 8mm (0.315″) diameter rods which are the standard size for nearly all alignment sticks sold.
When you Purchase any SwingPlate® Product from us you will receive access to the New Video Coaching Library – Produced by the Founder of The Swing Plate training products and PGA Professional – Jamie Brittain.We have put together a collection of videos that we feel are sure to help you get the most value out of your Swing Plate Training Aid and take your game to the next level!
Access the Video Library Here!
Furthermore.. we will continue to add to the Video Library on a regular basis to give you continued support and show you even more ways in which the Swing Plate can be utilized for your practice.
You will see the original model shown in one of the supplemental pictures. An extra rod holder was added to the backside of the plate so the product could be used right or left-handed without having to modify anything or so the player could extend the target line both toward and away from the ball. Shown below, @GolfGirlEm sets up with the original Swing Plate base and standard 8mm alignment rods.
Use your Swing Plate effectively and you will make improvements
Whether you ‘come over the top’, have a ‘flat backswing’, or ‘sway’ in the backswing, you can learn to manage your tendencies through the correct use of your Swing Plate.
Practice anywhere
Your Swing Plate is ideal for use on the range, at home, or in an indoor swing studio. Fits your own alignment rods! (standard 8 mm rod diameter which is the most common size) The new Swing Plate (2021 model) is shown here. It has an extra rod holder welded onto the plate so you would use 2 rods on the ground and 1 for the swing plane (3 total rods).
Practice with precision
The quality construction allows for consistent, purposeful, and precise practice. The Swing Plate is fully adjustable for both RH & LH golfers. The new 2021 models also have a calibrated angle sticker so you can set your swing plane to a specific angle and easily return to the same position each practice session.
Looking for the extension pole as well?
We now proudly offer the new (2021) extension pole as an accessory to your Swing Plate. It is available as a separate item and you may see a ‘bundle’ offer for it as well on our site. If you want the ultimate swing plane training experience, be sure to add the new telescoping pole.
A Personal Coach
Part of The Swing Plate’s commitment to you is to assist you with your development. You will be assigned your own personal PGA Coach who can help tailor specific advice and swing plane drills with alignment sticks for you with your Swing Plate.
FAQ
Does it come with alignment sticks?
You can purchase the base only or the base with rods. The Swing Plate fits all standard alignment sticks. If you get the original base with rods you get 2 rods. If you get the new Dual with rods you get 3 rods.
Will it fall over?
No. It is made of high-quality cold-rolled steel and due to its surface area and weight, it will not fall over. It is sturdy and strong. The base plate weighs 800 grams. (1.76 lbs.)
Is it suitable for Left-Handers?
Yes! The Swing Plate can be used for both right and left-handed players.
Will it fit in my golf bag?
Yes. It is portable and small enough to fit in a golf bag pocket. It even includes a soft drawstring carry pouch.
Can the angle be locked?
If you are not going to adjust the angle, you can use a spanner or wrench to tighten the bolt. Out of the box, the setting nut will keep the rod holder in place but you can still move it without having to loosen the nut.
“The Swing Plate is an invaluable tool for every level of golfer. It is both portable and versatile”
Liam JamesEuropean Tour Coach
Swing Plane
If you have a ‘flat’ backswing; to work on the functional swing plane, simply place a golf ball 1 club-head length away from the alignment stick that’s on the floor & adjust your other alignment stick so it is matching your shaft address position with the club you are using.
Weight TransferPlace The Swing Plate behind you and angle it so your alignment stick is about 3 inches to the target side of your target leg. Your goal on the downswing is to nudge it.
Backswing Sway
Place your Swing Plate behind you and angle your alignment stick next to your trail leg or hip. Your goal should be to make a backswing without touching the stick.
Unwanted Head Movement
You will need to join 2 alignment sticks together or use a cane, but by placing a stick against your head you can monitor any unwanted head movement.
Body Rotation
If you tend to lift your arms up instead of rotating your body on the backswing, you can place your golf ball about 1 club head width inside the alignment stick that is on the floor. Your goal is to turn your body and arms together so the club goes underneath the angled stick which is at the same angle as the club shaft you are using.
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