TERMINOLOGY

Club Face

The club face position at impact influences the starting direction of the ball and determines the curve of its flight. Relative to the target line, the club face can either be open, closed or straight. The ball will curve in the direction the face is looking at impact. During the swing, the club face may influence both the swing path and plane of the club.

Club Path

The club path refers to the direction that the club head is moving at the beginning of the backswing and through the impact zone. Ideally, the club will move back along the target line and gradually arc to the inside of the target line.

At impact the club should be traveling down the target line once again and then gradually arc back to the inside. Through the impact zone, the path of the club will influence the starting direction of the ball and the angle of contact with the ball.

Swing Plane

The swing plane refers to the angle of the shaft during the swing. In the backswing and downswing, the club is considered on-plane if a line extended down the shaft would intersect the target line. At waist high and at the top of the swing, the shaft would be parallel to the target line.

If the club is not on-plane, it is either too flat or too steep. The swing path and club path are directly related to each other and will influence the contact and direction of the ball

BACKSWING

“Let Ontrac be your guide to the proper takeaway.”

The first part of the backswing establishes the swing motion of the club. Starting the swing correctly makes it easier to deliver the club properly through the impact zone.

Place the Ontrac half the distance between your stance line and the target line with the Ontrac set to match the shaft angle of your selected club. From the front edge of the Ontrac, place the heel of your club head against the Ontrac. Begin making practice swings using the Ontrac as a guide for your club to swing back and forth along the surface.

For a longer swing, continue the backswing past the Ontrac and up to waist high. In this position, the toe of the club should be pointing to the sky (club face position) and the shaft should be in a straight line with the lead arm (swing plane).

After ingraining your practice swing, move in to the ball and hit a shot. The Ontrac’s position inside the target line will provide a visual reminder of the proper backswing and a guide for your alignment.

DOWNSWING

“Use the Ontrac to train the proper swing path in the downswing.”

The most common mistake in the downswing is to swing the club down with too steep of an angle or “out to in”. An open club face usually accompanies this problem causing the ball to fade or slice. This swing path can also result in poor contact with the ball, creating an inconsistent result.

Position the Ontrac as illustrated and in line with your target. Practice hitting shots from the front end of the Ontrac. Using the proper swing path, your club will pass inside the Ontrac without making contact with it. This position will help you visualize and create the proper swing path in both your backswing and downswing.

The golf club can also travel too far from “inside to outside” the target line, causing the ball to be pushed away from the target. To correct this mistake, position the ball in the center of the Ontrac and avoid hitting the face after impact.