Irons: Path finder

Use two canes to keep your action on-plane

Use two canes to keep your action on-plane and improve consistency.

Fault: Missing greens right or left Fix: Base your swing on your set-up shaft angle We can define swing plane as the angle on which you swing the club. That angle is set by the pitch of the shaft at address. If you can keep the club moving close to this angle throughout the swing, you’ll find an on-plane action and an effective, neutral swing path through impact. Two alignment aids are all you need to train this online action.

Checkpoint 1: Set-up

Take your 7-iron and address the ball. Take note of its shaft position, and get a feel for how your swing would work around this angle. Place two canes behind you on the same pitch – inside and outside the ball – to frame this angle.

Checkpoint 3: Delivery

Continue to the top, still in slow motion, and swing down until your hands reach hip height. Again, pause and check your position; as before, the shaft should feel it is between the two canes, moving down through your power channel.

Checkpoint 2: Halfway back

Swing the club back slowly through that cane gateway. Stop when your lead arm reaches horizontal and check the shaft’s angle broadly matches those of the canes. Picture the canes as a power channel within which you need the club to move.

Checkpoint 4: Impact

Finally, move down to impact. Ideally your shaft will be as close as possible to its set-up angle. When you go at full speed, swing forces will compromise this, but it’s a sound goal to have. Achieve it and you’ll find a strong, neutral path through the ball.