Don't Try to Hit Down on the Golf Ball

[@jackmacner9824]

Great instruction Todd. I sometimes felt that I needed to give it a little “ extra “, ie hitting down. Now I understand better that it takes care of itself with proper ball position. Love your videos. Jack Macner

[@leonardderoeck6252]

I used this in my practice today and I have never hit my hybrids this well before. Can't wait to take it to the course.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

How did it go?

[@James-xf5ip]

This was a Great video. Keeping it simple... Same swing, different ball and foot positions....

[@QuietCat-en3vz]

Since I bought my Graves alignment trainer earlier this month, my fat and thin shots at the driving range have decreased dramatically, and now I am starting to develop a feel for proper stance width for each club. Looking forward to seeing how this carries over to scoring on the course.

[@untzkoolaid]

you are quickly becoming my favorite teacher. i just switched to single plane and i love it! much easier on your body. you're explanations are great and easy to understand. thanks!

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Thanks. More to come.

[@wallynorth2507]

I watched a few videos of Moe. I have completely abandoned all my previous golf swing training and have been using the single plane swing. I've gone from low 90s to mid 70s in 2 months. Thank you so much for your dedication to sharing your knowledge and experience. I'm ordering your address trainer stick to help me memorize my stance for each club. Again thank you so much I love golf again.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

SO good to hear. Thanks.

[@stoneballer]

my late father, would adopt you. he tried to master the shot his whole life. In his honor I will use Moe Norman swing.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

You'll love it.

[@ryananthony4021]

Thank you Todd!! This is one of the best golf videos I’ve ever seen!! SO so helpful!!! I’ve always hit down on my clubs way more that I should.. I even was taking a divot with my hybrids and 3 wood!! This is wonderful!! Can’t wait to implement:-) thanks 😊

[@nreid4486]

Use the ABT trainer for all my clubs. With practice hitting rubber balls it has helped internalize the positions necessary to be successful in the single plane swing for me. I have shorter arms therefore I stand a bit closer to the ball yet maintain extension in the through swing. Great videos as usual Todd. Look forward to next week’s webinar!

[@ToddGravesGolf]

See you there!

[@bobkurmis5347]

Excellent teaching

[@82sunra]

Great video Simply a reinforcements to the basics.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Always. Thanks.

[@stevecorreia9589]

Brilliant teaching!!!!!!!

[@michelangelo2920]

Beautifully explained. Thanks man.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnbouchard4991]

Great explanation Todd. I just received my Alignment and Ball Position Trainer today.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Thanks. Glad you are getting started. Let me know if I can help. [e-mail].

[@jimrothery1289]

That was new information for me. very good.

[@brianworst9074]

Great video todd.Have your ball and feet position trainer.Saw immediate improvement with this training device.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Great.

[@albylongballboarder]

Those divot shaving is PERFECT for the irons & hybrid clubs. Amazing ball striking demonstration 👍

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Thanks.

[@MrRlsullivanjr]

Another great explanation. I tried this approach yesterday on the course. I hit my hybrids much better than the last time I played.

[@recjpn6180]

Todd, I’ve commented to a few of your posts, I’ve adopted the single plane swing in 2020 and have kept diligent and focused on the fundamentals you’ve taught. By no means have I “mastered” the fundamentals but I know when I’ve done things correctly...no better feeling when I’m on plane and striking the ball solidly. It’s such a great feeling knowing where the balls is going (especially on the 1st tee shot of the day 😀). Thank you!

[@ToddGravesGolf]

You're Welcome.

[@garymartin9940]

What a wonderful explanation. Very clear and VERY helpful.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zero2herogolf]

3:36 - That move in transition is dead nutz perfect. The ball was blasted straight on a line, no curve! Comparing your swing with the 2 plane swing in the background is like night and day, all those 2 plane contortions look painful :-)

[@doc2help]

Love the Squairz!

[@ToddGravesGolf]

me too.

[@thomaspalmer7709]

Good stuff, yet again. Thanks Todd.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

You bet

[@kenyonferguson1243]

Another good one! thanks TG much respect!

[@zero2herogolf]

In my frontroom right now working on the single plane braking system, letting the arms swing threw afterwards, keeping trail foot down. Having a blast. This winter in Texas is going to be great!

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Nice. You're in Texas? You need to come visit my new training center (completed next year). Graves Golf Performance Center - infinity golf course.

[@zero2herogolf]

@@ToddGravesGolf It's a deal. When it's finished I'll definitely come visit.

[@randolphsnyder1505]

I am old and use hybrids,A70S to be exact.Ater a great deal of trial and error I have settled on 37 in pw thru sw,38 in. 7 thru 9 & 39 in. 4 thru 6. This works for me,not quite as long but a lot more accurate.trajectory and accuracy is more important than length to me because at my age length is a thing of the past.By the way I still have some game.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Sounds like it.

[@SpitSharp]

Very informative.

[@ronhunter33]

These videos have helped me immensely! Too bad you don't have schools in Canada (or do you?)

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Where are you?

[@GertJackson]

Do you ship to South Africa? I tried singke plane swing from what I learned on you channel and my game have improved big time.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

I could try to ship to SA. Email me at [e-mail] and I will look into shipping whatever you need. Thanks.

[@golfhiker7231]

I am learning this swing method with great results. I am wondering if the classes would be suited for my wife who has only swung a club a few times in her life

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Of course .

[@golfhiker7231]

@@ToddGravesGolf thanks Todd. Army Vet and current LE so wearing the gear takes a toll

[@Toca_boca_life_Amy]

I would like to see your right hand in real closeup and slow motion in the backswing. Preferably from different angles. love your work. Anders

[@drewstein19]

Is there a metric for distance from the ball? I got it goin w the single plane but may have lost that element

[@timothyprentice4706]

Awesome video! Just curious Todd do you have any way of visual ing the ABP trainer whilst on course? Like do you have any markings on your shirt etc that you can use as a reference point if you feel your ball position, stance width etc is getting a little out of sync?

[@timothyprentice4706]

*visualising

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Good question. What I did is I built a pre-shot routine (system), using the ABT, that teaches proper ball position. Then when I am. on the course, I use that system and I get it right. It's all about systems.

[@timothyprentice4706]

Thanks Todd. I know what you mean

[@thomasfraser9072]

Hi Tod. When asked about his ball position. Didn’t Moe say he places it the same place relative to his lead foot every single time and regardless of which club he was using? I am now doing this and as my elbows are pointing to my hips ( Ben Hogan) and I then bend from my hip and relax my knees; my club head lines up to my ball inches away from my ball ready for me to simply swing my club back with my arms and forward with my knees as we see Moe did. I call my swing a Hogan/Norman hybrid swing. Cheers 👌

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Yes. Ball position same relative to lead foot but he widened his feet which moves the ball forward - because the lead shoulder moves back. Effectively, the ball is moved forward even though he did not actively move it relative to the lead footkzbin.info/www/bejne/hnS7mnymbL6IjdU.

[@thomasfraser9072]

@@ToddGravesGolf makes sense and like Hogan wrote regarding his position is to place the ball about an inch approximately to the heel of the lead foot. He then writes : “Get the left hip out of the way starting with the medium iron by setting your trail right foot a bit nearer the ball at address. This has the effect of drawing the left foot from the direct line and turning the left hip a bit to the left opening the hip a shade. In other words. When you play the clubs from a 6 iron down with your body in this position you still feel like you are taking are full swing, But actually because you shorten your arch you have not” Hogan and Moe Norman practice a lot together and I am certain they compared notes together as well. Cheers 🥂

[@daleg7425]

At this point I’m just waiting for a teacher close to me already emailed you guys

[@ToddGravesGolf]

where do you live?

[@spennce]

All of Moe's uniqueness isn't transferable to me but his ability to have a level strike is amazing. Watch Tiger and very seldom does he take much of a divot. I like to practice chip shots on tight lies just brushing the ball off the ground and that feel carries over to full swing.

[@erikvalera2783]

Can you share the link for the ball alignment trainer?

[@ToddGravesGolf]

If you send me an email. I will send you a link or, check the description in this video at the bottom of the description. Thanks.

[@doc2help]

Struggling with single plane setup is not like struggling with a two plane setup, not qualitatively at least. However, quantitatively, as a 'recreational' golfer I could never put enough time and energy into getting 'good' with a two plane setup.

[@SuperSamuel62]

Hi Todd, great video. I'm in Australia, where do i get your alignment trainer

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Email me at [e-mail] and Ill find out a way to get you one. Thx.

[@jtfrancis5957]

If you have one length irons (37.5”), do you keep the same foot position every time?

[@ToddGravesGolf]

maybe. I dont use one length irons.

[@TheRecordButton]

Hi Todd, if you have a one length hybrid (37.5" @ 21*) how do you position your ball and feet? I know you guys have mentioned one length isn't recommended for SPS but some insight as to why that is and if you were to try to make it work, what would be the best way to do so. Thank you in advance!

[@ToddGravesGolf]

I would place it at the iron ball position and adjust my stance width accordingly. I think one length short irons create an added variable (too long) and you are going to have longer woods, and driver. So the one length concept is not an advantage and if your swing is correct (single Plane) it is unnecessary.

[@TheRecordButton]

@@ToddGravesGolf this makes perfect sense. I do find that with single plane, the old "long irons are tougher to hit" isn't as true as it would be with a conventional 2 plane swing. If you get the fundamentals of positioning correct, long irons are essentially the same movement as short irons or wedges. Advantage SPS! I am playing with stance width to adjust the trajectory of the one length hybrid and long irons but I'm not sure how widening the stance while keeping ball position the at iron position will affect the single plane swing

[@HammRhodes]

Hi, one thing is not clear to me since I have tried to practice this type of swing. Do I have to feel some kind of tension that allows me to develop speed in downsing and on impact? In the classic swing I feel that the left side of the abs and a little of the left shoulder go a little in tension which allows me to obtain an elastic effect that launches the downswing. Should I feel the same effect here or does the speed just develop from the fact that I rotate towards the target and drop my arms? Thanks

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Good question. Speed is produced the same way in ALL golf swings. As a matter of fact, in all rotational sports such as baseball (throwing and batting) etc. The Kinematic sequence is as follows - Pelvis, Torso, Arms, Hands, and then Club. So first you move the lower body into a braced lead side (lead knee), then as you turn, the pelvis and torso PULL the lead arm then as you get into the downswing, the trail side accelerates when you straighten the trial arm. So the answer to your question is to Pull the lead shoulder and arm as you turn. Contraction should be felt in the the lead hip, gluteus, Maximus, and then a pulling in the lead latissimus, shoulder and lead arm, then as you move into the mid to lower downswing, tension should be felt in the trail arm and shoulder as you rotate and extend through impact. Hope this helps.

[@HammRhodes]

@@ToddGravesGolf Thank you!

[@RichardJohnson-bb3ro]

Damn good explanation. Thank you. I always wondered how to hit down on the ball..now I know you dont..

[@ToddGravesGolf]

you got it.

[@mrhardy7660]

Is woods position same as hybrids?

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Yes. but when you widen your stance the ball is actually more forward...got it?

[@tujofruean1344]

More forward as would be for a 3W ball position? I have a very difficult time hitting my 5W every single time, very inconsistent but when hit flushed-it goes a very long way. Please HELP!

[@lawrencecirillo3233]

Todd, do I need to have all my clubs changed length wise, or have a new set of clubs made for the Single Plane Golf Swing? I hear announcers talking all the time how every club in Bryson DeChambeau’s bag is the length of a six-iron. I believe I read similar things about Moe Norman’s golf clubs. I simply can’t afford to buy a set of clubs specifically for the SPGS. I’m definitely going buy that alignment and ball position trainer. Is that something that is specifically tailored to the SPGS (it seems like the width of your stance is wider than a more traditional swing)? Finally, I have multiple herniated discs in my back, and often can’t even swing a Driver on the back 9. Will the SPGS help with that? Thanks for taking the time to read (and hopefully respond) to this?

[@ToddGravesGolf]

I suggest custom fitting. Bryson's irons are 6 iron length but his woods and other clubs are longer. To help your back, I suggest a length that takes stress off of your back which can be achieved with a proper Single Plane Fitting.

[@lawrencecirillo3233]

@@ToddGravesGolf thanks I went ahead and purchases the alignment and ball position trainer. Is that something that is specifically tailored to the SPGS? I ask because it seems like the width of your stance is wider than a more traditional swing. Thanks again

[@ToddGravesGolf]

@@lawrencecirillo3233 Yes. It is designed specifically for the single Plane golf swing.

[@lawrencecirillo3233]

@@ToddGravesGolf I guess I should have asked that before I bought it. 😢😫

[@ToddGravesGolf]

@@lawrencecirillo3233 Happy to get you a refund if you don't want it. Email me at [e-mail] and I can get it taken care of. Make sure you email me with the email you purchased it with.

[@davidweiss3367]

Very disappointed you didn't make the Golf Digest Top 50 Instructors. I'm a former Stack and Tilt user. No disrespect to Andy Plummer or Mike Bennett but you are more in-depth with your instruction.

[@ToddGravesGolf]

I was Ranked 4th in Oklahoma. Grateful for that.

[@BengaliJoddha]

Lee Trevino " hit down"!!!!👇👇👇👇 Oh man..

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

The thing is about the "conventional" swing is you have to make the left arm straight with the club at impact because it is set up wrong at address. So to facilitate this, you have to move your lower body up and "hit down" with your arms to straighten the radius. With the single plane swing, you are already set up correctly, so this motion doesn't need to be emphasised, it just happens. So I think Travino was trying to explain the feeling needed to strike a ball solidly with the conventional swing. The conventional swing is a complex beast!

[@billyphelan7649]

Tood, 2 out of 10 of my tee shots go very high why is this

[@ToddGravesGolf]

Not sure. Would need to see your swing on video to be sure.