More great info, Todd. Thanks. Found Moe Norman and your information this past winter. As a pretty good golfer for nearly 50 years and former (way back) athletic trainer, the bio-mechanics and consistency of the single plane swing makes perfect sense to me. Diagnosed with a rare bladder cancer in October, I spent 3 months of intense and draining chemo therapy. During that time on the couch, I watched many of your videos and videos on Moe, putting the pieces together in my mind and re-thinking my swing. During some very challenging times, this information gave me positive motivation. After successful chemo treatments, the doctors removed my left kidney and ureter the beginning of April. Fortunately, the cancer is gone, it hasn't spread, and my prognosis is excellent. Recovering physically and mentally from the chemo and surgery is slow and exhausting. This whole 'virus' thing hasn't helped either. Golf courses in Michigan opened on May 1. Our golf league started Sunday, May 3rd, with walking carts only. Against many people's advice, I teed it up Sunday, with new knowledge and mental images of Moe and you. While walking 18 holes was quite taxing, putting the single plane swing into action felt great! My ball striking was consistent and solid. The driver direction was a bit astray, yet the contact was solid. My irons were very solid. I did have to club up 1-2 clubs, as my physical strength and flexibility is still far from 'normal'. Yet the swing felt great and the results have me very fired up about what lies ahead. Last year, I played to about a 10 handicap in our league, and won the league. I know I can improve on that, even as I approach my 59th birthday. Posting an 84 Sunday, with a 41 on the back nine, being quite tired, felt awesome. Thanks for your dedication to teaching the single plane swing. I'll keep you posted on my progress, and some day hope to meet and thank you in person. Mike
Mike Smela Mike - at the gym this am and read your post. Congrats on your strength to push through all of the challenges. Sounds like you have a strong mind. I’m honored to be a part of your healing and health. I look forward to meeting you some day.
Just want to thank you for the time and effort you have put into the book and then to follow it up with these videos, you are dedicated to this system. Thanks for all the clarity and break down of the golf swing. Bruce
JUST FOR THE RECORD, I saw where some say you're not a good teacher because you don't teach the grip first, I think you're one of the best teachers in golf I have ever seen. Your are sooooooooooooo detailed. I don't think anyone could be more detailed. You really try hard to get the point over your teaching. My wife is a teacher, and I understand how communication is so important so everyone can "get it". Just watching your videos has helped me so much. I am finally starting to hit the ball well, and I hardly get to practice. But because your videos are so well taught, I am able to adjust my swing with understanding. I really want to be able to come to one of your camps.
Todd this is Dan Lindstrom in toms River New Jersey if I put myself in the position of the knee already flexed and the right leg already stiff is that a drill for myself that can help me stay down and posture through impact
I'm about two weeks in and completely fascinated by this swing theory. I am becoming convinced the entire golf teaching industry has it wrong. A conventional swing may work for super talented pros but for the masses this should revolutionize how to learn a solid, repeatable swing. Thank you Todd and Moe...all you need to have more fun at golf is an open mind, especially if you struggle with consistency and power. Jimmy
Todd, Great tip. Saving my lower back. Switched to the single plane swing this year. I am now hitting my driver straight-not slicing any more-and working to improve my irons. Not swinging over the top now. Thanks again for your lessons.
I love the step into your shoe tip .... it’s those little thoughts that really help me get the feels in the golf swing ... more of those please and thank you !!
Interesting. I find Todd's explanations very clear and logical and this swing to be truly different from any other, in that I know what to practice and how all those parts fit into the whole. But standing at or just before impact has destroyed any hope I have of improving my iron striking (fairway woods off the tee are actually better, surprisingly). I do exercises to mitigate the effects of my arthritic back, but no matter how much I TRY to maintain spine angle through impact I can't seem to do it. Perhaps your suggestion about the flexed lead knee will help, I will definitely try that next time out. Thanks.
Always such wonderful, explicit instructions that all fit together so well to produce the best golf swing and instruction I have ever found! Logically everything you teach makes so much sense. It is working beautifully for me as I continue to "groove" this swing! Thanks so much, Todd!
I have nice sported a 3 handicap but age and a bad right knee made scores and pain made golf a chore rather than joy. I started learning this system a month ago. Distance is coming back. Scores are dropping. Pain is nearly gone. I may be leaving a bit more weight in the left side than optimal but it allows pain free swing. Woods are great. Don’t have irons dialed in yet. Can’t wait to get back to regular sub bogey golf. Thanks for the instruction. I HIGHLY recommend this swing for people with knee issues. It could save your golf life.
Good stuff Todd. Been working on that transitional move and have been hitting the ball solid. And you are right about keeping the spine in position. When I hit it bad I can feel that I lose the spine tilt. Thanks again.
Todd, I must share that after watching...hundreds of hours of "instructional videos" over the past several years- implementing their fix/swing path/weight shift/elbow in/spine angle this...and so on. The way that you break down the bio-metrics, dissect the foundation of the single plane approach has changed my approach to the game of golf. After reviewing and studying a lot of your single plane vids, along with additional clips of Pipeline Moe (whom i would have loved to meet)- i took the method to the course this Tuesday, and was very pleased with the result. As a 10 handicap, i shaved 8 shots of the first round- mostly due to straight shots off the tee, and confidence at address. I couldn't help but to get out there again yesterday, only played 9 - and experienced my first 2 birdie round in my life. Im fully aware this is a commitment, and there will be days error filled- and do have several questions that are based on my specifics- body type/athletic/flexibility...however your teaching method and how you approach it from a analytical yet, simplistic way - sets you apart sir and im sure you will provide answers in your posts/book. So thank you, and keep up the excellent work- looking forward to continuing this exciting new swing.
At 0:52 and again at 6:57 you and Moe are shown with a straight line from the club through your trail arm. But this isn't the case in many of your other videos that instead emphasize a straight line from the club through your lead arm. It seems contradictory. Please explain.
You have both. A line from the club through the trail arm from the back view, and aligned with the lead arm from the front view. Camera angle shows these two lines.
Watched all the chapters of these videos. Well done to anyone who can execute it. For something that's supposed to be simple there is so much to think about. Tried to take it to the range and didn't work for me.
Wanted to say that even if you don't adopt the single plane swing, there's so much good material in this video to improve everyone's swing. As a former tournament tennis player, I restructured my golf swing in the last 12 mths built entirely around replicating my tennis forehand and giving 100% control to my Right Arm / Elbow & Wrist - this has naturally led to huge similarities to your method - front bent leg, right grip and elbow at impact, 'similar' left grip. I've added modern feet together use the bounce chipping & pitching & I'm now shooting mid 70s.
Todd, I watched 6 episodes yesterday and decided to try at the range - I cannot be more pleased with the results. My main two issues have been struggle with contact due to poor rotation and a lack of a well defined swing routine/ swing thought. The open lead foot - flexed knee definitely changed my entire golf life. Do you offer online lessons ? THANK YOU!
I suddenly realised that my father had a version of the SP swing. He was a very solid 9 handicap player for most of his golfing life. I learned the basics from him around 30 years ago and discarded it because it was not like Jack, Seve or Greg or any of the other greats of the time. Strangely enough, I also realised that I played my best golf with an SPS - achieving a 2 handicap, and a natural 6. Having stopped playing regularly because of a back injury, I returned to the game recently only to find that whatever I had in terms of a 'traditional' swing, now no longer worked. Research led me to Moe Norman and by default, Todd Graves and Kirk Junge. I now have a hybrid of Moe, Todd and Kirk delivering consistency of direction and VERY decent carry... 155-160 meters with my 7 iron and around 250 meters with a well-struck 9 (set at 9.5) degree SIM driver (with Srixon range balls!). Swing speed on the driver is a pretty consistent 102-105mph. With this swing, I can hit 200 balls and walk away without pain. I am 56 years old. LUVVIT!!!
One thing I think that could be referenced as a point in the swing which I've never noticed before, is that when you get to the top of the back swing, the tops of your shoulders have gone from a 18 degree side bend to completely level or flat with the ground, and then back into the tilt on the way down. This is so different from the conventional swing, where your shoulders would rotate around the axis of your forward tilt.
I just hit 50- 6 irons . All were off the damn toe. I could feel the pelvic thrust kicking in making me stand up during the shot. HOW DO YOU STOP THIS TODD???!!!! I stretch the hamstrings(mine are very tight) and work on drills(trents video) all the time but once you put a club in my hand and a ball below me it all goes to hell. I sit into a flexed left knee and get the lateral movement with my right knee but my right heel comes off the ground and I can feel my glutes really flexed. I had to literally look 3 inches above the ball when I swung to make center contact with the clubface(impact tape). I actually signed up for a school in March but now im having my doubts because I dont think THEY can fix this. Would hate to spend 3k for a week long school and they tell me "sorry we couldnt help you". This is something only I can control(flexibility). 58 years old and about 9 surgeries later have slowed this old man down. Anyone else have this issue?? Anyone have a fix??? Frustrated with the SPS at the moment!
I place a marker behind me (chair) and make sure I can stay back against the chair in the backswing (right butt cheek hits it) and then downswing (left but cheek hits it). I suggest sending videos to our coaches to help.
@@ToddGravesGolf Yes, ive sent videos in and Clay mentioned the pelvic thrust and suggested Trents video. Ive been stretching everyday and doing drills in slow motion trying to hold the positions against the chair for a few seconds each and also the cross the arms drill working on the transition and trying to feel the glutes stay back. Old habits are hell to break. Thanks for the reply
@@jeffg5989 If I get a chance, I'll get to the studio this week and do some drills for this. Can you email me a toddg@gravesgolf.com and remind me so I don't forget. Thanks. (My email folder is my brain).
Gradually corrupting my 10 year PGA/20 year PGA coach & business partner. He tried the angel back at address portion and eagle/birdie the next 2 holes. Think he will gradually come around :-) Keep it up! I've been following along practicing at home and this drill with without the club will definitely help with the sequencing to pull it all together. Putting the foot into the shoe, I could really feel the weight shift down on it!
Thanks for explaining why I was topping the occasional practice chip shot (58 deg. wedge to 30 yds). Other than some flippy hands (high and short of target) that feeling of greatness and the ball landing right on target has got me anxious for the season to start. As we can't even practice yet, I will need some time to get over my 50 yrs of conventional swing, but I can hardly wait to give it a try on the range and the course. You're not a good teacher, Todd (that other comment video), you're a GREAT teacher. :)
Here's my take on this incredible instruction and how I understand it. When you move your lower body into the flexed lead knee (during Transition), the club will automatically drop into the correct path for the downswing (so long as you let this natural process happen and don't try to control the club). This is assuming you've started that swing with the incredibly important CORRECT ADDRESS POSITION. And that position allows for a correct backswing. Is that correct Todd?
I understand it as the lower body moving into that knee as a stabilizer for the upper body to rotate and stay in its side bend and posture. So long as the address is right, the stabilizers are hit and the posture held, then the result has to be good.
Todd... It’s time to give a complete lesson on swing tempo. Too often when I attempt to hit with a good tempo I subconsciously slow the swing down, on the way down. Obviously this is not good. The other problem, although not necessary with me, is speeding up the swing, to achieve distance, and lunging at the ball. I would very much appreciate your addressing this issue.
Hi Todd I really enjoy your videos I started the single plane system a few months ago and have just got back to it now due to this covid 19. When I do what you have taught and I hold my position the shots are more accurate than any other time in 30 years of golfing. Lately though and way too often I am either spraying to the right or pulling way, way left. I thought I was setting up properly but to no avail. Not sure if you can help from this bit of information but would really appreciate any input you have time to offer. Again love your videos and really believe in the Moe Norman style swing. RL
Hi Todd, thx again for great insights. Do your have the sensation that your weight is resting more on the trail leg when you load up your back swing? Also I found that the body tilt is a bit hard to control, especially because I find that my hips are moving to the front and I kind of lose the proper position spatially. Cheers
I know the Moe swing is supposed to alleviate back pain, but I find if I adopt the tilted shoulders stance at address, it puts pressure on my lower spine and trail hip! In any case, by the time you are into your back swing, surely it doesn't matter whether you started with a straight spine stance or a tilted stance, as your aim is to find the perfect impact position at the bottom of the down swing? I have adopted the straight arms stance, with the club head significantly behind the ball at address, even with wedges.
No I don't think it does. At least you haven't given a good reason why it matters. My arms and the club form a straight line, along the single plane. Having a straight address posture does not prevent a back swing and down swing along the single plane.
Hey Todd We're loving your videos and watch them all the time and we also believe Moe's golf swing is genius. Can you answer this question for us. In this video you talk about keeping the trail foot planted on the floor but in Moe's videos and even in the book, we see Moe's heal coming off the floor and twisting after ball impact, just like a conventional golf swing. Could you explain this please?
Really hitting the ball better than the traditional swing I had last year Todd! I’m glad you emphasized attention to the lead knee not bending to far cause I was doing that significantly and it caused me more difficulty rotating the torso which (out of habit) either caused my lead leg to straighten (fore to the right) or caused me to come over the top and pull it left! Gotta have the ten finger grip instead of the overlap though. Would there be any issue having the right hand thumb pushing on the right side of the shaft? (Right Hand more underneath and facing skyward and left (lead) hand has a wider space between the thumb and index finger? Grip size? Nothing to worry about? Haven’t lost any distance from the standard swing as long as it’s a solid strike.
Downswing Sequence Question. How can the Hips separate from the Shoulders in the downswing if the Torso is activated while the arms are passive until the shaft nears parallel? Are the hips not turning while the torso is moving? Or are the hips initisting the downswing, then the torso followed by the arms?
Hey Todd Been working on your single plane swing for around 4 weeks and purchased your book but have had aprox 6 shanks with my shot irons ( practicing at my local park) as well as topping some 3 wood t shots the last time I teed it up. I have a 1.3 handicap index and have been playing for many years and pick up instruction very quickly and feel I have the set up down exactly the way you want it, but NOT getting the results Any advice on the above would be Most appreciated Cheers Rod
Todd, I just started golfing two weeks ago and found your videos on RUclips. I appreciate the content. Does the single plane swing work for all types of clubs? I keep getting conflicting information from everyone that is teaching me how to "properly hit the ball". I also feel like what you describe makes the most sense to me so I will be practicing that.
Yes. the Single Plane works for all clubs. Make sure you have a good club fitting - to fit your single plane which usually means a few degrees flat of Standard.
Is there a specific place to get clubs fitted to learn the single plane? I’m currently using clubs given to me (that was the recommended to me to start)
Great stuff Todd! I'm a huge believer in this method. Question: At address I have a tendency to bend at the knees more than appears with you/Moe, and then "crouch" into my trail leg for perceived stability at end of back swing. It probably causes more pelvic rotation than is desired since my hips are swiveling around my bent knees. Do you intentionally keep your trail leg straight on b/s so as to hit a "limitation" which helps you brace into trail leg at end of b/s and prior to transition? I would appreciate your reply, as this has been a struggle point for me. Thanks!
Too much knee flex can often cause to little pelvis rotation. the leg position at address is to get the tilt correct at the start of the swing. Too much knee flex causes you to be too upright (upper body). So the straight legs positions the spine correctly at address and the stable trail knee (less flexed) allows the hips to turn around a stable trial leg.
@@ToddGravesGolf Thanks Todd! This makes perfect sense. The straighter legs + increased forward tilt at address makes sense. "Under, not around"...I get it :)
Todd, have been working on the SPS for a few months now, bought your book and the SPS has me driving it straight and is saving my back. My big miss is pushed iron shots, I get good contact but the ball just goes to the right. Any drills to help me correct this?
At the very start of the transition when the hips move forward is there also a rotational move in conjunction with the forward move where the right hip moves slightly ccw or do the hips move forward only?
Can you tell us how far Moe hit his clubs please or you? I have practiced your swing indoors and now on the driving range. I love it and have never felt more in control of my swing. I did lose a club length though is that normal ?
Its a bit of a loaded question but when I met Moe when he was 64 years old (1994) he was driving the ball 265 - 275. His 7 iron was going about 155 - 160. Today, I hit my driver about 285 and my 7 iron about 175.
Overall with the driver and woods it works very well, but with my irons my trail arm and shaft isn't in the single plain position. I'm 1.84m tall. Do I need longer shafts for the irons? Many thanks for your advise and best regards from Switzerland, Yvan
Todd, did Moe and do you play the "short" game: chipping, pitching, sand, and putting in the "conventional" manner? Does "single plane" only or mostly apply to the full swing? TY Doc
@@ToddGravesGolf yeh I want to see the position of your left arm from the from so I can compare to what I see in my set up. Thank you by the way. I can't afford your alignment stick so Im kind of trial and error at the momment. Played a round Weds ans only had one pushed or blocked driver. All my irons were push or block. Im thinking not finishing swing or to far from ball?
What's up Todd! I've been a fan of your one plane swing video for over a month now and am trying it. One thing I'm running into is the top of my left arm(I'm right handed) is getting sore at my elbow. Do you know why that may be? Am I doing something wrong during the set up or swing? Never happened with my conventional swing. Thanks for your video lessons! Marvin
@@ToddGravesGolf Thanks for the quick reply! I'm using the grip you recommend with the club in my fingers following underneath the pad of my hand..It usually is sore while I'm on the range and playing, then goes away the next day or so.
@@ToddGravesGolf Okay, got it! I may have been bringing my hands up too high at address...I should just extend my arms instead of up?.. I live in VA so hard to be where you are in person...where could I sign up so you can look at my swing? Thanks!
Hey Todd, I’ve been following your videos and I have gained about 20 to 30 yards with the driver and dead straight. I now have to adjust my irons as well. Is this normal? Thanks so much for all the videos.
Two things: First, you have done an amazing job of learning to interpret "Moe"ism's. I have watched many videos where he describes his swing and it is always so unique to him that it is difficult to understand what he was describing. I know he was accurate in his descriptions, but they were very specific to the way he processed things which, like most artists and geniuses, is impossible for common people to understand. You learned his language and then interpreted for the rest of us. Thanks! Second: I practice 4 to 5 hours a week. I know everyone is a little different, but what have you found to be the "average" time before someone is competent enough to take this swing to the course and be able to put up a mid 80's low 90's score. The goal is to get even better than that, but I like to start with attainable goals in my pursuits.
Moe Norman won 1 of every 3 Tournaments he played in Canada. Canadian Amateur Championship winner (1955, 1956)[1] 55 career Canadian Tour and other Canadian event victories Canadian PGA Championship winner (1966, 1974)[1] Canadian PGA Seniors' Championship winner (1979-1985, 1987) 33 course records 17 holes-in-one[1] Several exhibition rounds under 60 (lowest rounds of golf) Inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1995 Inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1999[2] Inducted into the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 Two appearances by invitation as an amateur in the Masters Tournament: 1956 scored 75-78 then withdrew; 1957 scored 77-74 to miss the cut by one stroke
Norman won 20 odd tournaments mostly I guess in Canada. No Majors to speak of. Mike Weir was the best Canadian player. Says it all mo was the Jim Furyk of his time odd with his swing but he made work that’s it. So let’s teach everyone Furyks swing it’s amazing and will make you a better golfer. What a hap of sh*te.
thank you you!!!
Great explanation Todd.
Glad it was helpful!
Yeah Buddy!!!
that was my case,problems with kness im working on!!!! SPOTON!
Great Truths To Consistency and Lower Scores!!! Thanks Todd ⛳️👍⛳️
More great info, Todd. Thanks. Found Moe Norman and your information this past winter. As a pretty good golfer for nearly 50 years and former (way back) athletic trainer, the bio-mechanics and consistency of the single plane swing makes perfect sense to me. Diagnosed with a rare bladder cancer in October, I spent 3 months of intense and draining chemo therapy. During that time on the couch, I watched many of your videos and videos on Moe, putting the pieces together in my mind and re-thinking my swing. During some very challenging times, this information gave me positive motivation. After successful chemo treatments, the doctors removed my left kidney and ureter the beginning of April. Fortunately, the cancer is gone, it hasn't spread, and my prognosis is excellent. Recovering physically and mentally from the chemo and surgery is slow and exhausting. This whole 'virus' thing hasn't helped either. Golf courses in Michigan opened on May 1. Our golf league started Sunday, May 3rd, with walking carts only. Against many people's advice, I teed it up Sunday, with new knowledge and mental images of Moe and you. While walking 18 holes was quite taxing, putting the single plane swing into action felt great! My ball striking was consistent and solid. The driver direction was a bit astray, yet the contact was solid. My irons were very solid. I did have to club up 1-2 clubs, as my physical strength and flexibility is still far from 'normal'. Yet the swing felt great and the results have me very fired up about what lies ahead. Last year, I played to about a 10 handicap in our league, and won the league. I know I can improve on that, even as I approach my 59th birthday. Posting an 84 Sunday, with a 41 on the back nine, being quite tired, felt awesome. Thanks for your dedication to teaching the single plane swing. I'll keep you posted on my progress, and some day hope to meet and thank you in person. Mike
Mike Smela Mike - at the gym this am and read your post. Congrats on your strength to push through all of the challenges. Sounds like you have a strong mind. I’m honored to be a part of your healing and health. I look forward to meeting you some day.
@@ToddGravesGolf Continued blessings on us all, my friend!
Just want to thank you for the time and effort you have put into the book and then to follow it up with these videos, you are dedicated to this system. Thanks for all the clarity and break down of the golf swing. Bruce
JUST FOR THE RECORD, I saw where some say you're not a good teacher because you don't teach the grip first, I think you're one of the best teachers in golf I have ever seen. Your are sooooooooooooo detailed. I don't think anyone could be more detailed. You really try hard to get the point over your teaching. My wife is a teacher, and I understand how communication is so important so everyone can "get it". Just watching your videos has helped me so much. I am finally starting to hit the ball well, and I hardly get to practice. But because your videos are so well taught, I am able to adjust my swing with understanding. I really want to be able to come to one of your camps.
You’ve completely changed my golf life for the better. Thank you!!
Great to hear!
Todd this is Dan Lindstrom in toms River New Jersey if I put myself in the position of the knee already flexed and the right leg already stiff is that a drill for myself that can help me stay down and posture through impact
I enjoy your lessons as ever, after having changed my swing to that of Moe just recently. Thank you, from Japan.
kkushita you’re welcome.
I'm about two weeks in and completely fascinated by this swing theory. I am becoming convinced the entire golf teaching industry has it wrong. A conventional swing may work for super talented pros but for the masses this should revolutionize how to learn a solid, repeatable swing. Thank you Todd and Moe...all you need to have more fun at golf is an open mind, especially if you struggle with consistency and power.
Jimmy
I agree fully and want to add: ONLY a Pro can put in the full time job hours to learn the COMPENSATIONS well enough to play on the highest level.
Todd, Great tip. Saving my lower back. Switched to the single plane swing this year. I am now hitting my driver straight-not slicing any more-and working to improve my irons. Not swinging over the top now. Thanks again for your lessons.
I love the step into your shoe tip .... it’s those little thoughts that really help me get the feels in the golf swing ... more of those please and thank you !!
Excellent....keeping that lead flex knee helped me to avoid standing straight at impact and the inevitable blade hit or worse topping the golf ball.
Interesting. I find Todd's explanations very clear and logical and this swing to be truly different from any other, in that I know what to practice and how all those parts fit into the whole. But standing at or just before impact has destroyed any hope I have of improving my iron striking (fairway woods off the tee are actually better, surprisingly). I do exercises to mitigate the effects of my arthritic back, but no matter how much I TRY to maintain spine angle through impact I can't seem to do it. Perhaps your suggestion about the flexed lead knee will help, I will definitely try that next time out. Thanks.
Where do I buy your book am in Tasmania
Always such wonderful, explicit instructions that all fit together so well to produce the best golf swing and instruction I have ever found! Logically everything you teach makes so much sense. It is working beautifully for me as I continue to "groove" this swing! Thanks so much, Todd!
Good session thanks Todd
Glad you enjoyed it
OK.. I'm ready for part six! Really enjoying this series!
Coming soon!
I have nice sported a 3 handicap but age and a bad right knee made scores and pain made golf a chore rather than joy. I started learning this system a month ago. Distance is coming back. Scores are dropping. Pain is nearly gone. I may be leaving a bit more weight in the left side than optimal but it allows pain free swing. Woods are great. Don’t have irons dialed in yet. Can’t wait to get back to regular sub bogey golf. Thanks for the instruction. I HIGHLY recommend this swing for people with knee issues. It could save your golf life.
Todd is it OK on the backswing to lift my left foot off the ground and then slam it back down at the top of the swing
I was shooting mid-high 80s for a little bit now. Starting working with the single plane and in one week I broke 80 for the first time.
Good stuff Todd. Been working on that transitional move and have been hitting the ball solid. And you are right about keeping the spine in position. When I hit it bad I can feel that I lose the spine tilt. Thanks again.
Awesome,Iam getting closer 👍
You got this!
Todd, I must share that after watching...hundreds of hours of "instructional videos" over the past several years- implementing their fix/swing path/weight shift/elbow in/spine angle this...and so on. The way that you break down the bio-metrics, dissect the foundation of the single plane approach has changed my approach to the game of golf. After reviewing and studying a lot of your single plane vids, along with additional clips of Pipeline Moe (whom i would have loved to meet)- i took the method to the course this Tuesday, and was very pleased with the result. As a 10 handicap, i shaved 8 shots of the first round- mostly due to straight shots off the tee, and confidence at address. I couldn't help but to get out there again yesterday, only played 9 - and experienced my first 2 birdie round in my life.
Im fully aware this is a commitment, and there will be days error filled- and do have several questions that are based on my specifics- body type/athletic/flexibility...however your teaching method and how you approach it from a analytical yet, simplistic way - sets you apart sir and im sure you will provide answers in your posts/book. So thank you, and keep up the excellent work- looking forward to continuing this exciting new swing.
Todd>>>> working( around) you body was a phrase that MOE didn't like, would it be more served to say.."finish the swing"?
Words are a not a good way to describe motion. When you teach, you use words to best describe what you are conveying.
At 0:52 and again at 6:57 you and Moe are shown with a straight line from the club through your trail arm. But this isn't the case in many of your other videos that instead emphasize a straight line from the club through your lead arm. It seems contradictory. Please explain.
You have both. A line from the club through the trail arm from the back view, and aligned with the lead arm from the front view. Camera angle shows these two lines.
Here is a video ruclips.net/video/9L3wClacvnk/видео.html
I rewatched this to reinforce my understanding of the 026 drill. Now to match them up.
Watched all the chapters of these videos. Well done to anyone who can execute it. For something that's supposed to be simple there is so much to think about. Tried to take it to the range and didn't work for me.
Everyone wants something they don't have to think about . If you are going to master anything, you must put in the effort. Talent is earned.
@@ToddGravesGolf love it
Wanted to say that even if you don't adopt the single plane swing, there's so much good material in this video to improve everyone's swing. As a former tournament tennis player, I restructured my golf swing in the last 12 mths built entirely around replicating my tennis forehand and giving 100% control to my Right Arm / Elbow & Wrist - this has naturally led to huge similarities to your method - front bent leg, right grip and elbow at impact, 'similar' left grip. I've added modern feet together use the bounce chipping & pitching & I'm now shooting mid 70s.
Todd, I watched 6 episodes yesterday and decided to try at the range - I cannot be more pleased with the results. My main two issues have been struggle with contact due to poor rotation and a lack of a well defined swing routine/ swing thought. The open lead foot - flexed knee definitely changed my entire golf life. Do you offer online lessons ? THANK YOU!
I suddenly realised that my father had a version of the SP swing. He was a very solid 9 handicap player for most of his golfing life. I learned the basics from him around 30 years ago and discarded it because it was not like Jack, Seve or Greg or any of the other greats of the time. Strangely enough, I also realised that I played my best golf with an SPS - achieving a 2 handicap, and a natural 6. Having stopped playing regularly because of a back injury, I returned to the game recently only to find that whatever I had in terms of a 'traditional' swing, now no longer worked. Research led me to Moe Norman and by default, Todd Graves and Kirk Junge. I now have a hybrid of Moe, Todd and Kirk delivering consistency of direction and VERY decent carry... 155-160 meters with my 7 iron and around 250 meters with a well-struck 9 (set at 9.5) degree SIM driver (with Srixon range balls!). Swing speed on the driver is a pretty consistent 102-105mph. With this swing, I can hit 200 balls and walk away without pain. I am 56 years old. LUVVIT!!!
One thing I think that could be referenced as a point in the swing which I've never noticed before, is that when you get to the top of the back swing, the tops of your shoulders have gone from a 18 degree side bend to completely level or flat with the ground, and then back into the tilt on the way down.
This is so different from the conventional swing, where your shoulders would rotate around the axis of your forward tilt.
Thank the lord for you Todd. I’m so glad somebody picked his brain the way you have
Thanks!
I just hit 50- 6 irons . All were off the damn toe. I could feel the pelvic thrust kicking in making me stand up during the shot. HOW DO YOU STOP THIS TODD???!!!! I stretch the hamstrings(mine are very tight) and work on drills(trents video) all the time but once you put a club in my hand and a ball below me it all goes to hell. I sit into a flexed left knee and get the lateral movement with my right knee but my right heel comes off the ground and I can feel my glutes really flexed. I had to literally look 3 inches above the ball when I swung to make center contact with the clubface(impact tape). I actually signed up for a school in March but now im having my doubts because I dont think THEY can fix this. Would hate to spend 3k for a week long school and they tell me "sorry we couldnt help you". This is something only I can control(flexibility). 58 years old and about 9 surgeries later have slowed this old man down. Anyone else have this issue?? Anyone have a fix??? Frustrated with the SPS at the moment!
I place a marker behind me (chair) and make sure I can stay back against the chair in the backswing (right butt cheek hits it) and then downswing (left but cheek hits it). I suggest sending videos to our coaches to help.
@@ToddGravesGolf Yes, ive sent videos in and Clay mentioned the pelvic thrust and suggested Trents video. Ive been stretching everyday and doing drills in slow motion trying to hold the positions against the chair for a few seconds each and also the cross the arms drill working on the transition and trying to feel the glutes stay back. Old habits are hell to break. Thanks for the reply
@@jeffg5989 If I get a chance, I'll get to the studio this week and do some drills for this. Can you email me a toddg@gravesgolf.com and remind me so I don't forget. Thanks. (My email folder is my brain).
@@ToddGravesGolf will do. Thanks Todd
Gradually corrupting my 10 year PGA/20 year PGA coach & business partner. He tried the angel back at address portion and eagle/birdie the next 2 holes. Think he will gradually come around :-) Keep it up! I've been following along practicing at home and this drill with without the club will definitely help with the sequencing to pull it all together. Putting the foot into the shoe, I could really feel the weight shift down on it!
Todd , Tad im a 62 year old that swings to hard in the single swing. I feel loaded and is that a feel that i should have?
What do you mean "Loaded"?
Thanks for explaining why I was topping the occasional practice chip shot (58 deg. wedge to 30 yds). Other than some flippy hands (high and short of target) that feeling of greatness and the ball landing right on target has got me anxious for the season to start. As we can't even practice yet, I will need some time to get over my 50 yrs of conventional swing, but I can hardly wait to give it a try on the range and the course. You're not a good teacher, Todd (that other comment video), you're a GREAT teacher. :)
Here's my take on this incredible instruction and how I understand it. When you move your lower body into the flexed lead knee (during Transition), the club will automatically drop into the correct path for the downswing (so long as you let this natural process happen and don't try to control the club). This is assuming you've started that swing with the incredibly important CORRECT ADDRESS POSITION. And that position allows for a correct backswing. Is that correct Todd?
I understand it as the lower body moving into that knee as a stabilizer for the upper body to rotate and stay in its side bend and posture. So long as the address is right, the stabilizers are hit and the posture held, then the result has to be good.
Very interesting! How did Moe vary his club distance when he was "between clubs?"
Todd...
It’s time to give a complete lesson on swing tempo. Too often when I attempt to hit with a good tempo I subconsciously slow the swing down, on the way down. Obviously this is not good. The other problem, although not necessary with me, is speeding up the swing, to achieve distance, and lunging at the ball. I would very much appreciate your addressing this issue.
Have you done any analysis of your swing compared to DeChambeau?
Hi Todd I really enjoy your videos I started the single plane system a few months ago and have just got back to it now due to this covid 19. When I do what you have taught and I hold my position the shots are more accurate than any other time in 30 years of golfing. Lately though and way too often I am either spraying to the right or pulling way, way left. I thought I was setting up properly but to no avail. Not sure if you can help from this bit of information but would really appreciate any input you have time to offer. Again love your videos and really believe in the Moe Norman style swing. RL
Hi Todd, thx again for great insights. Do your have the sensation that your weight is resting more on the trail leg when you load up your back swing? Also I found that the body tilt is a bit hard to control, especially because I find that my hips are moving to the front and I kind of lose the proper position spatially. Cheers
Thanks for all your videos. Will you or have you done any videos on pitching and chipping w single plane method? Thanks again...
Pitching and chipping videos would be awesome
I know the Moe swing is supposed to alleviate back pain, but I find if I adopt the tilted shoulders stance at address, it puts pressure on my lower spine and trail hip!
In any case, by the time you are into your back swing, surely it doesn't matter whether you started with a straight spine stance or a tilted stance, as your aim is to find the perfect impact position at the bottom of the down swing?
I have adopted the straight arms stance, with the club head significantly behind the ball at address, even with wedges.
It surely does matter.
No I don't think it does. At least you haven't given a good reason why it matters. My arms and the club form a straight line, along the single plane. Having a straight address posture does not prevent a back swing and down swing along the single plane.
@@DubSun33 you would have to watch my other videos to understand the significance of the the proper side-bend (tilt) at address.
Hey Todd
We're loving your videos and watch them all the time and we also believe Moe's golf swing is genius.
Can you answer this question for us.
In this video you talk about keeping the trail foot planted on the floor but in Moe's videos and even in the book, we see Moe's heal coming off the floor and twisting after ball impact, just like a conventional golf swing.
Could you explain this please?
We just watched you next video and think we got our answer.
The swing was already completed before Moe done his extension.
Keep the foot down through impact and release. Then lift it.
Really hitting the ball better than the traditional swing I had last year Todd! I’m glad you emphasized attention to the lead knee not bending to far cause I was doing that significantly and it caused me more difficulty rotating the torso which (out of habit) either caused my lead leg to straighten (fore to the right) or caused me to come over the top and pull it left! Gotta have the ten finger grip instead of the overlap though. Would there be any issue having the right hand thumb pushing on the right side of the shaft? (Right Hand more underneath and facing skyward and left (lead) hand has a wider space between the thumb and index finger? Grip size? Nothing to worry about? Haven’t lost any distance from the standard swing as long as it’s a solid strike.
Do you have drill suggestions for keeping the trailing heel flat on the ground?
Superglue;)
Love the lessons. Question how do stop coming in so steep? And I have a little cut sometimes. What am I doing?
You would have to show me your swing so I don't have to guess.
@@ToddGravesGolf for 53 bucks a month?
collin mccray that is our gold coaching program - yes.
Downswing Sequence Question.
How can the Hips separate from the Shoulders in the downswing if the Torso is activated while the arms are passive until the shaft nears parallel?
Are the hips not turning while the torso is moving?
Or are the hips initisting the downswing, then the torso followed by the arms?
The pelvis is not attached to the shoulders so, it moves first (rotationally) before the shoulders turn thus separating.
@@ToddGravesGolf I understand your clinic is coming back to Chicago in early July. I will certainly consider signing up again. Thank you!
Hey Todd
Been working on your single plane swing for around 4 weeks and purchased your book but have had aprox 6 shanks with my shot irons ( practicing at my local park) as well as topping some 3 wood t shots the last time I teed it up.
I have a 1.3 handicap index and have been playing for many years and pick up instruction very quickly and feel I have the set up down exactly the way you want it, but NOT getting the results
Any advice on the above would be Most appreciated
Cheers Rod
Todd ... me too, exactly with Rod (except that I'm a 12, not a 1.3 :) .. why am I shanking some of my wedges and topping my 18° ? thanku
Todd, I just started golfing two weeks ago and found your videos on RUclips. I appreciate the content. Does the single plane swing work for all types of clubs? I keep getting conflicting information from everyone that is teaching me how to "properly hit the ball".
I also feel like what you describe makes the most sense to me so I will be practicing that.
Yes. the Single Plane works for all clubs. Make sure you have a good club fitting - to fit your single plane which usually means a few degrees flat of Standard.
Is there a specific place to get clubs fitted to learn the single plane? I’m currently using clubs given to me (that was the recommended to me to start)
Great stuff Todd! I'm a huge believer in this method. Question: At address I have a tendency to bend at the knees more than appears with you/Moe, and then "crouch" into my trail leg for perceived stability at end of back swing. It probably causes more pelvic rotation than is desired since my hips are swiveling around my bent knees. Do you intentionally keep your trail leg straight on b/s so as to hit a "limitation" which helps you brace into trail leg at end of b/s and prior to transition? I would appreciate your reply, as this has been a struggle point for me. Thanks!
Too much knee flex can often cause to little pelvis rotation. the leg position at address is to get the tilt correct at the start of the swing. Too much knee flex causes you to be too upright (upper body). So the straight legs positions the spine correctly at address and the stable trail knee (less flexed) allows the hips to turn around a stable trial leg.
@@ToddGravesGolf Thanks Todd! This makes perfect sense. The straighter legs + increased forward tilt at address makes sense. "Under, not around"...I get it :)
Todd, have been working on the SPS for a few months now, bought your book and the SPS has me driving it straight and is saving my back. My big miss is pushed iron shots, I get good contact but the ball just goes to the right. Any drills to help me correct this?
Allways easier and easier.
Like the change from a gearbox to automatic...
Need time, an suddendly you not have to think about it.
Just happens...
haha, @ 52, I still prefer the gear box!
At the very start of the transition when the hips move forward is there also a rotational move in conjunction with the forward move where the right hip moves slightly ccw or do the hips move forward only?
Yes. There is rotation as well.
Can you tell us how far Moe hit his clubs please or you? I have practiced your swing indoors and now on the driving range. I love it and have never felt more in control of my swing. I did lose a club length though is that normal ?
Its a bit of a loaded question but when I met Moe when he was 64 years old (1994) he was driving the ball 265 - 275. His 7 iron was going about 155 - 160. Today, I hit my driver about 285 and my 7 iron about 175.
Overall with the driver and woods it works very well, but with my irons my trail arm and shaft isn't in the single plain position. I'm 1.84m tall. Do I need longer shafts for the irons?
Many thanks for your advise and best regards from Switzerland, Yvan
Todd, did Moe and do you play the "short" game: chipping, pitching, sand, and putting in the "conventional" manner? Does "single plane" only or mostly apply to the full swing? TY Doc
I use the Single Plane on All shots.
When you take it back and take it to the top does your right wrist hinge back towards parallel to your body or straight up
Stephen Mcdaniel I skip Rocks and fold the trail arm
That's what has been had for me. I want to rotate and get up on that right toe. Working on it.
Todd could you do some video from a frontal view pf your swing with driver, 3 wood or hydrid.
sure can.
@@ToddGravesGolf yeh I want to see the position of your left arm from the from so I can compare to what I see in my set up. Thank you by the way. I can't afford your alignment stick so Im kind of trial and error at the momment. Played a round Weds ans only had one pushed or blocked driver. All my irons were push or block. Im thinking not finishing swing or to far from ball?
What's up Todd! I've been a fan of your one plane swing video for over a month now and am trying it. One thing I'm running into is the top of my left arm(I'm right handed) is getting sore at my elbow. Do you know why that may be? Am I doing something wrong during the set up or swing? Never happened with my conventional swing. Thanks for your video lessons! Marvin
Could be your grip. I would need to see your swing to be sure. Is it painful during the swing? if so where? Or is it after you have played a bit?
@@ToddGravesGolf Thanks for the quick reply! I'm using the grip you recommend with the club in my fingers following underneath the pad of my hand..It usually is sore while I'm on the range and playing, then goes away the next day or so.
@@marvinwebster8099 Sometimes it is because you are coming in with the hands too high. Again, I hate to make an assumption.
@@ToddGravesGolf Okay, got it! I may have been bringing my hands up too high at address...I should just extend my arms instead of up?.. I live in VA so hard to be where you are in person...where could I sign up so you can look at my swing? Thanks!
Good review. I liked the separation of the upper body portion. Do you think it would help to use an Orange Whip club?
Hey Todd, I’ve been following your videos and I have gained about 20 to 30 yards with the driver and dead straight. I now have to adjust my irons as well. Is this normal? Thanks so much for all the videos.
Two things: First, you have done an amazing job of learning to interpret "Moe"ism's. I have watched many videos where he describes his swing and it is always so unique to him that it is difficult to understand what he was describing. I know he was accurate in his descriptions, but they were very specific to the way he processed things which, like most artists and geniuses, is impossible for common people to understand. You learned his language and then interpreted for the rest of us. Thanks! Second: I practice 4 to 5 hours a week. I know everyone is a little different, but what have you found to be the "average" time before someone is competent enough to take this swing to the course and be able to put up a mid 80's low 90's score. The goal is to get even better than that, but I like to start with attainable goals in my pursuits.
Master the address position. Learn to swing with lead knee flexed and trail foot down. Shouldn't take long.
How many tournaments and especially Majors have been won using this method?
Moe Norman won 1 of every 3 Tournaments he played in Canada.
Canadian Amateur Championship winner (1955, 1956)[1]
55 career Canadian Tour and other Canadian event victories
Canadian PGA Championship winner (1966, 1974)[1]
Canadian PGA Seniors' Championship winner (1979-1985, 1987)
33 course records
17 holes-in-one[1]
Several exhibition rounds under 60 (lowest rounds of golf)
Inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1995
Inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1999[2]
Inducted into the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2006
Two appearances by invitation as an amateur in the Masters Tournament: 1956 scored 75-78 then withdrew; 1957 scored 77-74 to miss the cut by one stroke
You still didn't answer the question. Are you dropping with the arms or the shoulders?
Koeur the tilt
Norman won 20 odd tournaments mostly I guess in Canada. No Majors to speak of. Mike Weir was the best Canadian player. Says it all mo was the Jim Furyk of his time odd with his swing but he made work that’s it. So let’s teach everyone Furyks swing it’s amazing and will make you a better golfer. What a hap of sh*te.
Ok. Great to hear form you. Thanks for watching. Take care.