Backswing and downswing path - should they be the same ?

[topgrape]

Hi everyone

I filmed my swing today from a down the line perspective. I uploaded it into Kinovea and traced the path of my backswing. The down swing follows the exact same path.

On the face of it I would have thought this would be a good thing but I've seen instructional videos that say that the downswing should trace inside the path of the backswing.

Is there a generally accepted preference regarding this ?

[Stretch]

Hi everyone

I filmed my swing today from a down the line perspective. I uploaded it into Kinovea and traced the path of my backswing. The down swing follows the exact same path.

On the face of it I would have thought this would be a good thing but I've seen instructional videos that say that the downswing should trace inside the path of the backswing.

Is there a generally accepted preference regarding this ?

As with most things in golf, I think you'll find that opinions vary.

Also what specific path are we talking about -- the hands and butt of the club, the positions of the shaft, or the movement of the sweet spot?

[topgrape]

As with most things in golf, I think you'll find that opinions vary.

Also what specific path are we talking about -- the hands and butt of the club, the positions of the shaft, or the movement of the sweet spot?

I traced the club head

[Ernest Jones]

I would think that would largely depend on your backswing path. The ball doesn't give a hoot about the backswing, it only cares how the club head is travelling through impact. If your backswing path happens to be a consistent pattern that, when traced back into impact, produces a reliable fade or draw, then I suppose you can play some pretty decent golf that way.

[brianmcg]

No, the club head path will not match exactly. It will get closer as you approach impact. But at the top of the swing it should "fall" back slightly due to your weight shift back to the left.

[brianmcg]

See Mr. Lag [VIDEO]http://youtu.be/Kh0kbxh-A9M[/VIDEO]

[Fasterthan9]

The downswing will be further away than the backswing. I'm positive 😊😁😁

[Vespidae]

They can be the same as long as you don’t turn your hips. Most players do turn their hips left during the downswing which places the club on a slightly different plane. 

[Bonvivant]

Single plane is completely viable but not the norm. Moe Norman (one of the best ball strikers ever) and Bryson (obviously successful and modern) are the 2 big names I can think of with a single plane.