Plane Truth For Golfers DVD Set
Grade: A
Teachers’ Comments: The book and DVD are musts for any golfer who struggles with the game.
Jim Hardy’s The Plane Truth For Golfers is perhaps the best golf instruction book I’ve ever read. And the new DVD is the perfect companion piece.
Hardy’s basic thesis is that there are there are two separate and distinct types of golf swings: the one plane, and the two plane swing. Both are equally valid and equally effective. The trouble comes, Hardy says, when elements of the one swing are mixed with the elements of the other.
It’s a terrific theory—and everyone that I know who has read the book says that they have benefited from it. Hardy himself says that he expects that if you are able to isolate the elements of just one swing, you will see an immediate improvement. You can read my entire review of the book here.
If I had one criticism of the book when it was first released, it was that some of the concepts were difficult for me to visualize. What it really needed, I wrote in my review, was a DVD. Apparently, someone was listening, because Hardy has now released a three disk set.
In The Plane Truth DVD, Jim Hardy walks golfers through his Plane Truth theory, illustrating his concepts with clear visuals and demonstrations and explaining them in plain, earnest language. I liked Hardy immediately, for he made me believe in his program.
The first DVD covers the essential question of whether you are—or need to become—a one, or two plane swinger. For me, this has always been one of the most difficult parts of the Plane Swing concept. The one-plane swing is simpler, but requires more flexibility than the two-plane. My problem was that I was never sure that I could actually turn as much as needed to be a one-planer. After watching Hardy demonstrate, I was able to settle the issue in my mind conclusively.
In the second DVD, Hardy takes the viewer through the setup and backswing for the one- and two-plane swings. As good as the book is, it is really useful to see the setup and backswing in action. For me, the most useful part was in seeing just how far I need to bend over to make it work.
Hardy says that he had considered making one DVD for the one-plane and one for the two-plane, but ultimately rejected the idea. He thinks that there is value in seeing how the two compare. I agree. When he compares the two, I can see how the elements of the one can creep into the other and ruin the swing.
In the third DVD, Hardy demonstrates the downswing and follow through. As with the other two, it was useful to see the two swing types demonstrated. It also was useful to see Hardy illustrate the differences between the two.
My set also came with a bonus disk of drills. I have not yet had a chance to test the long term effects of these, but I am convinced that they are worthwhile.
From a production values standpoint, it’s obvious that Jim Hardy and his staff took care to see that it was done right. The image is clear; the camera is steady and perfectly positioned. I also appreciated the sound quality. As deaf as I am, I had no problem following Hardy’s monologue.
I recommend that you get this DVD in conjunction with the book. I don’t think that it’s a replacement for the book; but I also think that it offers so much more,
As a postscript, I’d like to make another suggestion to Team Hardy: that they compile a state-by-state list of teachers who are Hardy disciples. After reading the book and seeing the “movie”, I realized that most of the instructors I’ve visited were teaching a mixture of the two styles to one degree or another. I’m never going to have the chance to study under Hardy personally, but it would be nice to get a lesson or two from someone he approves of.
You can also visit Hardy’s website.
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I you liked the 3 DVD instruction set you’ll love the drills for the one-plane swing. Two planers may feel a bit slighted as there are fewer drills for them.
I agree that the book is excellent—but the videos are essential to truly understanding what Jim Hardy is saying.
I’m about ready to give up on the two-plane swing. Some days I have tempo, timing and rythym—and some days I don’t. The one-plane swing is just so much easier to play with. It is also easy to start making contact with the on-plane swing—although it is very different and takes some time to learn to swing as correctly (efficiently) as possible..
I have studied the tapes and swing since last summer and find it great when I can do it correctly. Would really like to find an instructor familiar with the book and tapes in my area – Vancouver, Wa/Portland, Oregon.
Ann, I agree with you entirely. That’s why I suggested that Team Hardy come up with a list of “authorized” teachers.
Well organized and produced but 2 Major criticisms. Hardy should have seperated the one and two plane DVD’s. After you decided on a system, going back and fast forwarding to get to your specific disciplines while bypassing the other is a pain in the rear end and just “plane” stupid. Secondly should have shown much much more full swing video (maybe in slow mo) this instruction is all positional instead of flowing and that makes it hard to picture the finished product