Trackman Talks: Attack Angle and Swing Plane in Short Game
In this exciting March 2025 edition of our free webinar series, Trackman Talks, we’re joined by Joseph Mayo to cover the science behind Attack Angle and Swing Plane in short game. Mayo is one of the most influential voices in golf instruction, and Trackman Co-founder/CTO Fredrik Tuxen joins to discuss the physics behind Trackman's short game parameters and how they can help you better understand cause and effect around the greens.
Trackman Talks is hosted by Niklas Bergdahl, Head of Trackman University.
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Watch the Trackman Talks webinar recording below, or keep reading for a quick overview.
What you’ll learn:
The role of Attack Angle, Swing Plane, and Spin Loft in the short game
Debunking myths: Does a steep Attack Angle actually cause digging?
Why Swing Radius matters more than you might think
How body motion in the short game differs from full swing mechanics
This session is packed with data-driven insights and real-world applications that just might change the way you think about the short game.
Trackman Talks: Steep ain't Deep with Joseph Mayo
The evolution and importance of short game analytics
It can quickly become blatantly obvious that the short game, including chipping, pitching, and putting, is a crucial component for golfers of all skill levels. Many players struggle with these delicate shots, which often determine their scores in competitive play. Mayo's journey with Trackman technology showcases the fascination that can develop by diving deep into your short game. After a 15-year break, Trackman's precise data helped reignite his passion for teaching golf. Imagine uncovering the secrets behind your short game: What’s working and what’s not? Metrics like Attack Angle, Swing Plane, Low Point, and Spin Loft can reveal these crucial insights, often resulting in lowering golf scores more efficiently than focusing solely on the full swing.
The make-or-break metrics
Attack Angle
Attack Angle refers to the angle at which the clubhead approaches the ball in a vertical motion. Understanding the angle of attack is critical, as it influences both the trajectory and spin of the ball. It’s traditionally referred to as how steep or shallow the swing is, but should also be understood in relation to the forward low point of the swing, which is pivotal for effective ball striking.
Swing Plane and Low Point
The Swing Plane refers to the positions relative to the ground that the clubhead follows during the swing, and is essential for making solid contact with the ball. A consistent swing plane helps ensure that the ball is struck cleanly, thereby optimizing distance and directional control. Understanding the distinction between Swing Plane and Low Point (the point where the clubhead makes contact with the ground) is vital for understanding how effectively one makes contact with the ball. Mayo emphasizes that a proper swing plane must be combined with a forward low point to optimize the quality of the shot. Swing plane is connected with body motion. In short game scenarios, body motion must be more controlled and compact compared to full swing mechanics. Maintaining a stable lower body allows for better upper body action, facilitating the precise touch and feel necessary for chipping and pitching. Additionally, the body should rotate around a fixed axis rather than creating excessive movement, ensuring consistent swings and reliable contact.
Spin Loft
The Spin Loft metric describes the angle difference between the Dynamic Loft of the clubface at impact and the angle of attack. Spin loft is vital for generating the adequate backspin necessary for stopping the ball quickly on the green. This is especially important in delicate short game situations where precision is crucial.
Mayo, Tuxen, and Bergdahl explain these concepts and more in detail, giving you a better understanding of how these metrics relate to one another and what to focus on.
Common misconceptions
Shallow vs. steep attack
It is a common myth that a shallower angle of attack is universally preferred. Joseph, Fredrik and Niklas also clarify that a steeper attack angle doesn’t inherently cause digging. Instead, they argue that while a shallow attack may appear aesthetically pleasing, effective ball contact is more about achieving a forward low point that facilitates solid striking of the ball rather than merely focusing on the angle of approach.
Impact location
It is discussed how the contact position on the clubface can influence the shot's outcome. However, while impact location is relevant, the quality of friction between the ball and clubface plays a more substantial role in determining backspin and launch conditions.
Friction's importance
High levels of friction are necessary for achieving optimal spin rates and ideal launch angles, particularly during short game shots like chips and pitches. The discussion highlights how players need to focus on their equipment and technique that enhance friction, such as employing proper grooves on the clubface to maintain the right conditions for effective contact.
Swing Radius
The Swing Radius, or the distance from the center of the body to the clubhead during the swing, impacts the control and consistency of shots. A tighter swing radius can lead to more accuracy, especially in the short game where precision is paramount. Understanding and adjusting the swing radius helps you manage both your swing dynamics and shot outcomes more effectively.
In summary
If you want to improve your scores and overall performance on the course, mastering the short game is essential. The insights provided by Trackman technology allow you to divide and conquer each component of your short game through the key metrics discussed. You will know what’s working well and where exactly you can improve to achieve precision and consistency in chipping, pitching, and putting. To delve deeper into these concepts, be sure to watch the full Trackman Talks webinar above, where Joseph, Fredrik and Niklas provide detailed explanations and practical tips that can help you take your short game to the next level.
Stay tuned for more exciting editions of Trackman Talks, and be sure to subscribe to the Trackman Newsletter to reserve your spot!
Want to dive deeper?
Last month, Niklas and Fredrik introduced and discussed the brand new metrics, Smash Index and Spin Index. So, if you're interested in learning how well you really are striking the ball, you can take a deep-dive into these ground-breaking metrics by checking out the February edition of Trackman Talks: Smash Index and Spin Index.