Great post 12 pc. You're very right about the fact that this info is not common knowledge, even to decent players, is is truly the difference between hacking and G.O.L.F.ing.

Something that has always puzzled me since first learning about these principles is this:

If the plane line is parallel to the target line then what kind of dimensions are we speaking of when discussing across, or out?

Notwithstanding the variances for club length and arc length, there ought to be a known value (ball-park) for how far out past the target line the clubhead travels.


CW

Outwards is the direction where your feet are pointing (90 degrees to the plane line). When mixed with the downwards direction in the downstroke you get the resultant direction of going forward. The plane line co-ordinates these directions.

Fog rolling in........
 

Now I am getting confused. I thought that we were supposed to trace the straight plane line with the #3PP.

When I practice with flashlights I trace the plane line. This line for me is parallel to my stance line. I direct my thrust along this line, which is usually straight at my target.

Now I read that the right arm straightens toward the plane line and not the target line. Can't those lines ever be the same?

I was under the impression that they could be. So it could be possible to trace the Plane Line and Target Line all at once because they are the same.

Show me the light.

You always 'swing along' the plane line - you don't always 'swing along' the target line. You only 'swing along' the target line if the plane line and target line are for all intents and purposes, the same...

I understand where out is, just not how much. I know I probably won't get it but I was looking for a value say 1/2" - 3/4" from target line.

Way off base??
 

I could be way of base here, but since the hands only move a total of 6" to 10" "in" from startup to end or finish, and rise approx 24" (a guess here), there is a lot more 'down' than 'out' motion with the hands. I personnally do not feel any 'out' motion with the hands. The 'out' motion is with the clubhead as it moves thru the release pattern (from parallel to the ground thru low point.

Bruce

2-c-1#1
 

This sketch represents (among other things) the "out" that is referred to throughout this thread and others. With a ball dia. of 1.38" I guess the out in this case to be around 1/2" or so.

The reason that I bring it up is that I have trouble with the term "out". I tend to get hosel-rockets when I think of "out".

"Out" takes care of itself with a straight plane line, maybe its a term more for those still heavily steering?

CW

If you are a Hitter employing the Angle of Approach it doesn't have to be "EXACT" . . . Just go OUT there. The clubFACE will do its bidding. You just go OUT. . . .I don't matter all that much How Much or How Little. Your clubFACE will get the ball streaking toward your target.

The clubFACE is the master of this deal . . . the selected crossline(right field) amount is slave to the clubFACE being Square at Separation. It the amount of OUT cannot override the fact that the ball leaves the clubFACE at 90 degrees at separation. So you Angle of Approace DELIVERY LINE OF THE clubHEAD goes OUT . . . How much out is really insignificant . . . you just go out inorder to override CF . . . the clubFACE will do its work in making the ball go at your target.

But what if you're a swinger?

THRUST is still and always Cross-line . . . . but you can trace the Plane Line with your Right Forearm and get the same effect.