How to Use a Golf App to Check Swing Plane, Spine Angle & Alignment
Modern golf apps have made swing analysis easier than ever. What once required a coach, video camera, and launch monitor can now be done with your smartphone. By using a golf app correctly, you can check three of the most important fundamentals in your swing: swing plane, spine angle, and alignment.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use a golf app step by step to analyze these key positions and make smarter improvements to your swing.

Why Swing Plane, Spine Angle & Alignment Matter
Before diving into the app, it’s important to understand why these fundamentals are critical:
- Swing Plane controls consistency, direction, and solid contact
- Spine Angle affects balance, power, and ball striking
- Alignment determines where the ball actually starts, not just where you think you’re aiming
Even small errors in these areas can lead to slices, hooks, fat shots, or loss of distance.
Step 1: Set Up Your Phone Correctly
Proper camera setup is essential for accurate analysis.
Face-On View (for Spine Angle & Alignment)
- Place the phone chest-high
- Position it directly in front of your body
- Keep the camera square and level
Down-the-Line View (for Swing Plane)
- Place the phone hand-high
- Position it directly behind the hands, not the ball
- Make sure the camera is parallel to your target line
Most golf apps include alignment guides to help you position the camera correctly.
Step 2: Record Your Swing
- Use slow-motion or high-frame-rate mode if available
- Hit a normal shot (don’t swing harder than usual)
- Record multiple swings for comparison
Consistency is more important than perfection when recording.
Step 3: Check Your Swing Plane Using the App
Swing plane refers to the path your club travels during the swing.
How to Analyze Swing Plane
- Draw a line along the club shaft at address
- Draw another line from the club head through the hands
- Watch how the club moves during takeaway and downswing
What to Look For
- Club staying close to the original plane line
- No extreme “over-the-top” move
- Downswing returning on a similar path to the backswing
Many apps allow you to compare your swing to a professional model for easy reference.
Step 4: Analyze Your Spine Angle
Spine angle is the forward tilt of your upper body at address and during the swing.
How to Use the App
- Draw a line along your spine at address
- Track the line through backswing and impact
Ideal Spine Angle Tips
- Minimal movement away from the original angle
- No standing up through impact
- Balanced rotation around the spine
Losing spine angle often causes thin or topped shots and weak contact.
Step 5: Check Your Alignment
Alignment mistakes are one of the most common issues for amateur golfers.
How to Check Alignment in the App
- Draw a line along your feet, hips, and shoulders
- Compare these lines to your target line
Key Alignment Points
- Feet, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to the target
- Clubface should match the intended target line
- Avoid aiming too far left or right without realizing it
Correct alignment alone can instantly improve accuracy without changing your swing.
Step 6: Compare, Review & Adjust
Most golf apps allow:
- Side-by-side swing comparison
- Frame-by-frame playback
- Drawing tools for angles and lines
Use these features to:
- Compare old vs new swings
- Track improvement over time
- Focus on one fix at a time
Avoid trying to fix everything in a single session.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Golf App
- Recording from the wrong camera angle
- Analyzing bad swings instead of average ones
- Over-drawing lines that create confusion
- Making too many swing changes at once
Keep your analysis simple and consistent.
Final Thoughts
Using a golf app to check swing plane, spine angle, and alignment is one of the fastest ways to improve your game. With proper camera setup, simple drawing tools, and regular review, you can gain insights that used to be available only through professional lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, a golf swing app can help you build better fundamentals, hit more consistent shots, and lower your scores—one swing at a time. ⛳
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