[Daryl]

Why is there confusion about whats going up-plane and whats going down-plane?

The Hands travel on a Path toward the ground until under the Left Shoulder (Hinge Location), then they travel away from the ground. ANY Ball Located behind Low-Point will be struck with a Down-Plane moving Clubhead. REALLY.

The Ball, should be struck while BOTH the Hands and Clubhead are moving Down-plane. Don't confuse Low-Point with being the Farthest Point the Clubhead travels from your Left Shoulder. With a Level Left Wrist at Impact the Left Wrist will continue to Un-cock. Low-Point is an Alignment and yes, normally the Alignment occurs at the Lowest Point of the Clubhead Orbit.

The Hands will reach their Closest point to the ground when they're below the Left Shoulder (related to the Ground) but Geometrically its Located when the Right Arm is Fully Straight (Full Extension). So, the Hands Travel Down-Plane until Full Extension regardless of their distance from the Ground. The Hands travel Down-Plane while the Right Elbow is Straightening and Up-Plane while the Left Arm is Folding. Don't confuse "Down-Plane" with the Ground you're standing on, that's "Golf Channel" stuff and stuff you find in golf books for public consumption and by Golf instructors trying to make a living (not all). The Clubhead, Ball and Hands don't know about the Ground and they don't care. They are ruled by Orbit and Low-Point.

Hmm?? A Chipping Stroke occurs when the Hands pass under the Left Shoulder and begin moving away from Low-Point (but Down-Plane) while the Ball, located behind Low-Point is struck with a Down-Plane moving Clubhead Toward Low-Point. The "Turf" is "Chipped" which is different than a "Divot". Why would anyone strike a ball with a Full Stroke while using a "Chipping" Alignment? Crazy perhaps???? Ya, Really. It's used for short Shots around the Green because the significant loss of compression allows you, the golfer, to use an accelerating clubhead without the Ball traveling its normal distance...........

Further explanation : When you narrow your stance and your feet are very close together, Low Point moves about 3-6 inches beyond the Left Shoulder (RFAA). A Ball Played opposite (in-line) the Left Shoulder (Hinge) will be Struck with a Down-Plane moving Clubhead because it's behind Low-Point. Hands leading the Clubhead by 3-6" will be traveling away from Low-Point while the Clubhead Travels Toward Low-Point = Chipping Stroke Pattern. Yet, Both Hands and Clubhead are moving Down-Plane.

capisce?