Always Start With Your Right Arm in This Position
Curated PGA Drill by Danny Maude
Setup/Top of Backswing
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Beginner
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
Most flying trail elbows are pre-set at address: when the trail forearm rotates in over the grip, the elbow is forced up and out as the arms swing back, disconnecting the arms from the turn and pointing the club across the line at P4. Pre-setting the forearm 'open' lets the elbow fold down naturally like a bicep curl, and keeping that flexion into impact prevents the early straightening that causes fat and thin strikes.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
At address, set the trail forearm so it faces slightly outward instead of rotating it in over the grip: Danny calls this 'opening the door' with the elbow, which pre-sets the elbow to fold down rather than fly out.
- 2
Step 2
Rehearse the backswing as a simple 'dumbbell' bicep-curl motion: the trail elbow stays stable and folds down toward the ground as the arm rotates back, rather than lifting up and behind you.
- 3
Step 3
Check the top of the backswing (P4): the trail elbow should still point down toward the ground with its fold intact, not out behind your body.
- 4
Step 4
In the downswing, keep the trail elbow flexed so it almost leads the wrist into the impact area, feeling a 'splash' of water thrown with the trail arm; only let the arm fully straighten after the ball is struck.
What Good Feels Like
Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
Related Practice Drills
View All Drills ↗
Flying Trail Elbow Drills
Intermediate · Across the line
Right Elbow In Golf Downswing Drills (PERFECT POSITION!)
Intermediate · Loss of connection
Trail-Armpit Headcover (Width Without Disconnection)
Beginner · Loss of connection
Why 99% of Golfers instantly improve with this One Move !
Intermediate · Getting Stuck