Flying Trail Elbow Drills
Curated PGA Drill by Rob Bluck
Top of Backswing
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
A flying trail elbow lets the arms disconnect from the body turn, which is one of the main ways golfers get the club across the line at the top; training the elbow to fold down and stay connected keeps the club on a shorter, more on-plane path.
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
Set up in an athletic address and let the trail arm hang naturally connected to the torso rather than tensed away from the body.
- 2
Step 2
Rehearse slow-motion backswings, checking that the trail elbow folds down and stays pointed toward the trail hip and ground rather than flying up and away from the body.
- 3
Step 3
Pause at the top of the backswing and check the trail elbow sits close to the side, the classic waiter-carrying-a-tray position, instead of pointing behind you.
- 4
Step 4
Repeat the rehearsal until the folding motion is automatic, then apply it to slow half-swings and finally full-speed swings.
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
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