Flying Trail Elbow Drills
| Target Fault | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Across the line | Top of Backswing |
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
The coach gives no set rep count. Our general guideline: 3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps, then half swings with a ball, adding speed only once the steps feel natural.
Set up in an athletic address and let the trail arm hang naturally connected to the torso rather than tensed away from the body.
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.
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.
Repeat the rehearsal until the folding motion is automatic, then apply it to slow half-swings and finally full-speed swings.
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
Your backswing is across the line when the shaft points right of the target at the top (for a right-handed golfer). It usually comes from the arms swinging on after the body stops turning, a trail wrist that isn't extended, or a flying trail elbow. Stop the arms where the turn ends, extend the trail wrist, and keep the trail elbow folded down.
A flying trail elbow is the elbow lifting up and away from your side so it points behind you at the top. It is often set at address by the trail forearm rotating over the grip. It only needs fixing if it puts the club across the line, gets the elbow behind you in transition, or straightens early into impact. Fold it down, then keep it in front.
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