Instantly Fix Your Flying Elbow in Golf Swing

Learn how to correct your flying elbow position in the golf swing for better performance with this simple drill and tip.

Watch the full 4-minute video lesson

Understanding the Flying Elbow

The dreaded flying elbow is a common issue many golfers face at the top of their swing. It can lead to various swing plane problems and even cause an over-the-top miss, disrupting your overall game. In this article, we will explore a simple yet effective drill to address this issue, allowing you to achieve a more on-plane backswing.

Why Does the Flying Elbow Happen?

Often, the flying elbow occurs because the golfer begins by pushing the golf club back with their lead arm too quickly. When you extend your left arm across your body excessively, it can lead to an awkward position where the right arm breaks down. This movement starts early in the takeaway and can continue to affect your swing as you progress into the backswing.

The Solution: Keeping Arms Close

To combat the flying elbow, the key is to maintain a relaxed position with your forearms and elbows close together as you turn your body. Here’s how to do it:

Relax Your Arms: Ensure that your forearms and elbows are close together, but do not tense them up. Keeping them relaxed allows for a smoother swing.
Proper Arm Flexion: As you transition from the takeaway to the top of your backswing, flex your right arm while holding your forearms close. This action encourages your trail arm to externally rotate, which is crucial for maintaining the right position.
Imitate a Waiter: At the top of your swing, visualize yourself as a waiter holding a tray. Your right wrist should feel like it's supporting your lead arm, with your knuckles pointing down towards the ground. This position prevents excessive cupping of the left hand, which can lead to further complications in your swing.

Practicing the Drill

To reinforce this technique, practice the movements in slow motion. Aim for about 100 to 300 repetitions, focusing on the following:

Starting from the takeaway position, work your way to the top of your backswing while keeping your forearms and elbows close.
Maintain the feeling of your right wrist acting as a support brace throughout the motion.

Visualizing the Correct Position

When you look at your swing from down the line, you should see that your elbow is in line with your body. This alignment sets you up for a more effective downswing, enhancing both your consistency and speed.

Conclusion

The flying elbow issue can be resolved with focused practice and awareness of your body positioning. By employing the techniques outlined above, you’ll be able to achieve a better backswing, leading to improved performance on the course.

Key Takeaways

The flying elbow can disrupt your swing plane and lead to poor shots.
Keep your forearms and elbows close, but relaxed during the swing.
Visualize your right wrist as a support brace at the top of your swing.
Practice the drill slowly for better muscle memory.
Maintaining the correct position sets you up for a more effective downswing.

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