“Flying elbow at top” in a golf backswing refers to when a golfer’s elbow becomes excessively bent and pointed upwards during the backswing, creating a visually awkward position that can negatively impact the swing path and strike quality at impact; essentially, the arm looks like a chicken wing sticking out to the side.

Causes of Flying Elbow at Top in Golf

Mentioned Below are the technique related issue along with the physical limitations for the error:

  • Incorrect Swing Path
    An “out-to-in” swing path is the main issue. This occurs when the club moves across the body from outside to inside, forcing the lead arm to bend.
  • Poor Wrist Action
    Excessive wrist cupping at impact can lead to an open clubface and a steep angle of attack resulting in a chicken wing.
  • Lack of Proper Rotation
    Insufficient body rotation through the downswing can cause the arms to get “stuck” behind leading to the lead arm bending.

Drills to Fix the Issue

1. Towel Under Arms Drill
Builds connection between arms and body to prevent flying elbows and the chicken wing to improve swing structure by training arm-body connection, reducing excess movement for more consistent ball striking.

2. Forearm Connection Drill
Promotes arm connection and improves swing structure through takeaway and follow-through to improve arm-body connection for a more compact, synchronized swing.

3. Lead Arm Support Drill
Trains proper shoulder turn and upper body control during the swing to improve shoulder rotation and upper body coordination for a more powerful and connected swing.

4. Book Turn Drill
Builds upper body rotation and arm connection in the backswing to improve upper body rotation and arm structure during the backswing.

Physical Limitations With Exercises to Improve

  • Limited Shoulder Mobility
    Restricted shoulder rotation, especially in the lead shoulder, can prevent the arm from extending properly through impact.
  • Limited Flexibility
    General lack of flexibility can limit the golfers ability to make a full and proper swing, which can cause compensations that result in the chicken wing.
  • Lower body power deficits
    If the lower body is not providing sufficient power, the upper body and arms will try to compensate, which can lead to the chicken wing effect.

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

  • Shorten backswing for more control and compactness
  • Narrow grip slightly to reduce elbow flare
  • Feel trail elbow folding down rather than lifting back

Alternate Names For Flying Elbow at Top in Golf

  • Chicken Wing in Backswing
  • Lead Arm Separation in Backswing

Related Swing Errors

Precursor and successor errors for flying elbow at the top in golf.

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

  • Excessive Arm Lift in Takeaway
  • Lack of Early Body Rotation

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

  • Over-the-Top Downswing
  • Loss of Lag
  • Early Extension