Full Definition
The flying elbow describes the trail elbow lifting away from the body (separating laterally) during the backswing instead of staying connected. A connected trail elbow (pointing toward the ground at the top) creates an inside downswing path. A flying elbow creates an outside (over-the-top) downswing path — the classic slice setup. Some elite players use a flying elbow successfully (Lee Trevino, Ben Hogan), but they make compensatory moves that most amateur golfers cannot consistently replicate. The fix: feel the trail elbow pointing toward the ground at the top of the backswing, keep a towel under the trail arm through the takeaway to train connection. GOATY tracks the path patterns that reveal whether your backswing position is creating an over-the-top delivery.
See How Flying Elbow Affects YOUR Swing — In Real Time
GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including flying elbow — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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GOATY tracks the path patterns that reveal whether your backswing position is setting up an over-the-top delivery. Book a free live lesson to see your own flying elbow data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flying Elbow in golf?
A swing fault where the trail elbow moves away from the body in the backswing, creating an over-the-top downswing.
Why does flying elbow matter for scoring?
The flying elbow describes the trail elbow lifting away from the body (separating laterally) during the backswing instead of staying connected. A connected trail elbow (pointing toward the ground at the top) creates an inside downswing path. A flying elbow creates an outside (ove...
How can I improve my flying elbow?
GOATY tracks the path patterns that reveal whether your backswing position is setting up an over-the-top delivery. GOATY AI measures your flying elbow in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good flying elbow for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your flying elbow compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.