The setup is critical to allowing the club and body to move properly in the backswing. On tour, nearly every player starts with a soft trail arm. The right elbow for right-handers is slightly bent ...

If so, use a shorter arm swing when you perform the backswing test.) Notice how getting the right elbow into the correct delivery position “shallows” the shaft and creates powerful lag. Perfect!

“My ‘flying right elbow’ and ‘upright’ plane have sometimes been criticized as poor backswing form,” Nicklaus said in an article in the May 1972 issue of Golf Digest.

To really nail it, make a right-hand-only backswing (above, left), creating as much space as possible between your right elbow and side. Stop at the top and add your left hand (above, right).

Grab a towel and loop it around your trail elbow, then gather both ends with your lead hand (below, left). Then, get into your golf posture and mimic a backswing with your trail arm and your core ...

If you have to, let your right elbow fly away from your body. This will give you a higher, longer backswing. You might get verification on this one from Jack Nicklaus.

It keeps your right elbow in a good position to the top of the backswing, which gives you a good chance to bring the club down on a good plane and on a good path.

Learn to watch swings. Look for common characteristics in the way the pros swing. Watch for backswing length and the angle the club makes with their leading arm (left arm for right-handed golfers).

Myth No. 5: Keep your right elbow in close to your side on the backswing. Answer: If you overdo keeping your elbow close to your side, you won't get any extension or swing arc.

That augments proper shoulder rotation behind the ball, allowing your right elbow to correctly point at your right hip in the backswing.