I have no idea what the "correct" way is to dry a poodle. However, I learned to use a force dryer years ago blow drying show cattle (which have hair in excess of 4 inches long on a good calf), and that's the same technique I use for my poodles. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a good video online, so I will try to explain.
I hold the nozzle close to the skin, laying at about a 30 degree angle into the hair, facing toward the head. This causes the hair to all be blown in the same direction (instead of in a circle) and pretty much eliminates "whipping" and tangles. I move the nozzle opposite the direction the air is blowing. If you move it in the same direction you are blowing the hair, it will cause tangles. I work on a small section at a time, for example the neck, moving the nozzle from ear to shoulder, blowing forward toward the head, then once I get to the shoulder I pick the nozzle up away from the dog and move it back to the ear and start again. Once that section is dry, I move to the shoulder area, same concept.
Like I said, I have no idea if this is "proper" but it works extremely well for me. And if you ever decide to blow dry show cattle, you will have a leg up on the competition