1-F Hitter or Swinger?
 

The Backstroke is normally the tip-off. Longer, 'looser' Backstrokes -- Swingers. Shorter, 'stiffer' Backstrokes -- Hitters.

Hitter or Swinger? GM#65
 

1. Swingers do not need to go to parallel or beyond. In fact, only physically weak players who need a very long period of time to achieve their maximum Hand Speed should go that far. For all others, the long swing is more of a problem than a solution because they reach their maximum Hand Speed before Impact and thereby dissipate the Lag (6-C-2-D). For all Swingers, it is only necessary that they Float or Drag Load (7-19-2/3) the Secondary Lever Assembly (the Club). This can be done without the use of gravity in the Rotating Lag Pressure Point procedure, i.e., the pull of gravity causing the Lag to Load against the Top of the Shaft as the Club goes to parallel or beyond.

2. Homer was able to Grip the Club with the Left Hand Vertical and the Left Thumb Aft of the Shaft. He actually had a 'gap' between the Left Forefinger and Thumb. Personally, I prefer to Grip the Club with the Left Wrist Turned slightly to accomodate the Aft Thumb. Strong tendencies (1-H) and Psychological Needs must be accomodated!

P.S. To clear your Fog on how to Drag Load a Putting Stroke, simply use the Pull Minor Basic Stroke (10-3-D) to accelerate the Club longitudinally (with either Arm).

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#104
 

DG,

You are absolutely right about Arnie in his prime. Like almost everybody else, he had a mixed set of Hitting and Swinging Components. He set up as a Swinger (with the classic Bent Left Wrist instead of the Hitter's preferred Fix alignment) and he swung to the End (parallel and beyond) instead of stopping at the Top (of the Line Path). He used a Shoulder Turn Takeaway to take his Hitter's Single Wrist Action (Angled Hinge 10-18-C-2) to the Top. From there, though, he was all Drive. An out-and-out Four Barrel Hitter. In his early years, he even teed his Driver low and took turf! And he always had the 'Drive-Out' of the Right Arm Thrust carrying him 'above Plane' into that famous Palmer whirlybird Finish.

Homer told me that Palmer's Finish was the result of using the Cross-Line Angle of Approach procedure, not the 10-5-A Plane Line. I commented that Palmer's Backstroke was flatter than would be the case using Homer's Angle of Approach procedure with the 10-5-E Closed Plane Line. He said that was okay, "you'll just have a little sharper Cross-Line Motion" as a result. But, he also said that it could easily be overdone and that you're "skirting disaster" -- the big hook. Homer also liked the fact that Arnie hit 'Down' so agressively. And that he played the ball back and took such big divots with the short irons. Clearly, Arnie liked to Hit. And so did Homer!

I followed Arnie at my first Masters -- his 10th -- in 1964. I was 17, he was 34, and he won for the 4th and final time. Forty years later -- with me at 57 and he at 74 -- I returned to the Augusta National that special Friday of his final competitive round just to pay homage. The King's hair now was white, his body thicker, and his Stroke shorter, but no matter: The magic was still there. Not since Bobby Jones has a golfer so transcended his sport. The crowd loved Arnie, and he loved them. And on that glorious spring day, framed by the rolling green fairways and tall Georgia pines he had first seen fifty years before, Arnold Palmer bid his Army farewell. As we welcomed him home with our applause and our cheers and our smiles, I can tell you that there wasn't a dry eye in the house...

Including, I'm proud to say, my own.

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#106
 

When using the Right Shoulder to launch the Driving Right Arm, Palmer, Stadler and Trevino are Four-Barrel Hitters, not Four-Barrel Swingers.

Dual Horizontal Hinging employs a Dual Hinge arrangement: A Primary Hinge -- the Horizontal Hinge -- to control the Clubface alignment and a Secondary Hinge -- the Angled Hinge -- to keep the Clubshaft On Plane.

Angled Hinging employs only one Hinge (because the Clubshaft is already, by definition, On Plane). Hence, there is no 'Dual' Angled Hinging.

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#109
 

DG

I'm out of town for the next week and should have been long gone. I may have Net access, but if I don't, I will answer the questions you've posed when I get back.

For now, regarding your first couple of questions, there are two references that should suffice:

1. "...consider Pivot Thrust...as supplying the initial acceleration of the Hitter's loaded Power Package..." (2-M-4).

2. "Pivot Lag (9-1) is...launching pad for Hitters..." (6-C-0).

The idea is that the Hitter's Right Shoulder functions more as structural support for the Right Arm Thrust instead of active Thrust of the Left Arm. In other words, the Hitter's Right Shoulder provides the 'equal and opposite reaction' support necessary for his Right Arm to Push against. The Swinger's Right Shoulder, on the other hand, actively Drives his 'essentially inert Left Arm.'

I'm outa here!

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#143
 

You teach The Truth, ecox3. Your lesson book must be full!

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#144
 

Will do soon, DG. Right now, I'm wet to the bone in seawater, and I have a granddaughter climbing all over me :oops:. For now, 10-20-B and C will have to wait, but soon!

When is a Method a Method?
 

Sorry for butting in, but its after midnight, and I couldn't stand the suspense. It's hard to sleep with these questions just hanging out there! :oops:

The True Swinger allows Centrifugal Force to align for Impact all three Functions of the Club, i.e., the Clubhead, the Clubshaft and the Clubface.

The Manipulated Swinger allows Centrifugal Force to align the Clubhead and the Clubshaft. Using Grip Rotation (7-2) and optionally, a Hinge Action (10-10-C or 10-10-E) other than Dual Horizontal, he himself aligns the Clubface.

The selected Trigger Type, Assembly Point, Loading Action, Delivery Path and Release Point (10-20/21/22/23/24) are simply Stroke Pattern Component Variations and are therefore available to both the True and the Manipulated Swinger.

So, the Swinger's Basic Stroke Pattern (12-2-0) could be either 'True' or 'Manipulated.' The differentiation is not determined by the Assembly, Loading, Triggering, Delivery and Release Components, but by whether or not Centrifugal Force alone is permitted to align the Clubface for Impact.

When is a Method a Method? GM#149
 

The Right Arm Swinger is a 'True' Right Arm Swinger if he allows Centrifugal Force alone to align the Clubface for Impact. Otherwise, he is a 'Manipulated Hands' Right Arm Swinger. Due the Ball Location difficulties experienced by True Swingers as explained in prior posts, I would think that most Right Arm Swingers would choose to 'Manipulate.'

When is a Method a Method? GM#150
 

DG,

So what's wrong with being a Manipulated Hands Right Arm Swinger? You've got all the power of the True Right Arm Swinger with the additional ability to control the Ball Location and the Clubface.

Besides, I never said you couldn't be a True Right Arm Swinger (if you wanted to be one). I just said you had an option.

There may be reasons to 'check out,' DG, but this ain't one of'em! C'mon back! :oops:

When is a Method a Method? GM#151
 

Can't speak for the 1991 TGM Community. I was doing my sabbatical in a galaxy far away. :oops:

When is a Method a Method? GM#155
 

Yes, I agree. My post should be interpreted as follows:

"Dual Horizontal Hinge Action is mandatory for True Swingers and normal for Manipulated Swingers. However, Manipulated Swingers have the option of using Angled and Dual Vertical Hinge Actions as well, providing they make the necessary adjustments (Clubface Alignment and Rhythm)."


The above explanation assumes the use of the Inclined Plane. However, while I'm clarifying, I suppose I should address the two remaining Hinge Action Variations; namely, Horizontal (Only) Hinge Action (10-10-A) and Vertical (Only) Hinge Action (10-10-B). These Variations operate in a Vertical Plane, not on an Inclined Plane. Horizontal (Only) is available to both True and Manipulated Swingers. Vertical (Only) is available to only Manipulated Swingers. And what about Angled (Only) Hinge Action? In the absence of an Inclined Plane, i.e, the use of a Vertical or a Horizontal Plane, it does not exist (by definition).

From a theoretical standpoint, these two Variations serve as the basis for their 'Dual Action' counterparts (10-10-D/E). From a practical standpoint, they satisfy the need of the player who ignores the Inclined Plane, typically for short Shots such as Putting and Chipping. In such Strokes, his Clubhead 'Covers' the Straight Plane Line instead of Tracing it. In other words, the player causes the Clubhead to move in a Vertical Plane -- Up and Back (no 'In') and Down and Forward (no 'Out') -- and not on an Inclined Plane. As he does so, he executes (with his Flat Left Wrist) either the Horizontal or Vertical Hinge Motion of the Clubface.

Well, I'm sure the above first paragraph lifted any remaining Fog from my prior post. Unfortunately, I'm equally sure that the next two lowered more of their own. Not to worry: That's part of The Journey we call The Golfing Machine. Take what you can for now, and throw the rest in your Incubator. Turn it over now and then, and over time, you'll be surprised at what pecks its way out of the shell.

Meanwhile, lay off my ears! :oops:

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#167
 

The Snap Releases -- both Non-automatic and Automatic -- are available for both Hitters and Swingers.

Hitters vs. Swingers GM#201
 

Quote:

Originally posted by MizunoJoe
[br]6b1d,

Thanks for the summary - I was pretty sure Yoda would get you into the 4-barrel HITTING procedure with the driving right shoulder. [Bold by Yoda.]



To accelerate the Clubhead from the Top, Swingers use Centrifugal Throwout Action and Hitters use Muscular Drive-Out Action. Accordingly, each uses the Right Shoulder in a very different way. Swingers use it to actively 'drive,' or accelerate, the essentially inert Left Arm (the #4 Power Accumulator) into Impact. Hitters use it to take up the initial slack during the Start Down and then as the 'equal and opposite force' backstop required to accelerate their Driving Right Arm (the #1 Power Accumulator) into Impact.

The Swinger's active Right Shoulder accelerates the Left Arm, and Centrifugal Force and its Throw-Out Action then powers the Clubhead. The Right Arm remains passive -- except for its Right Triceps Extensor Action and the #3 Pressure Point sensing and directing the Clubhead Lag -- and thus the Stroke remains Three-Barrel. In contrast, the Hitter's active Right Shoulder serves as the 'launching pad' for the Right Arm and its Muscular Drive-out Action that powers the Clubhead. Since the Right Arm then drives the entire Primary Lever Assembly (including the Left Arm), the Full-Power Hitting Stroke can properly be classified as Four-Barrel.

Flat Left Wrist at Address GM#212
 

Swingers use the Pull of Centrifugal Force to Throw the Club Out into Release. Hitters use the Push of Muscular Thrust to Drive the Club Out into Release.

Flat Left Wrist at Address GM#215
 

quote="jerry1967 "]
why can't i be both a hitter and a swinger?
[/quote]


You can Swing or Hit on any given Stroke. You just can't do both simultaneously.

Hitting or Right Arm Swinging? BM#30
 

You may recall from Mr. Alford's earlier post that he drives the Ball 300
yards using his Right Arm. You may also recall that he rebuffed my
presumptive comment -- that he was appropriately using Right Triceps Thrust
in a Hitting procedure -- and stated that he was Swinging.


Well, let's give credit where credit is due: The above described condition is
entirely consistent with that suffered by many who choose to Swing the
Right Arm (from the Elbow) instead of using it to Drive the Left (from
the Shoulder). Our Right Arms are made to move in a straight-line Piston
Motion -- Hitting or Swinging. Those who vigorously do otherwise tempt Mr.
Alford's fate.

Hit or Right Arm Swing? BM#32
 

David,

I am delighted to learn of your recovery. Sincerely, I am. I did find the two
items -- a strong Right Arm Swing and injured right elbow ligaments -- to be
more than coincidental since that exact condition is described in 7-19 of The
Golfing Machine. I viewed your unfortunate news not as a springboard to
'dribble,' but as an opportunity to make the connection and perhaps assist
others in a similar predicament.


As it turns out, your injury was not golf-related. Nevertheless, it is a fact
that the people I know wearing those bands on their right forearms do not
shoot the bow or play the guitar. They swing their right arm.

Hit or Right Arm Swing? BM#38
 

I am not a medical doctor. However, I am an adequate Golf Stroke mechanic,
and my stated reference was to Homer's 'ligament injury' comment in 7-19, not
to tendonitis.


Personally, I have never experienced tendonitis or 'golfer's elbow.' But I
don't Swing my Right Arm, either.

What's easier? BM#44
 

It is true that Swinging requires much less conscious control than Hitting,
especially during the learning process. Hence Homer's words: "You can
practically sleep and Swing."


It is also true that, as with Swinging, the Hitter's Impact is indeed a
violent collision of Clubface and Ball. However, also as with Swinging, the
Motion that produces that violence is 'very deliberate, positive and heavy'
(3-F-6).

Blood Thirst BM#49
 

That was not Homer Kelley's conclusion. Enjoy the exact words of The Master:

"I think Hitting is going to become far, far more popular than Swinging
with the real blood-thirsty golfers, the money-hungry golfers. They're going
to go to Hitting because it is...they have total control; much better finesse;
more positive control of Power; and less total body involvement."

"It is far more difficult to learn, but far easier to execute
when you get it. Oh, it's so simple! Nothing ever happens! Nothing ever gets
out of line! You just take it up and come down! And you can slam it as hard
as you want to if you stayed with this Right Forearm alignment."

"And you'll find all of a sudden you don't have to Throw the
Club. Just come down any speed you want and it just comes right through. And
not having to 'Rotate the Plane Lines' [Ed: to curve the Ball.] -- gee,
that's a tremendous advantage. But, it is harder to learn, but lots
easier to execute once you've learned it. Much more individual. You feel like
you're controlling every little ingredient."


"I think it's great."

Homer Drives and Homer Drags
 

Despite his preference for Hitting, Homer Kelley felt he could become equally
adept at Swinging once he had completed his 'research' and he could
concentrate on Scoring. Unfortunately, that day never came.

Drag and Drive BM#80
 

That would be Longitudinal Acceleration, Drew, i.e., Pulling the Butt
End of the Clubshaft lengthwise toward the Plane Line and causing the
Clubshaft to act as a piece of string, or "Rope." Linear
Acceleration would be the Hitter's procedure, i.e., Right Arm Thrust against
the Axe Handle (2-K).:oops:

Homer the dreamweaver BM#88
 

"You can practically sleep and Swing."


-- Homer Kelley

Yoda vs. Holenone BM#139
 

My twin Yoda teaches both Hitting and Swinging. And he can do both equally
well. He says 'Swing if you want and here's how.' Or, 'Hit if you want and
here's how.'

But he's a 'Wus.'


I like to Hit.

Yoda vs. Holenone BM#148
 

My twin Yoda teaches both Hitting and Swinging. And he can do both equally
well. He says 'Swing if you want and here's how.' Or, 'Hit if you want and
here's how.'

But he's a 'Wus.'


I like to Hit.






Who would win a "head to head" match between Yoda swinging and
Yoda hitting?:oops:





Me.

But not because I'm a better Ball Striker. We're both about the same.
Although, now that I think about it, more times than not, I do seem to stick
it inside him with irons.

The big difference is Putting. Yoda's got the yips and won't go to the Long Putter.
I did -- years ago -- and now my putts run into the hole like scared mice.

The other day, for example, I'm out in 32 and in in 33 for a nice little 65
with only 25 putts. Yoda finished...well, let's just say, a distant second!

All he could mumble as we walked off the 18th was:

"I don't believe it!"

And then I laid one of his old lines on him:

"And that, dear brother, is why you fail."


:oops:

Achieving Max Speed Hitting & Swinging BM#209
 

Maximum Clubhead Speed is achieved almost instantly at Release for
both Swingers and Hitters (2-M-1 and 6-F-0). The Clubhead does not
pick up Speed during the Release Interval (the Overtaking of the Hands by the
Club). Instead, it tends to slow down!

Swingers use the Body Pivot as a Rotor to accelerate the Left
Arm. This generates Momentum Transfer (from the Rotating Body into the
extending Radius of the Left Arm and Club per 2-K) and the Throw-Out Action
of Centrifugal Force. This combination virtually eliminates Clubhead
Deceleration during Release, and as a result, the Clubhead maintains a
constant speed into Impact.

Hitters, on the other hand, use the Body as a Launching Pad
from which to Drive the Right Arm. Hence, Momentum Transfer is
unavailable to prevent Release Deceleration. Therefore, the Timing and
Trigger Delay of the Right Arm Thrust become critical in preventing a massive
slowdown of the Clubhead during Release. Learning to handle this Release
Deceleration problem is one of the biggest stumbling blocks the Swinger must
overcome when learning to Hit.

For both Swingers and Hitters, Impact is a violent collision of Ball
and Club. Since the Ball hits the Club as hard as the Club hits the Ball, the
Clubhead decelerates significantly. The Ball's mass is about one-fifth (20
percent) of that of the Clubhead, and so the Clubhead's Approach Speed is slowed
to approximately 80 percent at Separation. It is important that this Impact
Deceleration be minimized because in addition to its own 70 percent
Coefficient of Restitution, the Ball picks up 100 percent of the Clubhead's
Speed at Separation. In this department, the only defense is the familiar
mantra of The Golfing Machine...


Sustain the Lag!

Help! I don't know if I'm a Swinger or a Hitter CE#43
 

Looks like a duck to me CE#50
 

Rope Handle or Axe Handle CE#53