would it be possible to give a brief overview

[shootin4par]

of the two types of swings without much TGM terminology? I am just curious because with very little instruction and very little practice I can hit very straight 155-160 yard six irons using a hitting stroke. All it do is take away with my right elbow and extend my right arm while rotating my left forearm. Shoulders barely turn in the backswing. I have a hard time hitting a driver this way though.

SO my questions are what is different about the backswing, how do distances compare, and are they any examples of pros who use the hiting stroke?

 

[birdie_man]

Hitters, as far as I know, do not use a startup swivel (the rotating of the left arm, as you say).

Pros: Stadler, Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Kenny Perry.

Distance is pretty much the same if you do it right. Arnie was long I'm pretty sure. Perry is long (and one of the best ballstrikers on tour- check his stats).

Yoda (Lynn Blake), Ted Fort, AND Brian Manzella (I think) Hit....

....

Swing length is to 3/4....the "Top" as it's called in TGM (vs. the "End").

 

[Brian Manzella]

Brian Manzella in the below sig is swinging, but can do either

Hitting vs. Swinging basic ideas are presented in Manzella Video Short #1

 

[PChandler]

Shootin4Par

Brian also once posted this.
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Hitting: The clubface stay square feeling, the right arm and feet halt the shortish backswing, the feet and right arm and hips and right shoulder ALL start 'out to right field' (or straight at the ball from the top). Once the pivot gets the downstroke going, the right pushes the club through with no face rotation as it pushes against the right shoulder.

Swinging: The clubface and left hand open on the backswing and the right forefinger feels like it halts the full backswing. The left hand and arm being FLUNG by the unwinding pivot start toward the ball as if to karate chop the impact area STILL open. The sweetspot of the club automatically rolls the clubface back to square.
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