[phillygolf]

Is Drag Loading and Drive Loading really what differentiates a Swinger from a Hitter? I have come to the conclusion that the answer is no.

Tong,
I respectfully disagree...more below...

It is possible for you to Drag Load at Startdown and still Push the Club through Impact, so you will ultimately be classified as a Hitter. Or you can Drive Load but Pull the Club with Left Arm Centrifugal Power, hence you're a Swinger. I believe the former is actually quite common on Tour.

Any comments?

This is a common misconception of the essence of Hitting/Swinging. Loading, as in Drag/Drive, is defined by how we accelerate (or load) the clubshaft (or secondary lever assembly). If one begins with dragging - any opposing movement, such as driving radially (or crosswise) against the shaft will cause the shaft to lose it's initial flex (or load)...and the lag. It inevitable. The shaft will react to the acceleration method - either longitudinally or radially - and any deviation will cause the shaft to 'catch up'. Same with beginning with drive loading and then trying to change to Drag.

Don't be misled by what appears to be happening per 6-H-0. There are all kinds of compensations - Azinger swings with no swivel and a hitting type motion. But that 'punch shot', no matter appearance, doesnt negate his acceleration method.

Let me know if there is any fog on this issue or if I am offbase.

Patrick