[Yoda]

I've read 2-K and 7-19 countless times, but I don't understand what this has to do with an axe handle. Are we really talking about an "axing" motion, like when you are using an axe or does this reference mean something else?

Will,

We're not talking about an "axing motion" here. We're talking about the physics of Clubshaft structure.

Imagine the Clubshaft as an axe handle. Not steel...not graphite...just a stiff, wooden axe handle. The Hitter Loads his Right Elbow during the Start Down and then uses it to Push the Axe Handle Clubshaft (and its attached Clubhead) through Release and Impact.

If the Clubshaft were something more flexible -- say, a piece of rope -- then a Swinger could Pull the 'rope' (and its attached Clubhead) through Impact. But the Hitter could not Push it through.

Bottom line:

You can push on an Axe Handle and divert its Centripetal Force into a rotating motion.

You cannot push on a Rope Handle.