Say a couple of punk kids break into your house. You don't want to brain some kid in your own personal space where your kids will see the blood and bone chips all over the floor. So you pick up your rubber mallet. One strong blow to the chest will leave that punk kid wheezing and crying like a little baby. Then you just poke him in the chest with your finger until he gives up the names of his accomplices. By the time the police show up, the case is closed and you can turn him over.