An Impact Sprinkler is a common type of sprinkler used for watering large or long lawns and gardens. In an Impact Sprinkler, a swinging arm bounces the stream of water pushed out through the sprinkler head forcing the head to move and distribute the water in a circular pattern. This is different to Oscillating sprinkler which has a long tube, with multiple sprinkler holes, that slowly moves back & forth with the force of water.