The Physics of Basketball

By: Rebecca MazurSarah McCarthyTaylor LaPorte

When the ball hits the back board, the force of the board causes the ball to switch direction. The gravitational force causes the ball to fall into the net.

A certain amount of force is needed for the ball to reach the basket. The force that the shooter puts on the ball must be greater than the force that the ball is putting on the shooter.

As you can see, when you understand the physics, you can achieve your desired result and make a basket.

To dribble a ball, you need to put a force on it toward the floor. The floor will exert this same force, sending the ball back to your hand every time.

To perform a chest pass, two players use force to pass the ball back and forth. Friction helps you catch it.

When a bounce pass is made, the floor causes the ball to bounce back up. Which can be explained by Newton’s 3rd law. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction

The rough bumps on the basketball create friction so you can have a better grip on the ball.

Bumps on the shoe also create friction on the floor and make it easier for a player to stop or change direction.

Sources

http://www.fearofphysics.com/Proj/proj.htmlhttp://www.secretsofshooting.com/physical.htmlhttp://www.worsleyschool.net/science/files/physicsof/basketball.html