22nd Annual Student Research Conference
The Physics of Football
John R. King
Dr. Matthew M. Beaky, Faculty Mentor
The game of American football is filled with examples of classical physics. Like American Football, the physics behind the game is intricate and somewhat complicated to the untrained observer. Fundamental techniques of American football have been developed over many years from the experiences of coaches and players, but the physical reasoning behind these techniques are not widely known. In particular, the characteristics of a football in flight, whether from a kick or a throw, can be described using classical physics. Applying the theories of classical mechanics and dynamics to the flight of an American football gives an insight to why these techniques are so effective.
Keywords: Physics , Football, Sports
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 54-1
Location: VH 1412
Time: 2:45