The 20 Most Important Principles of Physics in Basketball
Physics and basketball are by their very nature intertwined. Every action taken during a basketball game is dictated and manipulated by the laws that govern all of us. Understanding the principles of physics can help players improve their performance, make more accurate shots, and better anticipate the movements of the ball and other players.
Understanding these principles can also improve a fans understanding of what the players are doing while on the court and the game itself perhaps leading to a greater appreciation of the beauty of the sport. I’m not a physicist but have watched and viewed basketball through this prism for two decades and wanted to share what I have learned over that time. Below are what I consider to be the most important 20 principles that dictate the game with a brief description of how the principle influences the game of basketball:
Motion: Basketball involves a lot of movement, including running, jumping, and changing direction. The laws of motion explain how objects move, and they apply to the movement of the ball, the players, and even the air around them. For example, the first law of motion (also known as the law of inertia) states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force. This means that the ball will not move unless someone throws it or bounces it.
Forces: Basketball involves a number of forces, including gravity, friction, and air resistance. Gravity pulls the ball and the players towards the ground, while friction and air resistance can affect the movement of the ball as it travels through the air or bounces on the court. Players can also apply forces to the ball through their actions, such as pushing or shooting the ball.
Momentum: Momentum is a property of moving objects that is related to their mass and velocity. In basketball, the momentum of the ball and the players can affect the outcome of the game. For example, a player with a lot of momentum can be harder to stop or change direction, while a ball with a lot of momentum can be harder to catch or deflect.
Energy: Basketball involves a lot of energy, both in terms of the energy players use to move and the energy the ball has as it moves around the court. The energy of the ball can be converted from one form to another, such as when a player shoots the ball and converts their kinetic energy into potential energy. Energy can also be transferred between objects, such as when a player passes the ball to a teammate.
Trajectory: Trajectory is the path that an object takes through the air, and it is influenced by factors such as the angle of release, the speed of the object, and air resistance. In basketball, players need to understand trajectory in order to shoot accurately and make successful passes.
Elasticity: Elasticity is the ability of an object to return to its original shape after being deformed. In basketball, elasticity is important in the bounce of the ball. When the ball is dribbled or bounced, it compresses and then springs back, allowing it to continue moving. Players need to be able to predict the trajectory of the ball after it bounces off the ground.
Center of Mass: The center of mass is the point in an object where its mass is evenly distributed in all directions. In basketball, the center of mass is important for players to maintain their balance and stability while moving and jumping. A player's center of mass can also affect their ability to change direction quickly.
Rotation: Rotation is the movement of an object around its center of mass. In basketball, rotation is important for shooting, as players need to spin the ball to give it the right amount of spin and backspin for accuracy. Rotation also affects the trajectory of the ball in the air.
Torque: Torque is a twisting force that causes rotational motion. In basketball, players use torque when they shoot the ball or make a pass. The force that they apply to the ball causes it to rotate, which affects its trajectory.
Friction: Friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. In basketball, friction affects the movement of the ball on the court, as well as the movement of players. The type of surface on the court can also affect friction, with some surfaces being more or less slippery than others.
Air Pressure: Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air on an object. In basketball, air pressure affects the bounce and flight of the ball. The amount of air pressure in the ball can affect its bounce, with higher pressure leading to a higher bounce.
Conservation of Energy: The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In basketball, this principle applies to the energy of the ball as it moves around the court. The energy of the ball can be transformed from kinetic energy to potential energy and back again as it is passed, shot, and rebounded.
Elastic Collisions: Elastic collisions are collisions where no kinetic energy is lost. In basketball, elastic collisions occur when the ball bounces off a backboard or the rim of the basket. If the collision is elastic, the ball will bounce back with the same amount of energy that it had before the collision.
Inelastic Collisions: Inelastic collisions are collisions where some kinetic energy is lost. In basketball, inelastic collisions occur when two players collide, or when the ball hits the ground. If the collision is inelastic, some of the energy will be converted into other forms, such as heat or sound.
Projectile Motion: Projectile motion is the motion of an object through the air under the influence of gravity. In basketball, projectile motion applies to the flight of the ball after it is shot or passed. The path of the ball can be predicted using the principles of projectile motion, taking into account the angle of release, the velocity, and the height of the shot.
Work: Work is the amount of energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance. In basketball, work is done when a player shoots the ball, passes the ball, or rebounds the ball. The amount of work that is done depends on the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied.
Impulse: Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time. In basketball, impulse applies to the forces that are applied to the ball during a shot or a pass. The amount of impulse that is applied can affect the momentum of the ball, and therefore its trajectory.
Fluid Dynamics: Fluid dynamics is the study of the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) and the forces that affect their motion. In basketball, fluid dynamics applies to the movement of air around the ball as it flies through the air. This can affect the trajectory and speed of the ball.
Moment of Inertia: Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion. In basketball, moment of inertia applies to the rotation of the ball when it is shot or passed. The moment of inertia can affect the amount of spin on the ball and its trajectory.
Conservation of Momentum: The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. In basketball, conservation of momentum applies to collisions between players and between the ball and the court. The momentum of the players or the ball can be transferred or conserved during these collisions.
LAST NIGHT IN THE NBA…
HoopSpaces Top 5 Players plus NBA Highlights from last night.
PG - Tyrese Haliburton - 29pts 2reb 19ast (only 1 turnover)
SG - Kelly Oubre - 27pts 4reb 1ast 1stl
SF - Lauri Markkanen - 31pts 5reb 2ast
PF - Jabari Smith Jr - 30pts 12reb 3ast 2stl 1blk
C - Domantas Sabonis - 24pts 13reb 10ast 1blk
NEWS AND NOTES FROM AROUND THE NBA
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Jalen Brunson re-injures foot - After missing two games with a sore left foot, the Knicks’ starting point guard didn’t come out for the second half Thursday night due to the same injury, the team announced.
Jonathon Kuminga injured during warm-ups - It didn’t take but less than a week for another player to injure their ankle during pregame warm-ups.
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