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The Physics of Football

The Physics of Football

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The Physics of Football

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  1. The Physics of Football Lou Bloomfield University of Virginia September 24, 2005

  2. Five Vignettes • The Fullback Scrambles Just Out of Reach • The Offensive Lineman Blocks the Rusher • The Defensive Back Tackles the Ball Carrier • The Quarterback Passes to the Receiver • The Kicker Boots the Ball

  3. The Fullback ScramblesJust Out of Reach • Why is it easiest for the fullback to • stay motionless? • run steadily in a straight line? • Why does dodging take so much leg strength? • Why does the fullback lean as he dodges?

  4. The Offensive LinemanBlocks the Rusher • Why is a huge lineman so hard to move? • Is the lineman’s weight the issue? • If he wore roller skates, would he be easier to move? • Why does a running start help either player? • Why is padding so important to avoiding injury?

  5. The Defensive BackTackles the Ball Carrier • Why does the ball carrier • stay upright when hit at chest/stomach height? • flip backward when hit at shoulder height? • flip forward when hit around the legs?

  6. The Quarterback Passesto the Receiver • What distinguishes different types of passes? • Why does a screen pass stay low but travel fast? • Why does a long bomb arc high but travel slowly? • Why can’t a mere mortal be quarterback? • Why does a good receiver need soft hands? • Why is a smooth spiral so helpful?

  7. The Kicker Boots the Ball • Why do different plays require different kicks? • How does a field goal kicker maximize distance? • How does a punter maximize time in the air?

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