Slam Dunk Science

Reported November 2007

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Basketball players looking to rule the court may need more than just skill and endurance to be a top player. A good dribble some fancy footwork … It might look good on the court, but when it comes to playing the game, getting the ball through the hoop is what basketball is all about.

But it’s not that easy for every player. Now, physicist and former college ball player, John Fontanella teaches a few basic principles of science to help players make the basket every time!

One popular move is the jump shot. But many players release the ball too soon and miss the basket.

“One of the most important things that I found … is that the ball really needs to be released right at the top of the jump,” Fontanella said.

At that moment, the player isn't moving -- his velocity is zero. Releasing the ball at the top gives the player better control of the ball and making it more likely that he will make the shot. Another shot, the lay-up, can be an easy shot to make by hitting the backboard at just the right spot.

“I found the sweet spot for a right hand lay up and the sweet spot for a left hand lay up,” Fontanella said.

The secret is hitting the top corners of the square on the backboard; the angle of the ball is perfect and lands the shot almost every time.

“A little bit of knowledge of physics helps you play the game better,” Fontanella said.

The American Association of Physics Teachers contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:

John Fontanella, US Naval Academy
(410) 293-5507
fontanel@comcast.net

American Association of Physics Teachers,
College Park, MD
(301) 209-3311
http://www.aapt.org

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