ARTi

The physics of a slam dunk

Chapter 1

Defying gravity with vertical leap

View / Create

Answer

Chapter 2

The illusion of hang time

View / Create

Answer

Chapter 3

Collision and the rim reaction

View / Create

Answer

Chapter 4

Biomechanics of the slam

View / Create

Answer

YOUR GOAL

Master of The physics of a slam dunk

Ch 1 · Defying gravity with vertical leap
dave
dave

dave Arm swing as a rocket booster

1h ago

dave
dave
Hangtime Hoop

dave Hangtime Hoop

1h ago

dave
dave

dave The secret of the stretch-shortening cycle

1h ago

dave
dave

dave The launch pad of ground reaction force

1h ago

dave
dave

dave The math of the approach run

1h ago

dave
dave

dave Physics of the Slam Dunk

We're spending half the flight just floating at the peak of the rise

1h ago

dave
dave
Arm swing as a rocket booster

dave Arm swing as a rocket booster

1h ago

dave
dave
Fun Fact

Vertical leap energy: Elite dunkers push against the court with a force equal to four times their body weight to launch themselves upward.

1h ago

dave
dave
The secret of the stretch-shortening cycle

dave The secret of the stretch-shortening cycle

1h ago

dave
dave
Glossary
hang time (noun)
The total time a person or object remains suspended in the air after jumping. Michael Jordan recorded a legendary hang time of 0.92 seconds during his 1988 slam dunk contest victory.

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

If an elite basketball player weighs 200 pounds, how much downward force might they exert on the court during takeoff?

1h ago

dave
dave
Gossip

Which dunk style looks coolest?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

What is the step called where a running basketball player plants their foot to convert speed into height?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

How does storing energy in tendons during a pre-jump bend compare to jumping from a static, still crouch?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

By approximately what percentage can a proper two-arm swing increase a basketball player's jump height?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

What is the biological mechanism called that stores elastic energy in tendons during a quick pre-jump bend?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

Which physical law explains why the floor pushes a jumping basketball player upward with equal force?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

How does a running start help a basketball player jump higher than a standing leap?

1h ago

dave
dave
Quiz

According to Newton's third law of motion, how does a basketball player initiate a jump?

1h ago