ARTi
backspin: (noun) A backward rotation of a ball in flight. Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend launching

The physics of a free throw

Chapter 1

The arc of triumph

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Chapter 2

The spin doctor

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Chapter 3

The kinetic pipeline

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Chapter 4

The chaotic court

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YOUR GOAL

Master of The physics of a free throw

Ch 2 · The spin doctor
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dave The Magnus effect in action

Jul 29

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dave The Physics of Free Throws

Just give it three hertz of spin when you throw, That soft-bounce landing is part of the show.

Jul 29

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dave The deadening effect of spin

Jul 29

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The Magnus effect in action

dave Backspin generates a tiny amount of aerodynamic lift to stabilize flight.

Jul 29

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The magic of three revolutions

dave A perfect free throw rotates about three times before reaching the hoop.

Jul 29

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Spin Doctor's Swish
BETA

dave Spin the ball on release to learn how backspin creates the perfect basketball swish.

Jul 29

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Fun Fact

Soft bounce science: Backspin can reduce a basketball's bounce energy by half, turning a hard miss into a lucky roll-in.

Jul 29

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Glossary
backspin (noun)
A backward rotation of a ball in flight. Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend launching a basketball free throw with three hertz of backspin.

Jul 29

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Gossip

Do you prefer a clean swish or a friendly rim roll?

Jul 29

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Quiz

What is the recommended rotation speed (frequency) for a basketball's backspin in hertz?

Jul 29

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dave The magic of three revolutions

Jul 29

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Quiz

How many complete backward revolutions should a basketball make during a perfect free throw?

Jul 29

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dave Friction and the leather seams

Jul 29

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Quiz

How much kinetic energy can backspin dissipate when a basketball hits the rim?

Jul 29

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Quiz

What physical force causes a spinning basketball to experience aerodynamic lift?

Jul 29

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Quiz

Why does backspin make a missed basketball shot more likely to roll into the hoop?

Jul 29

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Quiz

How long does a standard basketball free throw take to travel from hand to hoop?

Jul 29

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Quiz

What feature on a basketball's surface helps players generate the necessary friction for spin?

Jul 29

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Quiz

What happens to a basketball's spin direction when it hits the backboard with backspin?

Jul 29