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

The physics of a free throw

Chapter 1

The arc of triumph

View / Create

Answer

Chapter 2

The spin doctor

View / Create

Answer

Chapter 3

The kinetic pipeline

View / Create

Answer

Chapter 4

The chaotic court

View / Create

Answer

YOUR GOAL

Master of The physics of a free throw

Ch 2 · The spin doctor
dave

dave The Magnus effect in action

Jul 29

dave

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

dave

dave The deadening effect of spin

Jul 29

dave
The Magnus effect in action

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

Jul 29

dave
The magic of three revolutions

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

Jul 29

dave
Spin Doctor's Swish
BETA

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

Jul 29

dave
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

dave
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

dave
Gossip

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

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave

dave The magic of three revolutions

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave

dave Friction and the leather seams

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29

dave
Quiz

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

Jul 29