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The physics of a slam dunk
Discover the incredible forces, biomechanics, and mathematical illusions that allow basketball players to defy gravity and shatter backboards.
4 chapters76 assets
by dave · Jul 26, 2026
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Chapter 1
Defying gravity with vertical leap
1The launch pad of ground reaction force
2The secret of the stretch-shortening cycle
3Arm swing as a rocket booster
4The math of the approach run
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Chapter 2
The illusion of hang time
1The parabolic path of a human projectile
2The physical limit of human flight
3How pulling up legs creates an illusion
4The role of air resistance
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Chapter 3
Collision and the rim reaction
1The invention of the breakaway rim
2Where the dunk energy goes
3The danger of hanging on the rim
4Friction, grip, and ball spin
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Chapter 4
Biomechanics of the slam
1The torque of the windup
2The mechanics of landing safely
3The physics of the double clutch
4Why height and wingspan dominate
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