Physics of Basketball

Physics of Basketball

Physics for a 3-pointer

The 3-pointer

Free throws

Taking the Free Throw Shot

According to Duda and the research he has read, the lowest arc is 33 degrees for even a hope of making a 3-point shot, but with an arc of 45 degrees, a speed of just under 20 miles per hour and two revolutions per second of spin, at 20.9 feet from the basket, the player has the makings of the perfect 3-point shot.

A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points. If you miss but are fouled you get to go to the free throw line for 3 free throws but if you get fouled and make it you get 3 points and 1 free throw. NBA 3-point average is 25% and a good shooter shoots around 36%-42%.

1. First your body is in alignment with the basketball hoop

2. Then you put your hands in the form of a “T” around the ball.

3. You then hold the ball at your waist make sure you bend down then while you bend up bring the ball up with you, keep it straight and make sure to flip your wrist when you shoot.

A free throw is a shot taken when you are fouled in a basketball game. You go to the free throw line and take a set shot.

In the NBA player make around 70%-80% of their free throws

It is also a theory that taller players have a higher free throw shooting average, compared to shorter players since they are taller they are closer to the basket which makes it easier.

Taking a 3-pointer

How it began

Free Throw Records

Physics of a Free Throw

To take a 3-point shot both of your feet must be behind the arc. then all you have to do is take your shot approach and shoot the ball.

The three-point rule was first tested at the collegiate level in a 1945 NCAA game between Columbia and Fordham. However, professional basketball was the first to adopt the rule on a permanent basis. At the direction of Abe Saperstein, the American Basketball League did so in 1961, becoming the first basketball league to adopt the rule. Its three-point lines were each a radius of 25 feet (7.62 meters) from the baskets, except along the sides.

Higher Ark = Bigger Target

5’4 player should launch the ball at a 52.2 degree angle

5’8 player should launch the ball at a 51.5 degree angle

6’0 player should launch the ball at a 50.8 degree angle

6’4 player should launch the ball at a 50.1 degree angle

6’8 player should launch the ball at a 49.4 degree angle

7’0 player should launch the ball at a 48.7 degree angle

Fred Newman is the holder of five recognized free-throw Guinness records:

1) Highest percentage for 24 hours (98.2%)

2) Most free throws made in 24 hours (20,371)

3) Most free throws made in 10 minutes using two balls (388)

4) Most free throw made in-a-row blindfolded (88)

5) Most free throws made in an hour (1,639)

launch speed is determined by the amount of force you apply to get the ball to the goal. How much force is necessary is determined by your distance from the goal. For example, when shooting a 2-foot shot, you only need a launch speed of approximately 10 miles per hour. For a 3-point shot you need a launch speed of approximately 18 miles per hour. More force (speed) is necessary for longer shots to get the ball to the basket.

Ted St. Martin is the Guinness world record holder for consecutive made free throws. (5,221)

The free throw, The jump-shot, The 3-pointer

1931

How it began

Physics of a mid-range jumpshot

Question

Whats the lowest arc possible in order to make a 3-point shot?

What will a higher ark get you?

What is the easiest shot to make?

How long did it take for Ted St. Martin to beat the consecutive free throw record?

Debate still continues as to who invented the jump shot. In his book The Origins of the Jump Shot, author John Christgau makes a strong case that it was Ken Sailors in May 1934. In the NCAA collegiate archives, John Miller Cooper, who played at the University of Missouri in the 1930s, is recognized as the person to hoist the first jump shot.

A.) 45 degrees

B.) 33 degrees

C.) 30 degrees

D.) 40 degrees

Basketball players learn to generate inertia when setting up for a shot off the dribble. Moving to the right or left and planting a foot to make a jump shot is a prime example of a player utilizing the physical forces at his or her disposal. As the player moves to one side and plants a foot, the body coils. Springing off the floor to shoot a jumper not only serves to elevate the ball over a defender’s outstretched hands, the upward motion of the shooter’s body transfers a certain amount of force to the shooting hand as well.

A.) Mid-Range

B.) 3-Pointer

C.) Free throw

D.) Fade Away

A.) Bigger target

B.) Less chance to make it

C.) So no one goaltends your shot

D.) Make you the next jordan

Who has a higher probability of making a free throw?

Taller or shorter

A.) 6 hours

B.) 7 hours and 20 minutes

C.) 8 hours and 32 minutes

D.) 5 hours and 30 minutes

The Mid-Range

Taking a mid-range shot

Answer

Bigger Target

33 degrees

Free Throw

7 hours and 20 min!

Taller

For it to be a mid-range jump shot you must be inside the 3-point line, have your feet set, jump, and then shoot the ball and remember to release the ball at your highest point of the jump.

The NBA average is 39.5% and a good shooter shoots around 48% - 54%.

The mid-range shot is a shot that scores you 2 points, unless you get fouled then make the basket then you have a chance to make a free throw for 3 points, but if you miss the shot and get fouled you get to shoot 2 free throws.

Answer

What is the NBA average for a 3-pointer?

A.) 33%

B.) 25%

C.) 37%

D.) 29%