Hi! I’m Michelle, and I’m a chemist and a former New Orleans Saints cheerleader. Previously, in my interview on ScienceCheerleader.com, I talked about how I dealt with the challenges and opportunities of bridging such seemingly different worlds. Well, today, I’m thrilled to return to introduce this first Science of NFL Football segment, produced in partnership with the NFL, NBC, and the National Science Foundation.
In this first segment, “Projectile Motion & Parabolas”, former NFL punter Craig Hentrich demonstrates how projectile motion and parabolas make for the perfect field goal kick. Check this out! If you’re an educator, be sure to visit NBC Learn to download free supplemental educators’ guides. Goooo science! And Goooo National Science Foundation for making this possible!
Science of NFL Football #1: Projectile Motion & Parabolas
Actually, a vector has three-dimensions! This gives it 3D spatial directionality! Some punters can curve their punts! This is more easily seen in a baseball pitcher’s throw- e.g. curve-ball.
Excellent video though and very nicely done. Doesn’t give away that the best angle of trajectory for maximum distance is 45 degrees- oops!