The Physics of Sports

Doing sports is one of science’s most fun activities. You can explain sports activities with science. The basic physics aspects of sports are force, balance, friction and gravity.

All sports use force. Force makes a sportsperson move. Then, friction stops them. In every ball game, players use force so the ball goes forward or backward. For example, a tennis player uses force to hit the ball with a racket and a football player uses their force to kick a ball.

Balance is also important in many sports. If you don’t keep your balance, you will fall down. Gymnasts use balance the most. They have to keep their balance using strength and technique.

Gravity affects all sports, because it pulls you down. Nearly all sports involve fighting against gravity. High jumpers use high levels of force to jump, but gravity pulls them down. Likewise, in the hammer throw, the more the person throws the hammer, the more gravity pulls it down. The thrower’s main task is to fight the gravity.

Friction opposes most forces used in sports. Running and ice-skating use friction the most. For instance, runners move forwards with a force. When they come to the finishing line, they use friction to stop themselves. Their feet rub against the floor, and friction helps the athlete to stop.