Projectile Motion & Parabolas - Science of NFL Football

Craig Hentrich, a seasoned NFL punter, shares insights into the art and science of punting. The video explores the physics of projectile motion, highlighting the parabolic arc of a football. Historical context is provided with references to Galileo's studies. Hentrich demonstrates punting techniques using a high-speed camera, illustrating the mechanics and effects of gravity on the ball's trajectory. The video concludes by emphasizing the blend of science and art in mastering the perfect punt.

What is the shape of the arc that a football follows when punted?

• Hyperbola

• Circle

• Ellipse

• Parabola

What is the ideal position of the ball during the drop before a punt?

• Level or nose slightly up

• Nose down

• Sideways

• Nose up

How are the horizontal and vertical components of velocity represented?

• As tensors

• As matrices

• As vectors

• As scalars

What happens to the vertical velocity of the ball at the peak of its trajectory?

• It is zero

• It is equal to the horizontal velocity

• It is at its maximum

• It is negative

What is the main goal of a punter in terms of the ball's flight?

• To achieve maximum hang time

• To achieve maximum speed

• To achieve maximum distance

• To achieve maximum spin