The Physics Of Football

by Gay, Timothy

• ISBN13: 9780060826345
• ISBN10: 0060826347
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-01-18
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

Do you cringe when a linebacker flattens a quarterback? Hold your breath when a field goal sails toward the goalpost? Watch in amazement as a touchdown pass spirals down the field? Behind those big hits, long kicks, and sensational throws is a science that will give you a whole new perspective on the game of football. A combination of Stephen Hawking and Mike Ditka, physicist and football fan Timothy Gay breaks down the fundamental laws of physics that govern America's most exciting spectator sport. To illustrate the science behind the game, he highlights some of football's recent memorable moments, along with legendary feats from the likes of Franco Harris and Joe Montana. Did you Know? Newton's Second Law of Physics proves that Dick Butkus hit running backs with the force of a small killer whale. The average force with which a football must be kicked during kickoff is 450 lbs. But for an instant, the force may be as much as a ton. Shaun Rogers, firing off the line of scrimmage, can develop as much as four horsepower by himself.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Bill Belichick
Preface	ix
Introduction The Steelers Get Lucky	3	(16)
Blocking and Tackling	19	(26)
The Pit	45	(26)
The West Coast Offense Explained	71	(28)
The Football in Flight	99	(30)
Kicking the Football	129	(38)
Passing the Football	167	(34)
Gear	201	(22)
Turf	223	(20)
Waves in the Stadium	243	(16)
Appendix	259	(10)
Notes	269	(7)
Acknowledgments	276	(3)
Index	279