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The Physics of Football: Discover the Science of Bone-Crunching Hits, Soaring Field Goals, and Awe-Inspiring Passes

by Timothy Gay

Football through the lens of physics

Regular price $17.85 USD
Regular price $27.90 USD Sale price $17.85 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Football through the lens of physics

Timothy Gay uses familiar football actions—tackles, kickoffs, and spiraling passes—to introduce the physical principles behind the sport. Drawing on memorable plays and figures including Franco Harris and Joe Montana, the book connects forces, motion, impact, and power to what happens on the field. Its examples translate abstract laws into concrete game situations: the force of a hit, the effort behind a kickoff, or the mechanics of a throw. Published in 2005, it is a science-focused companion to football watching, organized around the questions raised by the game’s most dramatic athletic feats.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Football fans curious about the mechanics behind plays
  • Readers who enjoy popular-science explanations grounded in sports
  • Students and general readers exploring physics through real-world examples

Themes

Physics of motionForce and impactFootball mechanicsSports science

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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 Butkushit running backs with the force of a small killer whale.
  • The average force with which a football must be kickedduring kickoff is 450 lbs. But for an instant, the force maybe as much as a ton.
  • Shaun Rogers, firing off the line of scrimmage, can developas much as four horsepower by himself.
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