1. The Physics of Football Lou Bloomfield University of Virginia September 24, 2005

2. Five Vignettes The Fullback Scrambles Just Out of Reach The Fullback Scrambles Just Out of Reach The Offensive Lineman Blocks the Rusher The Offensive Lineman Blocks the Rusher The Defensive Back Tackles the Ball Carrier The Defensive Back Tackles the Ball Carrier The Quarterback Passes to the Receiver The Quarterback Passes to the Receiver The Kicker Boots the Ball The Kicker Boots the Ball

3. The Fullback Scrambles Just Out of Reach Why is it easiest for the fullback to Why is it easiest for the fullback to stay motionless? stay motionless? run steadily in a straight line? run steadily in a straight line? Why does dodging take so much leg strength? Why does dodging take so much leg strength? Why does the fullback lean as he dodges? Why does the fullback lean as he dodges?

4. The Offensive Lineman Blocks the Rusher Why is a huge lineman so hard to move? Why is a huge lineman so hard to move? Is the linemans weight the issue? Is the linemans weight the issue? If he wore roller skates, would he be easier to move? If he wore roller skates, would he be easier to move? Why does a running start help either player? Why does a running start help either player? Why is padding so important to avoiding injury? Why is padding so important to avoiding injury?

5. The Defensive Back Tackles the Ball Carrier Why does the ball carrier Why does the ball carrier stay upright when hit at chest/stomach height? stay upright when hit at chest/stomach height? flip backward when hit at shoulder height? flip backward when hit at shoulder height? flip forward when hit around the legs? flip forward when hit around the legs?

6. The Quarterback Passes to the Receiver What distinguishes different types of passes? What distinguishes different types of passes? Why does a screen pass stay low but travel fast? Why does a screen pass stay low but travel fast? Why does a long bomb arc high but travel slowly? Why does a long bomb arc high but travel slowly? Why cant a mere mortal be quarterback? Why cant a mere mortal be quarterback? Why does a good receiver need soft hands? Why does a good receiver need soft hands? Why is a smooth spiral so helpful? Why is a smooth spiral so helpful?

7. The Kicker Boots the Ball Why do different plays require different kicks? Why do different plays require different kicks? How does a field goal kicker maximize distance? How does a field goal kicker maximize distance? How does a punter maximize time in the air? How does a punter maximize time in the air?