Have you ever watched basketball players making the ball spin when bouncing? Have you ever wondered why? Well it’s a little thing called Science!

Recently, some guys went all the way down to Tasmania to drop balls off a dam. The reason? To show you the difference between a ball dropped with no spin and a spinning ball.

basketball off river

The ball that was dropped with no spin behaved as you would expect. It fell straight down to the floor with wind being the only factor moving it from its mark. However, adding a little spin to the ball makes a world of difference. The ball quite literally flies away in the opposite direction.

Check it out here: https://youtu.be/2OSrvzNW9FE

The Magnus Effect

This difference is related to the wind spinning upwards and creating a channel to push the ball through. This is called the Magnus effect and was discovered in Berlin in the 1800’s. The Magnus effect can be seen in almost every ball sport game being played today! (Rayner, 2015)

Now if your feeling smart, or athletic or both, then why not try the Magnus effect at home with your own basketball. Not only can you test out scientific theories, but you are able to customise these basketballs into an array of 2 colour options. And even better than that, you can add branding or logos to your ball!

bball

 

These professional grade basketballs are perfect for local or school teams, outdoor events or make great personalised gifts for any basketball lover. Spalding is the official ball supplier to the NBA and NBL so you’re sure to impress your friends with your displayed, customised Spalding basketball.

Promotional Basketballs

If you’re more of an observer then the basket ball stress toy is perfect for you.  Sit back and relax while watching the game with these great toys. You can even get into the team spirit by branding whatever you wish along the side – included in the price!

bbstress


Originally seen on:  http://www.techly.com.au/2015/07/17/spinning-a-basketball-off-a-dam-wall-in-tasmania-to-show-the-magnus-effect-in-action/

 

By Caitlin Wood