Basketball

The other day when I was shooting baskets, I had a new realization for the physics behind it. I would have to shoot the ball at a specific angle and velocity to make the ball land in the hoop. With my release point at 6' 8", the delta y value would have to be 3' 4" while the delta x value would be the horizontal distance to the hoop. Gravity also pulled the ball down at -9.8 m/s2, affecting the time that the ball was in the air. Thank goodness I did not have to literally calculate the exact angle and velocity each time I shot since the body gains a feel for it. I would also have to factor in the equal and opposite force of the ball bouncing off of the backboard on a bank shot.

Here's a game that simulates shooting a basketball with angles, gravity, velocity, and equal and opposite forces.

H.O.R.S.E.
Test your trick shot skills in a freestyle game of basketball Horse.