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Sports impulse examples
Beginner
Follow-through in a swing increases contact time and the ball's momentum.
Follow-through increases contact time with a bat or racquet, so for the same force the impulse and ball speed are bigger. Catching a ball by moving the hand backward reduces the force.
A golfer's long follow-through.
Impulse and not force alone sets the ball's speed.
In more detail
In sports, impulse is applied through contact with a ball, bat or racket. Increasing contact time and follow-through increases the impulse and the speed of the ball.
Real-world uses
- A golfer's follow-through lengthens contact with the ball, increasing its launch speed.
- Boxers roll with punches to reduce the peak force on their heads.
- A golfer follows through the swing so the club stays in contact with the ball for longer, giving a larger impulse.
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Frequently asked questions
Does follow-through really matter?
Yes. It increases the time of contact, which increases the impulse given to the ball.
Why do sports players use springy surfaces?
Springy surfaces lengthen the time of contact, reducing peak forces.
Is follow-through only for golf?
No. Tennis, cricket and baseball all use longer contact to send the ball off faster.
Related topics in Momentum & Collisions
Radiation pressure · Momentum in fluids · Crash test physics · Momentum and kinetic energy relation · Hamiltonian momentum · Momentum conservation and symmetry