Baseball
Baseball Physics
The movement of baseballs and softballs through the air is governed by aerodynamics.
As the air flows around a baseball or softball, turbulence occurs where the stitches are. The turbulence causes the air to stick to the ball just a little longer and reduces the wake (as in a boat's wake) which reduces drag.
These stitches can also change the direction of the ball. A good pitcher uses the spin and the stitch alignment to throw curve balls.
Related Pages
- Aerodynamics in sport
- information about projectile motion in the biomechanics and physics of sport section
- how to bend it like Beckham - physics of soccer ball kicking
