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The Magnus effect is at play when a pitcher puts a curve on a softball.

around one half of the ball to be less than the speed of airflow around the other half. The Magnus effect takes place when the airflow reacts in opposite directions around the ball. It explains how a ball kicked just left of center will cause a spinning action that curves the ball to the right, and vice versa. Likewise, the ball will react with topspin if struck on the top, and backspin when struck on the bottom. THE CURVE BALL The Magnus effect plays a pivotal role in any game where the player strikes or throws a ball to achieve a desired outcome. Perhaps an even more famously cited example of this phenomenon is the curve ball in baseball and softball. Sandy Koufax is often credited with having the best curve ball of all time, but others have used it to make a mockery of opposing big leaguers as well.

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