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Dribbling is just one of the elements of basketball that is affected by gravity.

dunking, dribbling, and passing all are affected by gravity as well as other forces. Without these forces, there would be no game! Newton’s First Law is important in all aspects of a basketball game. Let’s dig a little deeper. Backspin When you shoot a basketball, a downward force is exerted on the ball, and it will travel in an arc as it approaches the rim. If you flip your wrist at the moment you release the ball, the ball will spin from bottom to top, as it moves through the air. This spinning motion is known as backspin . This is why coaches teach basketball players to shoot from the fingertips instead of from the palm. A fingertip shot automatically has backspin, and the ball is also easier to grip.

10 CONNECTING STEM AND SPORTS | BASKETBALL