Football Hit Physics

Football Physics: Anatomy of a hit

Popular mechanics has an interesting article on what happens during a hit in football.

This graphic explains the short playing careers of most players.

click for larger image

As anyone who has played will tell you, it’s the turf that is the worst. Hitting another player is nothing compared to hitting the concrete floor of the old “Astor Turf”, and that is pleasant compared to hitting frozen tundra (think of a skating rink).

However the most damage is done by hits to the knee.

While Trufant and Lewis generally have enjoyed healthy careers, they (and other players) face the same nemesis: the dreaded knee injury. The knee’s anterior cruciate ligament can withstand nearly 500 pounds of pressure, but it tears far more easily from side hits and evasive maneuvers. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, more than 1200 knee injuries were reported by the league between 2000 and 2003, accounting for one out of every six injuries — by far the highest percentage in the NFL.

It does hurt and is not fun.

Tags: football, super bowl, knee injury, physics of football, rugby, turf, injuries