Book 28, Question 5 · Video
How can a soccer player bend a free kick around a wall?
The kicker strikes the ball off-center with the side of the foot, making it spin around a vertical axis. The spinning ball pulls the air on one side faster, which creates a sideways push. The ball starts out aiming wide of the wall and then curls toward the goal. The faster the spin, the sharper the curve. Players practice for years to control it.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can a soccer player bend a free kick around a wall?
The Big Idea
A soccer player kicks, and the ball bends around the wall! How is that possible? Spin again!
Off-Center Kick
Step one: Off-Center Kick. The kicker strikes the ball off-center with the side of the foot. That makes it spin around a vertical axis.
Sideways Push
Step two: Sideways Push. The spinning ball pulls the air on one side faster, which creates a sideways push. The ball starts out aiming wide of the wall and then curls toward the goal.
Practice
Step three: Practice. The faster the spin, the sharper the curve. Players practice for years to control it.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Strike off-center. The ball spins. Air pushes sideways. It curls in.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! The same effect curves a tennis ball and a golf slice. Kick off center. More spin, more curve. Takes years of practice.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Go to an open field. Kick a playground ball off-center. Watch it curve. Try kicking on the other side. Which way does it bend now?
Outro
A soccer player bends a kick by striking the ball off-center so it spins. The spin speeds up air on one side, creating a sideways push that curls the ball around the wall. Faster spin means a sharper curve. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!