Million Whys Press logo
Million Whys PressToronto
← Book 28 videos

Book 28, Question 8 · Video

Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?

Video · 1:42 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 28

The felt on a tennis ball makes it slow down faster in the air. This is helpful. Without fuzz, a hard serve would fly too fast and out of the court. The fuzz grabs more air, making drag, so the ball stays under control. The felt also grips the strings of a racket, which helps players put spin on the ball.

Read the full answer →

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?

The Big Idea

Tennis balls are fuzzy! That fuzz isn't just for looks. It has an important job.

Slowing Down

Step one: Slowing Down. The felt on a tennis ball makes it slow down faster in the air. Without fuzz, a hard serve would fly too fast and out of the court.

Control

Step two: Control. The fuzz grabs more air, making drag, so the ball stays under control. Players can hit hard and still keep it in.

Spin

Step three: Spin. The felt also grips the strings of a racket. That helps players put spin on the ball.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Felt is fuzzy. It grabs air. It adds control. It helps spin.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Tennis balls are pressurized, so they bounce well until the gas leaks. Fuzz slows the ball. Keeps it in the court. Grips racket strings.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Go outdoors with both balls. Toss the fuzzy tennis ball toward a measured line. Toss the smooth rubber ball with the same effort. Mark where each lands. Which goes farther?

Outro

A tennis ball's fuzz slows it in the air by grabbing more air, so hard serves stay in the court. The felt also grips racket strings, helping players add spin. That fuzz is hard at work! Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this