Physics behind shooting a basketball.

[tensor0910]

Were doing a project where we have to use Physics for derive an equation for the perfect basketball shot.

Were still in the calculation phase and I've made a list of concepts to consider:

Projectile motion ( ball to rim)
Air resistance ( is this negligible? )
Velocity of shooter at apex of jump.
Power/Energy ( transferred from shooter to ball while jumping )

I think this would be all we needed...Does anyone see anything that's missing? its ok to assume that the ball will be shot from a set position so momentum will not be factored in. Thanks in advance!

 

[pixel]

Not sure how detailed you want to get, but another factor is the arc of the ball as it approaches the rim. If the trajectory is too horizontal, the ball will hit the back of the rim and not go in.

 

[A.T.]

derive an equation for the perfect basketball shot

What does "perfect" mean here?

 

[tensor0910]

What does "perfect" mean here?

Perfect may be a bit exaggerated...were looking to create a shot that consistently nothing but net. No backboard and very little rim involved.

 

[A.T.]

Perfect may be a bit exaggerated...were looking to create a shot that consistently nothing but net. No backboard and very little rim involved.

Avoiding rim contact constrains the landing angles, but still gives many possible solutions. You need an optimization criterion, like minimize throw speed (economy).