Science with a Kick – The Physics of Football

In his 60-minute talk, Prof. Dr Jens Falta demonstrates, in a clear and entertaining way, just how much Physics goes into a game of football. He links astonishing phenomena to this popular sport. Can you predict the trajectory of a football? What are the goalkeeper’s chances of saving a penalty? What causes balls to curve? What are ‘flutter balls’? And what forces act on the ball in these situations? Simple experiments provide answers that even non-specialists can understand. In addition, the physicist from Bremen explains why headers are not without risk and what Physics lies behind the ‘Wembley goal’. The talk is aimed at anyone who enjoys football and wants to improve their understanding of the game through Physics.