By Ainissa Ramirez and Salima Koroma
Football season is finally upon us, and with that, team pride, tailgating, and the perfect spiral. But how exactly does that spiral work?
A good spiral throw makes 600 turns per minute—just as fast as a cd in a cd player. As the ball spins across the field, gravity pulls the nose of the ball downwards, and the direction the football changes slightly depending on which hand you use to throw it.
Watch materials scientist Ainissa Ramirez explain the physics behind the perfect touchdown pass.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- The New Face of Doctor Who
- Putin’s Enemies Are Struggling to Unite
- Women Say They Were Pressured Into Long-Term Birth Control
- Scientists Are Finding Out Just How Toxic Your Stuff Is
- Boredom Makes Us Human
- John Mulaney Has What Late Night Needs
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com