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Have a discussion with the class about Newton's Second Law and how it
applies to the weight, lift and drag of the tennis ball when hit by a racket.
(Rely on the Teacher's Text
for information, our on-line textbook
or on books you check out of
the library on tennis). There are pictures in
tennis books with
time-lapsed pictures that you can share with the class.
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Proceed to the tennis courts where you will pair the students up.
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Have each paired group hit the tennis ball back and forth about 5
minutes. Ask them to observe how the ball reacts when they
initiate the hit, return the hit ball after it bounces on the court, and
when they serve the ball from an overhand hit of the racket. Have the students
hit balls with topspin, underspin, sidespin and no spin (flat).
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After all the paired groups have their turn, rest on the courts. Ask
the students questions about Newton's Second Law and how they saw it in
operation on the court.
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If you have a time-lapsed camera available, ask for volunteers to hit
the ball back and forth across the net. Tape their play.
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Return to the classroom and view the tape.
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Discuss together with the students what is observed on the tape. Ask
the students to write a one page essay on their observations and
understanding of how Newton's Second Law is at 'play' in the world of
tennis. Have the students read their essays in front of the class.
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