Projectile Motion

The three key factors that affect projectile motion are:

• Height of release

• Angle of release

• Speed of release
  
  

Task: Complete the following questions to analyse the impact that projectile motion has on your golf drive.
10 squats if you don’t get 10 or more correct!

Definitions (write in your own words):
Height of Release –
Angle of Release –
Speed of Release –

Questions:

1. What is the ideal angle of release for maximum horizontal distance in a golf drive?
   
   

2. Why might the ideal angle of release differ between a driver and an iron shot?
   
   

3. How does your body position at the start of the drive affect the height of release?
   
   

4. What role does the height of the tee play in projectile motion?
   
   

5. How can you increase the speed of release in your golf swing?
   
   

6. Describe a situation where the angle of release might be too high – what happens to the ball?
   
   

7. Describe a situation where the angle of release might be too low – what happens to the ball?
   
   

8. What would happen to the ball’s distance if your speed of release decreased?
   
   

9. How does wind or weather impact the effectiveness of your angle of release?
   
   

10. Is a high angle of release more helpful in golf on a windy day or a calm day? Why?
    
    

11. If your angle is correct but speed is low, will you get maximum distance? Explain.
    
    

12. In golf, is it more effective to have a high or low height of release? Justify.
    
    

13. If you want more carry (air time) on the ball, which factor should you focus on most?
    
    

14. How does posture at address influence height and angle of release?
    
    

15. What would you change in your swing to achieve more accuracy rather than distance?