# A tennis ball travelling at high speed is caught by a fielder. The fielder moves their hands backwards as they catch the ball, increasing the time over which the ball comes to rest. Explain why this technique reduces the force experienced by the fielder's hands.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 1.3 Forces, movement, shape and momentum · Explain · 4 marks

> When catching a fast-moving tennis ball, experienced fielders are taught to 'give' with the ball by pulling their hands back in the direction of the ball's motion during the catch.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The ball undergoes a change in momentum (from its initial momentum to zero) as it comes to rest
2. Moving the hands backwards increases the time taken for the momentum change to occur
3. Force equals the rate of change of momentum (force = change in momentum ÷ time)
4. Because the same change in momentum occurs over a longer time, the force on the fielder's hands is smaller

## Key terms

- [force](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/force)
- [time](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/time)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-tennis-ball-travelling-at-high-72cdbf5b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.