Problem based learning: a netball / basketball shooting problem for projectile motion

Abstract

As a sport scientist working in a multi-sport organisation, the national netball or basketball coach approaches you with a question. They currently use defenders during shooting practice but are concerned about the extra demands this is placing on their defenders during a congested competition period. The coach wants to know whether removing the defenders from the practice environment will affect the trajectory of the shots. If so, they wonder if a mannequin defender could be used as a compromise.