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Eighth-Grade Football Science Fair Projects

In spite of their reputation, sports and academics mix quite well. An eighth-grade student looking to improve his football throws as well as looking for an engaging science project should consider testing the best methods of throwing a ball. Teachers or parents can guide their students through experiments dealing with physical position, movements as they throw the ball or methods of practicing in order to improve their skills and knowledge.
  1. Success to Distance Ratio

    • Test the relationship between distance and accuracy. Begin by setting up a goal or target. Throw a football toward the target from 10 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards back. Using a tape measure, record the distance between where the ball lands after each throw and the target. Repeat the test several times to develop an average. Determine if any ratio exists between distance from the target and accuracy of the throw. For better results, perform the experiment with multiple people and compare the results.

    Changes in Grip

    • Someone acquainted with playing football or someone with a decent amount of arm strength should perform three throws. For the first throw, grip the ball at the back end of the laces. For the second, grip the ball in the middle of the laces. Grip the ball at the front of the laces for the third. Keep all other body movements the same and aim for the same target with each throw. Measure the speed of the ball for each throw with a radar gun. Measure the accuracy by using a tape measure to gauge how far away from the target the ball landed. After resting your arm, perform all three throws and measurements four more times to ensure accuracy.

    Changes in Weight Transfer

    • A student familiar with throwing footballs should perform three types of throws. He must start with his feet standing shoulder-length apart for each. During the first throw, he must move his front foot 1 foot forward as he throws. He must move his front foot forward 2 feet for the second throw and 3 feet for the third throw. The person performing the throws should practice each throw several times before beginning the experiment. He should also perform each throw during the experiment a total of five times to ensure accuracy. Measure the speed with a radar gun and accuracy by using a tape measure to find the distance between the ball's landing spot and a pre-designated target.

    Alternative Practice

    • Test the effect of generic exercise and practice on an individual's ability to throw a football. For best results, perform this experiment with a small group of athletically inclined peers in order to determine the average influence that alternative training has. For four weeks, each student should practice another sport, such as basketball, jogging or baseball, without practicing any football throws. At the end of the testing period, test the distance and accuracy of each participant's football throws. Afterward, have the participants practice football throws for four weeks and re-test their skills. Compare the accuracy and power behind both sets of throws.

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