Question

A fielder drags his hands towards him gradually along with the moving ball while taking a catch. What is the reason of this?

• A. It reduces the impact of catching the fast moving ball.
• B. It reduces the frictional forces between hand and the ball
• C. It increases the momentum of the ball.
• D. It increases the accelaration of the ball

Answer 1

The correct option is A

It reduces the impact of catching the fast moving ball.

While catching a fast moving cricket ball, a fielder gradually drags his hand backwards along with the moving ball. In doing so, the fielder increases the time during which the high velocity of the moving ball decreases to zero. Therefore the impact of catching the fast moving ball is also reduced. If the ball is stopped suddenly then its high velocity decreases to zero in a very short interval of time. Therefore, a large force would have to be applied for holding the catch that may hurt the palm of the fielder.