Brown University looked at the mechanism of nicks…

With potential implications for mechanical systems, study reveals physics of ‘nick shot’ in squash

A new study, born out of an interest in using science to explain the everyday world, shows how competing forces conspire to keep the ball from bouncing, making it impossible for an opponent to return.

In squash, the “nick shot” is an emphatic, point-ending play in which a player strikes a ball that ricochets near the bottom of the wall and rolls flat along the floor instead of bouncing, leaving an opponent with no chance to return it.

While the shot is as old as the game itself, a team of researchers has now revealed the physics behind it, showing how perfect placement and just the right roll conspire to kill the ball’s bounce.

The research, led by Brown University Professor of Engineering Roberto Zenit, was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. While the findings could be useful in developing shock-dampening technologies, Zenit says the work grew out of his interest in using science to explain the everyday world.

“I became interested in this shot just by playing squash and by watching professionals — the skill involved is really impressive,” Zenit said. “But as a mechanics nerd, I got curious about how it worked. So we decided to figure it out.”

READ BROWN ARTICLE