According to Newton’s second law of motion, we have the equation of motion:
Where,
F = Stopping force experienced by the cricketer as he catches the ball
m = Mass of the ball
Δt = Time of impact of the ball with the hand
It can be inferred from equation (i) that the impact force is inversely proportional to the impact time, i.e.,
Equation (ii) shows that the force experienced by the cricketer decreases if the time of impact increases and vice versa.
While taking a catch, a cricketer moves his hand backward so as to increase the time of impact (Δt). This is turn results in the decrease in the stopping force, thereby preventing the hands of the cricketer from getting hurt.
