Mathematics And Football: What's The Connection?

 With tonight's Hall Of Fame Game getting ready to kick off the 2023 NFL Pre-Season schedule, I wanted to offer some ways of using football (or any sport) to enrich the learning of mathematics and watch for its application on the field of play.  Feel free to use these tips in moderation.  Don't take away from the enjoyment of the game.  Just find some ways to make mathematics come alive and seem to be equally fun.

Let's start with the simple things that can be done with elementary students.  As the game is being played, ask them if either team is winning and by how much.  This will activate their knowledge of subtraction without them even thinking about it.  Older elementary kids could be asked how many touchdowns or field goals would be needed to reach a certain score.  This uses division.  Simple shape recognition also comes into play by asking what shape the field or ball is.  Middle school/Junior High students may find these exercises a helpful review as well depending on the math courses they are taking.

For high school or junior high students studying algebra, help them review standard formulas such as distance = rate × time.  Have them look up the distance between where the game is being played and the home towns of the teams.  Keep it realistic.  For shorter distances, ask how long it would take the team to make the trip driving at 65 mph.  For longer distances, how long it would take to fly at 575 mph which is the standard cruising speed of a commercial airliner.

Pre-calculus and calculus students can start recognizing deeper mathematical applications that touch into formulas used in physics such as force.  What is giving one team's front line an advantage over the other team when the strength is practically equal among the men?  How does wind direction affect how a quarterback will want to throw a ball or a kicker line up a field goal?  

Location: Bloomington, IN, USA

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