Aerodynamics in the beautiful game

We consider the aerodynamics of football, specifically, interaction between a ball in flight and ambient air. Doing so allows one to account for characteristic range trajectories balls flight, as well their anomalous deflections may be induced by striking either with or without spin. The dynamics viscous boundary layers is briefly reviewed, its critical importance on highlighted. Magnus effect responsible curvature spinning seen depend critically surface roughness ball, sign force reversing smooth balls. origins fluttering struck nearly no spin also discussed. Particular attention given categorizing providing aerodynamic rationale various free kick styles.