PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — As the World Cup tournament heads into its quarterfinal round, soccer fan and Brown University engineering professor Roberto Zenit is thinking about the physics of the sport. 

In a series of short video interviews, Zenit, who describes himself unapologetically as a “mechanics nerd,” discussed several of the physical forces at play on the pitch. In one, he explains how the grooved surface of the World Cup soccer ball helps to stabilize its trajectory. In a second, he explores the incredible kicking power generated by professional players. A third covers the magnus effect, the force generated by the ball’s spin that enables its trajectory to curve. 

Zenit has long been drawn to the ways in which physics — particularly fluid mechanics — manifests itself outside the lab. His research has investigated everything from the dynamics of bubbles in Champagne and mezcal to Jackson Pollock’s mastery of mechanics as displayed in his famous “drip” technique. He’s even made discoveries in the sports world, demonstrating the physics of the devastating “nick shot” in squash. 

He hopes that understanding a little of the science behind soccer will make the game even more entertaining to watch. 

“Soccer or football is the most popular sport on Earth,” Zenit said. “And watching the World Cup this summer with an eye on science makes it even better.”