Sock toss into the basket
You will toss a soft sock ball underarm into a basket. Aiming at the rim alone can miss because the sock keeps moving downward as well as forward.
- Move
- Starter
- About 15 minutes
Grown-up needed: yes for checking the space and supervising movement
This page adds a grown-up and a clear floor to what the film lists, so follow the page.
What you need
- Clean rolled-up socks
- A washing basket
- A clear floor
- A grown-up
The rule
Underarm throws only.
How to do it
- Ask a grown-up to clear the throwing area.
- Place the basket away from people and breakable things.
- Choose a comfortable starting distance rather than forced large steps.
- Toss one rolled sock gently underarm.
- Collect it only after the throw has stopped.
- Repeat and compare where different gentle aims land.
Why it works
After the sock leaves your hand, gravity pulls it downward while it continues moving forward. The combination makes its path curve rather than travel in a straight line to the basket. Air resistance also affects a light, irregular sock ball. Your release direction and speed change where it lands, so aiming slightly above the opening can help at some distances. Observing one controlled change is more useful than assuming every throw needs exactly the same angle.
Make it harder
- Try a slightly greater comfortable distance.
- Change the release height while keeping the basket fixed.
- Explain which change moved the landing point most consistently.
Ask Taz
- Why does the sock curve downward?
- Why does release speed change where it lands?
- Why should I change only one throwing choice at a time?
For grown-ups
Use soft socks and underarm throws only. Keep everyone behind the thrower or outside the throwing area, and clear the floor before retrieving socks. The film’s streak is a demonstration rather than a required target. Ask at dinner: “Which change helped you predict the landing instead of simply trying harder?”
Taz is an AI and can be wrong, so stay close by. Read how safety works on Taz.
Show us yours
Film your hands and what you made, not your face or name. Ask a grown-up before posting anywhere else.
Questions parents ask
Does the child need to reach the film’s target?
No. The film shows an example, not a required performance. Begin with a short comfortable attempt and stop whenever needed. The useful result is a description of what happened, and the stated time estimates preparation and discussion as well as the activity.
Can we adapt the movement?
Yes. Choose a comfortable version with a grown-up, or discuss the film instead of doing the action. Say clearly when the adaptation changes the stated challenge rule. Avoid making the activity faster, longer or less stable simply to make it harder.
Do we need to share a video?
No. Talking about the attempt at home is enough. Follow the privacy line above for any optional sharing.
More to try
See all Taz Challenges, or look through the science labs. One place for every why. Ask for early access at aitaz.com
Try it in 3D: Projectile motion.