Backspin on the Ball
To improve chances of an accurate shot, often a player will include a backspin on the ball as he/she launches it for a shot. The backspin will ensure that the ball enters the hoop, especially if the shot is a "soft shot." Soft shot is when the ball is shot at a low angle and low velocity, the player adds a backspin because if the ball winds up hitting the rim, the spin will help it to enter the hoop. The backspin changes the velocity direction (once it hits the rim) to the opposite direction of the rim rather than bouncing out (Willis). Moment of inertia would then play a part in the spin of the ball, the player must exert enough spinning force to overcome the moment of inertia as well as enough force to achieve the angular velocity he/she wishes to exert on the ball. The moment of inertia would be especially important if this were something with a larger mass.
Spin of the ball is important for use during passing as well. According to Basketball by Hanson, if there is a backspin in the opposite direction of flight, this will enable to ball to stay on course.
