Rio Field Goal Lab
Ballistic kicking physics & upright collision simulator for Ravens vs Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro.
Maracanã Stadium Flight View
Session Telemetry Log
Every kick is computed with aerodynamic drag, gravity (32.17 ft/s²), and lateral crosswind drift.| Kick # | Kicker | Distance | Angle | Exit Speed | Wind | Crossbar Clearance | Apex | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No kicks recorded yet in this session. Take your first shot! | ||||||||
Ballistics & Kicking Mechanics in Rio
When Justin Tucker hit his 66-yard record kick for the Ravens in Detroit, the ball struck the crossbar and bounced over. In outdoor stadiums like Rio de Janeiro's coastal venue, air density, humidity, and Atlantic ocean gusts drastically alter ball drag.
NFL footballs experience quadratic air resistance: Fdrag = ½ ρ v² Cd A. The spiral orientation keeps drag lower, but at launch elevations over 38°, the underbelly of the ball catches extra resistance, lowering total carry distance.
NFL Field Goal Specifications
Crossbar and Uprights Dimensions
The crossbar sits exactly 10.0 feet (3.048 m) above the playing surface. The uprights are 18 feet 6 inches (5.64 m) apart inside edge to inside edge, and extend a minimum of 35 feet upward into the sky.
What causes a "Doink"?
The yellow steel upright posts have an outside diameter of 4.5 inches. If the incoming 3D position of the ball intersects within radius of either post or the crossbar, elastic rebound physics trigger a bounce.
Tucker vs Aubrey Comparison
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey transitioned from MLS professional soccer, generating explosive flat ball speed (up to 84 mph exit velocity with a 31° launch angle). Baltimore's Justin Tucker utilizes a high-arc punch (34° to 37°), maximizing hang time and clearance over 6-foot-6 rushing defensive linemen.