Basketball - Receiving a Pass

The impact of a hard pass can be lessened, making it less likely the ball will knock the wind out of you, if it is caught into the body. The ball coming at you has momentum, m·v. By increasing the time over which you decelerate the ball, you lessen the force. In other words, since m·v = F·t, then F = (m·v) / t ... increasing t causes F to get smaller. This is the same principle that makes an air bag in your car work. The time over which you decelerate is lengthened, resulting in a lower force. Of course, catching a ball into your chest has other benefits. It makes it less likely you'll drop the ball, and harder for someone to grab.