"hang in the air "

[SCCheshire]

According to a recent newspaper article, Micah Richards main attribute is his ability to "hang in the air" when he jumps to head the ball. Scientifically, is this possible? Can anyone give a definite "yes" or "no" with a simple explanation please?

[Teddio]

No. The only way for Richards to "hang in the air", i.e. remain stationary, if for him to produce a downwards force equal to his weight. The illusion of him hanging in the air is the result of him redistributing his body mass. Whenever anyone jumps or dives or somersaults Newton's Laws of Motion act on the person's centre of mass.

[SCCheshire]

Many thanks , Teddio. Unfortunately, it was not the answer I was hoping for! I will not tell my husband about your explanation because I have long argued with him on this subject - I thought it was possible!
SCCheshire