I've seen this tech used on boats before, but wasn't aware of the particulars. Really good video with the basketballs showing how substantial the effect is when compounded by speed & distance. Would not have guessed its that great even on a relatively small object like the basketball.

I wonder if this is the same effect responsible for why golf balls get dimples? I would think so, as the dimpled golf balls fly much further than smooth ones but maybe there's other/additional forces at work there.

Thanks, as always, for the science focus.