Although qualitatively similar, the fluid resistance to such a large object is much greater than air resistance, thus the forward motion is affected more dramatically. The fluid resistance retards the effects of the upward and downward forces, allowing them to be viewed over a longer time. Students can invite a local high school or college baseball or softball pitcher to demonstrate different pitches and explain how the proper spin is achieved. While riding in a car, students can note the change in air resistance as the car picks up speed. This should give students real experience with how air resistance changes with speed, and thus how the different sides of a spinning ball receive different forces.
Students can hit golf balls at a driving range.
If the ball were simply aimed at an angle but hit with no spin, it would travel in a straight line. A sliced ball curves dramatically as it travels. The concepts of a slice and a curveball are essentially the same, although the effects on a golf ball are more noticeable due to the longer time of flight. Students can research the evolution of pitching throughout baseball as well as the evolution of baseball in American society. The Ken Burns' series, Baseball is an excellent resource.