Any object that falls to the ground is considered a falling thing. This could be a rock, a basketball, or even you. However, not every fall is the same. Falling things can be classified according to how fast they are slowing down when they reach the ground.
There are three types of falls: Free Fall, Falling, and Sliding.
Free Fall: In this type of fall, there is no resistance from the environment or the object itself as it falls to the ground. This happens when an object is technically weightless like in space or when an object's gravitational force is too weak to keep it held in place.
Falling: In this type of fall, the object is constantly resisting gravity as it falls to the ground. This resistance results in its speed gradually decreasing until it finally comes to a complete stop.
Sliding: In this type of fall, the object initially experiences little resistance as it falls to the ground but