squash

[tiannaidan]

Is there a way to animate a squash effect (like a ball bouncing and squashing before returning to shape).I know it can be done using the scale tool but is that the only way?

[Nolan Scott]

Well, I guess there might be a few different techniques around...
but, I would recommend using a combination of Translate Layer Tool (1) for movement
and Scale Layer Tool (2) for squashing and stretching...
(hold down the mouse-button on one of the middle handles, then hold down control + alt (option),
now one can squash and stretch and the object (ball) will fairly keep its proportion).

Cheers
Nolan

[tiannaidan]

Hey, thanks for the tip. works great.I've seen different animation samples of characters where it appeared the animator used the squash effect very slightly to achieve a look that is interesting.This should work great.THANKS

[GCharb]

The most important aspect to remember in using stretch and squash is keeping volume, looks way better that way.

My two cents!

GC

[dueyftw]

Remember As is vector and each point can be moved on it own. In plain English, that means that you can have more than four points making up the ball and push, pull or move them with respect to any other. So the squash and stretch can be almost unnoticeable to where the ball goes flat and doesn't bounce at all.

Now you can control the points by using key frames for each one or you can rig the ball with bones:)

Dale