Final answer:
Catching a ball while 'giving' with the ball reduces the impact force, making it more comfortable. Hitting water with your full palm spreads out the force of impact, reducing the pressure. Avoiding orientations where the impact is concentrated can help avoid discomfort or pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
When catching a ball while 'giving' with the ball and pulling your hands toward your body, the impact is spread out over a longer period of time, resulting in a smaller force being exerted on your hands. This reduces the impact and makes it more comfortable to catch the ball. On the other hand, when catching a ball while keeping your hands still, the impact is concentrated in a shorter period of time, resulting in a larger force being exerted on your hands. This can be uncomfortable or even painful.
When hitting water in a tub with your full palm, the force of impact is spread out over a larger area, reducing the pressure on your hand. This makes it less painful to hit the water. However, when diving your hand with your fingers first into the water, the force of impact is concentrated on a smaller area, resulting in higher pressure on your hand. This can be more uncomfortable or even painful.
I would advise people to avoid the orientations where the impact is concentrated in a shorter period of time or on a smaller area, as they can be more uncomfortable or painful.