Physics is used in sports to determine how something in a sport should be done such as doing a frontflip physics gives you the angles and power you should use to complete the frontflip
Sports scientists are used in a variety of ways. Manufacturers of equipment use scientists, as do beverage companies (like Gatorade), owners of teams (to work on facilities and care), as well as...
In baseball you have a right fielder, right handed pitchers, right handed batters, you can hit the ball to the right side of the field.
In American Football, you have positions called right guard...
I come from a football background and I would recommend a neck roll or Texas collar. They not only protect your neck from snapping on impact, but also they make you look cool!