Squash and stretch

Squash and stretch are animation techniques used to give objects and characters a sense of weight, flexibility, and liveliness. When an object moves or reacts, it can elongate (stretch) or compress (squash), emphasizing force and impact. For example, a bouncing ball will stretch when moving quickly and squash upon landing, making the motion feel more natural and dynamic. This technique helps convey the character’s elasticity, energy, and emotion, making animations more engaging and believable without altering the actual shape permanently.