The physics
Impulse is force × time. It equals the change in momentum.
J = Favg Δt = Δp = m (v − u)
On a force–time graph, the impulse is the area under the curve. This works even when the force changes.
To stop the same ball, you always need the same impulse. Make the time longer, and the force goes down. That is why fielders pull their hands back. Cushions and crumple zones work the same way.
Say a ball slows evenly over a distance d. Its average speed is u / 2. So Δt = 2d / u, and F d = ½ m u².