Many people believe that height is extremely important in basketball. In any sport, there are factors that contribute to success in sports. In basketball, for example, there are other factors that make a huge difference in ability.
Speed, strength, endurance, and athletic ability are all skills necessary to be successful at sports. The main question is if these attributes can be obtained regardless of height.
Recruiters from colleges often ask what the height and weight of a player is, but this is just to get an idea of where the player is and is to get a good grasp on what positions might be best.
Does Height Matter in Basketball?
Height does have some impact on the game of basketball. The answer to this question is that it depends on the position that someone plays. Certain positions do have advantages with more height.
Basketball requires five players on the court at one time, usually with certain assignments as far as positions go. This is definitely not an exact science, but height is something that is typical for most positions.
Each position has slightly different roles, but all positions must do several things on the basketball court, consistent no matter what position and what height a player is.
Does the Level of Play Have an Impact on Height
Yes, as the level of basketball increases, height does come into play. Professional basketball does have some height requirements in order to be successful. This is mainly because there is a huge pool of players to choose from.
This is not an exact formula for success, however, as there are many shorter players that have been successful, and very tall players that have performed skills that shorter players normally do.
At the youth level, players can be successful at a variety of heights, making the sport a great option for any sized player. As the vele of basketball increases, so does the specific height advantages.
When Does Height Matter in Basketball
Basketball is a very unique sport in that all players on the court are required to perform some skills necessary. For example, each player on the court has to be able to perform these tasks, regardless of size:
- Dribble
- Pass
- Block out
- Rebound
- Play defense
- Shoot
- Run
- Jump
With these skills, each player can perform at a different level. Taller players tend to do some of these skills better than shorter players and shorter players tend to do some skills better than taller players.
Height is important for a few of these factors, including rebounding, and shooting when closer to the basket. Height does help in these two areas. Although shorter basketball players are required to rebound and shoot shots that are close, taller players have a slight advantage.
When Does Height Not Matter in Basketball
The beauty of basketball is that even if you are short, there are skills that you will most likely perform better than taller players.
Dribbling a basketball seems to be easier for shorter players, mostly because they are lower to the ground and their center of gravity is easier to control.
Shooting at longer ranges also seems to benefit the smaller player, but this might have something to do with growing up playing certain positions. In youth basketball, coaches tend to put the smaller players in charge of handling the basketball. They seem to obtain these skills at an earlier age, therefore benefiting them in the long run.
Best Basketball Players of All time Under 6 Feet Tall
- Allen Iverson
- Chris Paul
- Calvin Murphy
- Mark Price
- Kyle Lowrie
- Isaiah Thomas
- Terrell Brandon
- Damon Staudamire
- Muggsy Bogues
- Nate Robinson
- Spud Webb
- Ty Lawson
- Avery Johnson
- Aaron Brooks
- Earl Boykins
These 15 players were all very great players in the NBA, some still playing today. These players beat the odds when it comes to height and basketball
Why Were These Players Successful
Most of these players played point guard, some played or currently play shooting guard. All of the players on this list possessed skills that were necessary for their team to be successful. They all handled the ball very well, obtaining great ball handling skills.
These players also pass the ball very well, mostly because they see the court extremely well.
Many on this list also can shoot the ball at a very high percentage, some very well from 3-point distance.
These players also could hold their own on defense, because they were quick and aggressive. In order to gain an edge as a shorter player in basketball, the mindset has to be relentless. They beat the odds because they wanted to and desired to be successful at the position they played.
The Tallest Basketball Players All Time
- Gheorghe Muresan
- Manute Bol
- Shawn Bradley
- Chuck Nevitt
- Pavel Podkolzin
- Slavko Vrane
- Sim Bhullar
- Ralph Sampson
- Priest Lauderdale
- Rik Smits
Average Height of Current NBA Players
The average height of current NBA players is 6 foot 6 inches. The tallest current NBA player is 7’7” and the shortest current NBA player is 5’3”.
This is one reason why basketball is such a great game, players can play this game if you possess the skills necessary, regardless of height. Although height plays an impact, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of a short player playing basketball at a high level.
Taller players definitely have rebounding advantages over shorter players. These players, however, usually lack the ability to handle the ball well. Some have a difficult time shooting the basketball from long range. Some, however, beat the odds and perform these skills very well.
Should I play Basketball if I am Short?
Yes, you should play basketball. If you enjoy the sport, there is something that you can do. Most of the skills necessary in basketball can be learned and through dedication and training, you can become a great basketball player.
If you are young and short, it is difficult to predict how tall you will be as you get older.
Final Thoughts
Height matters for some positions, but overall, short players have been successful. Basketball requires a multitude of skills and all players can develop these skills through hard work.
As the level of play moves up, height becomes more impactful. We have seen shorter players prove that height doesn’t matter, even in the NBA.
If you enjoy basketball, work at, and become better. Do not let your size deter you from reaching your dreams and goals.