Does Height Matter in Basketball?
When evaluating players, some things are more important than height. It is no secret that taller players have an advantage over their smaller counterparts. This is especially true at the professional level, where players are expected to excel at their craft with the limited amount of minutes they are allotted.
Unlike other sports, basketball does not require its players to have the height to be successful. The game itself is the only requirement necessary to excel at the sport. Many outstanding players are not particularly tall, either.
There are also numerous examples of players of all different heights having success in the sport. The question is – how tall is important as it pertains to basketball? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is The Importance Of Height In Basketball?
Height is a valuable factor to know when evaluating players, but it isn’t a magical number that causes success. Height can help a player’s athleticism, but it’s not the only thing that makes a great player in basketball.
There are many examples of players of all different heights having success in the sport. (Muggsey Bogues, for example)
How To Judge Height In Basketball?
It is important to note that not everyone is the same height. A decent height for a player in one league might be too short for another. It is also important to note that different leagues will have different requirements for players’ height. This makes it even more important to measure a player’s height.
The Pros Of Being Tall
Tall players are often stronger and heavier than their shorter counterparts. While this may seem a disadvantage at first, they have the advantage of better jumping abilities. Because of the extra height, players can leap higher and more efficiently.
Players need to have an excellent sense of sight to be effective in the game. Tall players can see further. Seeing farther than shorter players gives tall players an advantage when looking for open teammates.
How To Measure A Player’s Height
A person should stand behind the player and place the tape measure at the top of the player’s head to accurately measure height. The person should also ensure that the tape’s end is at the player’s crotch. The distance from the top of the player’s head to the center of their feet should be the player’s height in inches.
The Cons Of Being Tall
While taller players can be advantageous, it is essential to note that it isn’t a magic number. There are many examples of players of all different heights having success in the sport.
The question is – how tall is important as it pertains to basketball? There are also many downsides to being tall. The first is that taller players are more likely to be injured. Because of the added weight and stress placed on the body, injuries are more likely to occur when a player is taller.
Another potential negative of height is that it is harder to change. As players get older, it becomes more likely that they will lose a step. This can make it harder for players to continue earning minutes in a league when they are no longer as effective.
Conclusion
In basketball, height doesn’t matter as much as people think. While it can be an advantage, it isn’t required to be a great player. Instead, what’s more important is whether a player has the right mindset, work ethic, and character to succeed in the game.
Many outstanding players are not 7-foot giants. There are numerous examples of players of all different heights having success in the sport, from Mugsy Bogues to Shaquille O’Neil. With these things in mind, it is clear that size isn’t as important as people think.
