How to Dominate as a Shorter Basketball Player
Learn why it's not all negative when it comes to being the shortest player on your roster and 4 quick tips to unlock your hidden advantages
Shorter athletes need to build up specific skill opportunities to succeed
Playing to your strengths will reward you
Be prepared to prove yourself and embrace the challenge
Basketball and volleyball are rare sports in which height is heavily weighted in total volume of space covered on the field of play. As of 2023, the average NBA player is around 6’6’’ inches (1.98 meters) tall while the average American male stands at 5’9” inches (1.75 meters) So, when it comes to the sport, let's make this clear: height matters.
But, it’s only one factor in a set of complex dynamics. Think about a create-a-player in a basketball video game. As your player's height decreases, all other attributes must be higher or the player will be unusable.
In real life teams, you’ll also notice that not everyone on the team is the same height: regardless of level. The expectations of each unique player position can actually create opportunities for smaller players.
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Being small means you’ll fit into smaller areas, if you can get there. Learning how to use your body, capitalize on speed, get under defenders, draw fouls, keep your dribble, and get anywhere on the court is necessary as a smaller basketball player.
What strategies are you using to strengthen each of these skills?
BECOMING THE FAVORITE TEAMMATE
If you can get to where you want with speed and ease because of your size, you should be able to draw 2 defenders and set up teammates for easy opportunities.
No matter where you play, if you're an athlete who creates opportunities for your teammate to shine: you will get the ball more.
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
If you have a strong play skills for your size, you should be attacking often because you have the advantage of getting where you want.
If the defense stays home off the ball and forces you to score instead of playmaker, how will you get those buckets? Make sure you're ready to showcase your strengths under pressure.
Be a strategic, self-aware athlete.
SKILLS BEYOND HEIGHT
The smaller guards who make it at elite levels have been selected as some of the strongest mentalities in basketball.
They’ve played in spite of the constant “...but he/she is too small for basketball” narratives they may hear or read about themselves. Playing well in spite of public sentiment is no joke.
Be ready to prove yourself over and over again until proving yourself is second nature.
At Shea Frazee Basketball, we’re experienced in helping hundreds of athletes achieve their goals, regardless of size. Contact Coach Shea via email at info@SheaFrazee.com or visit our Training page for more details.
