How to play basketball if you re short

Can I Play Basketball If I'm Short? (With Tips For Short Players!)

Are you a short basketball player? If yes, have you ever wondered if playing basketball is for you? Almost all people know that basketball is for tall people only. So, does it mean you can’t play basketball if you are short? Let’s find out! 

Can you play basketball if you are short? Height plays a huge role in basketball. However, it doesn’t mean that a short player cannot be good at it. Short people can be good at basketball, but it can be difficult. I know lots of people below 5’8 that play as guards on their school’s team. 

However, there are other things you can learn from this topic. Let’s check the reasons why height is essential for basketball players and tips for short basketball players. Also, we are going to answer other questions related to our subject. If you are ready, let’s go! 

Check out the shortest NBA players here!

Why Is Height Important In Basketball?

The height of most basketball rims is ten feet. The courts you see in your backyard, gyms, parks, and driveways are almost always ten feet off the ground. 

Portable basketball hoops can be adjusted so that young children can play through them. But for high school, college, and professional basketball, the game is played on basketball hoops with standard 10-foot height. 

The height of the rim is tall, which is why taller basketball players have many advantages. Taller players have an advantage in basketball because they can lay the ball in the rim effortlessly, they can rebound the ball effortlessly, and have better blocking skills. 

However, even though height is essential in basketball, it is still possible for smaller people out there to be good at it. Many short NBA players proved to people that height doesn’t matter in basketball. Players like Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb, and Earl Boykins are example players. 

Height is essential if you are aiming to get the center or power forward position in basketball. But if you are only looking to get the point guard or shooting guard position, it is better for you to be small. Why? Because if you are short, you will have some advantages against the taller guys, like speed. Spud Webb: one of the shortest NBA player in history!

Does Height Affect Performance In Basketball? 

Height may affect performance in basketball. When it comes to scoring, it is easier for tall basketball players to score than smaller players. Being taller can help you shoot the ball inside or outside without the risk of a player blocking the ball away from you. 

However, this doesn’t mean that small basketball players can’t compete with taller dudes on the court. Taller basketball players may have some advantages, but smaller guys have too. Small basketball players have a speed and outside shooting advantage, while tall basketball players have inside shot and defense advantage. 

Short or tall, all of us have different strengths and weaknesses. Height may be a factor that may affect your performance. But the mindset is the greatest factor that can affect your basketball performance. If you have the wrong mindset, you will still fail even though you have the height of Yao Ming. 

Is 6ft A Good Height For Basketball?

Yes! 6ft is already a good height for basketball. For the United States, this height is the ideal height for point guards. However, in Asian countries, this height is for centers already because they have a smaller average height of basketball players compared to the USA. 

The shortest NBA player is Muggsy Bogues, who has a height of five feet and three inches. Spud Webb is five feet and seven inches that win the 1986 NBA slam dunk contest. These two players are not six feet and not near to six feet. However, they still have an awesome basketball career. 

So if you are 6ft, you are lucky enough. You can have a chance to enter the NBA or other professional basketball leagues around the world. With that height, you might get the point guard or shooting guard position. 

What Is The Best Basketball Position For Short Players?

The best position for short basketball players is either point guard or shooting guard. The point guard is the one that handles the ball and runs plays. The shooting guard is the best outside shooter on a basketball team. 

The reason why short basketball players are usually put into these positions is that short players can dribble the ball fast, pass the ball properly, and run quickly. To be able to fit into these two positions, you need to have these three skills. Short basketball players have these three skills, which is why they fit into these positions. 

Can Short Basketball Players Dunk? 

Dunking does not depend on height but the vertical leap of a basketball player. Short basketball players can dunk if they have a high vertical jump. There are astounding small NBA players that can dunk, for example, Spud Webb. 

Yes, short basketball players can dunk the ball into the rim. However, it is much easier for tall basketball players to dunk the ball. Why? Because they are tall enough to easily touch the rim, but because there are many vertical exercises invented, it becomes easier for any basketball player, short or tall, to dunk the ball to the rim.  

Check out the top 7 NBA players who can’t dunk here!

Basketball Skills You Need As A Small Player To Score

If you are a small basketball player and looking to outplay other taller players on the court, keep reading! Because I am going to tell you the skills you need as a short player. 

Dribbling Skill

First is you need to have good dribbling skills. Everyone needs to have basic dribbling skills. But for a small guy like you, you need to make your dribbling skill better than the basic and others. This will give you lots of advantages on the court. With good dribbling skills, you can get the spot of the point guard. 

Outside Shooting

Because you are a short basketball player, shooting inside is not probably a good idea. Why? Because tall basketball players are inside waiting for you. These tall players can effortlessly block your layups or floaters. This is why you need to have a good outside shooting. Improve your three-point shooting so that you can still give your team lots of points even if you are short.  

Step Back Skill

Creating separation with your defender is essential for a short player like you. You have to learn how to execute the step-back move. When you master the step-back skill like James Harden, you will be unstoppable on the court. You can score more jump shots and three-pointers if you know how to create separation from your opponents.

Speed

If you want to score inside, make sure that you are fast as lighting! You are a short guy, and if you move like a snail on the court, you will be useless. Improve your quickness on the court so that you can outplay taller players. If you are fast as lighting, you can drive into the basket quickly, and your inside shots will most likely be uncontested.

7 Tips For Short Basketball Players

Now that you know the skills that you need as a short basketball player, I will give you next to the tips you need to improve those skills you needed. These tips are essential and proven to help you compete on the court even if you are short. Let’s check them out!

Improve Your Dribbling

The first tip I will give to you is you should improve your dribbling skills. Like I have mentioned above, dribbling is one of the skills you need as a short player to outplay other taller players on the court. 

If you are a beginner, start with the basic dribbling first, then escalate to the harder type of dribbling moves when you master the basics. If you have good dribbling skills, you can ankle break and leave your defender behind. Also, if you have good dribbling skills, you can get the point guard position. 

Learn Defense

Do you know the saying defense is the best offense? It is true! 

If you are a short basketball player, you need to learn proper defense to defend any basketball player on the court. Even the tall ones! Don’t be lazy in defense because if you are lazy on your defense, you will earn your ticket to the bench. 

You should also know how to steal the ball from your opponents. Because you are a short basketball player, you have to improve your defensive skills. If centers are looking for their teammate to pass the ball, you should steal the ball from them. Because you are a short player, you can move and react quicker than taller basketball players.

Master The Floater Shot

Floater shot is a good shooting technique in basketball for short players. It is easy to make a floater shot because you don’t need to release the ball with an active jump. You only need a couple of steps and release the ball quickly up. It is better to learn to use one hand if you shoot a floater. 

Floater shot is a good shooting technique for short basketball players because it is a shot that is hard to block. It is a high arching shot giving tall basketball players a hard time reaching your shot in the air. So if you want to be an effective scorer even if you are a short basketball player, master the floater shot! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiehfRY5B24

Lift Weights

Strength is essential in basketball. If you are already short and also not strong, opponents can effortlessly push you down. If you don’t have enough power on the court, you cannot perform well. 

To get more strength, you need to have a healthy diet and hit the gym. Lifting weights is the only way to build your strength. If you have a robust body, you will be a good defensive player and you can bump on anyone on the court. 

So if you are not practicing or playing basketball, go to the gym and lift weights instead of playing video games during your free time. 

Improve Your Basketball IQ

Basketball IQ is essential, especially if your position is a point guard. Short basketball players are the point guards of every basketball team. If you are a short player, I suggest improve your basketball IQ for better performance on the court. 

If you have a good basketball IQ, you can read your opponents’ next moves. You are a short player, which means you are not strong enough to power your way down inside the paint. What you can do is to have a sharp mind to be able to outplay taller players.  

Rely On Your Speed

Like I have said above, speed is essential for a short basketball player like you. If you love shooting inside the paint, you need to rely on your speed so that your layups will never get blocked. If you are quick enough to leave any defender, your shots are most likely an uncontested shot. 

If you are not fast enough, then improve it. There are many workouts on Youtube about how to be a quick basketball player. Let me give you one video below:

Improve Your Three-Point Shooting

If you are a short basketball player, you cannot go inside the paint because your shots will most likely get blocked, especially if you are not quick. You need to be a three points marksman so that you can give your team more points. 

Three-points is the safest shot to take on the court. You can create a separation from your defender and release the ball quickly from your hands. If you make it, you will get three points. If you can score from a range, height never matters because you don’t need to go inside the paint.

Final Verdict 

If you are a short basketball player, never lose hope! Because there are tons of things you can do to outplay taller basketball players. I hope that the tips above will help you become a good basketball player even though your height is not that tall. 

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How to make the weakness as strength : Basketball

Thinking about the basketball players the first imagination come to people’s minds is the tallest players. It is very obvious that the tallest players are in the basketball sport but there are also some great players of short height. It is mainly the technique which makes difference between players but not height. Certainly, the tall player may get some advantages but the ultimate attainment will have the skilled player. Long height can be a fortune but short height cannot be a weakness.

1. Be a Master in Dribbler

For a basketball, player dribbling is a kind of art which is very hard to accomplish. If you are a short player it can be a great way to increase your strength and skill. In the field of dribbling Steve Nash and very recently Stephen Curry is the king. Their performance will keep you arresting how they handle the ball to make a defense to its knees. So, you need to work hard on dribbling you can try to dribble with two balls so when you will play with the single ball it will be easier for you to dribble like a master.

2. Be a Leader of the Floor

Leadership does not come with size its a matter of ability and technique. Quickness is the first requirement for basketball sport as it is called the fast-moving sport so to increase your game you have to be quick not only in moving but also in thinking about the technique of playing on the court. It will help you to get the opportunity to score easily. Being quick on the court, thinking fast, endurance, using technique are the principal factors of being a good player and to achieve these qualities height does not really matter.

3. Be the Best Teammate

Being a short player of the team, you have to face some taunt almost every day. Developing the game can be a way to reduce the taunt but it will not stop people laughing at you. The best way to stop being mocked it is to be a great teammate. The more you pass the opportunity of scoring, the more opportunity will be open up for you by your teammates. Basketball is required teamwork so being a good teammate not only make your position strong in the team but also will develop the teamwork which leads your team as well you to the success.

4. Be the Best Defensive Player

Being a champion defensive player is required first. A player has quick feet and active hands are known as a defensive player. There is nothing better to stop an offense by a defensive player. To be a defensive player does not require height. It just means to train yourself to be more fast and active which will make you quicker in the game than your tall teammates. No team can underestimate the opposite team when offenses are a skilled defensive player is the only reliance. So being the best defensive player you can offer an advantage and can make your position stronger than your tall teammates.

5. Be in Ideal Shape

Basketball takes a lot of strength and agility. To be in the form a basketball player has to be in the perfect shape. Despite being a short player if you want to take all advantages then you must work on the body very hard. As basketball requires physical activity so you should maintain your body to be fit at first.

If you are able to run out your opposite team then you will be counted as an asset to the team. Being physically active will help you to do shoots more easily. Every player of a team remains fit but as a short player if you have to be in ideal shape which will create a good impression on the teammates even on your game also. So, work hard to be in the ideal shape to take your game to the next level.

There is a maxim about basketball, “you can’t coach size” which means size does not really matter if you are capable enough. Usually, people used to think to be a great player you have to play above the rim. Despite being a short player you can a great player by following the tips and guidelines. Being best in every aspect and playing traffic is way too much important than your height. So, focused on being skilled and the world will forget your height.

For watch video click on: https://besthoopslab.com/tips-for-short-basketball-players/

How to get into the NBA with a height of 160 cm. Mugsy Bogz and other kid basketball players

January 31, 2016 10:21

How to get into the NBA with a height of 160 cm. Mugsy Bogz and other kid basketball players

How to get into the NBA with a height of 160 cm. Mugsy Bogues and other kid basketball players

Basketball is generally considered to be a game for big people. But it is not so.

Joan Pachisa, a dwarf whose short stature (exactly 1 meter) and a disease of the musculoskeletal system did not prevent him from realizing his dream: to play basketball, became the hero of one of the plots of the "Best Ball Game" program. The diminutive Spaniard competed in the World Dwarf Games last year and even made a documentary about it.

But there are examples of how people who are not particularly inclined towards sports achieve what they want, among professionals. The clearest example among basketball players is the 160-centimeter Mugsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history. Matchtv.ru remembers him and other stars, thanks to which short boys and girls were able to believe in themselves.

Mugsy Bogues (160 cm)

One of the most famous basketball photos of all time: the tallest basketball player in NBA history Manute Bol (231 cm) and the shortest Mugsy Bogues (160 cm). In season-1987/88 they played for the same club - the Washington Bullets.

The only person who called baby Bogz by his real name was his mother. Already at the age of 7, on the street playground, Tyrone Curtis Bogz received the nickname "Mugsy" (in English slang - "thief"), which stuck to him instantly and forever. Yielding to rivals in size, Mugsy could only surpass them in speed, which he successfully did for 14 years in the NBA. Moreover, in the very first match in his career, he had a chance to defend himself against the legend of the Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson, who is 40 cm taller than him!

“The press made a big show out of that match,” Bogz said during a visit to Russia last year. - Still, he is a superstar, and I just came to the NBA, and even with such growth! But as soon as the Magic started the first attack, I made an interception and ran to the basket. In the next moment, he only hits the ball on the floor - and I rob him again! In general, my whole career is a constant collapse of stereotypes. And I love it. How I like it now, after retiring, to motivate young guys and girls, to prove to them that small stature is not yet a sentence for a basketball player.

Earl Boykins (165 cm)

The second-shortest NBA player in history, Boykins retired just three years ago. Due to his small stature, he was not even drafted by any of the clubs, but in the end he managed to play for 10 different teams. Unlike Bogz, he became famous not only for his lightning-fast defense, but also for his performance (personal best in the NBA - 32 points). And also by the fact that with a weight of 60 kg in the best years, I pressed 142 kg from the chest! It seems that the recently released film "Ant-Man" is just about him.

Spud Webb (170 cm)

Shortest player in NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Contest history. Moreover - in 1986 Webb won it! But in order to score from above into the ring, installed at a height of 305 cm, you need to take out your hand with the ball almost three and a half meters from the floor. But the advantage of small stature is light weight and, as a result, increased volatility. And it was not difficult for little Webb to take off above the basket: with a vertical jump, he was 110 cm off the floor! Above - 120 - only the legendary Michael Jordan flew. However, our story is not about him.

Nate Robinson (175 cm)

Spud Webb competed in top throw competitions not only as a star but also as a dummy. It was over him that Nate Robinson jumped over in 2006, who eventually became the winner. Seven years later, the New York defender went even further and decided to jump over Superman himself - Dwight Howard. In total, Robinson has won three slamdunk competitions throughout his career. And this is also an NBA record.

Becky Hammon (168 cm)

Our list would be incomplete without domestic representatives. And although Rebecca Lynn Hammon was born in the United States, in 2008 she, speaking for CSKA Moscow, received Russian citizenship. After that, she played for the national team at two Olympics (in bronze Beijing 2008 and London 2012), becoming truly her own for her fans.

"Little Becky" - so they still talk about her with tenderness in our country. However, Hammon was remembered not only for her small stature, but also for her outstanding basketball talent. Of course, she didn’t score from above, but her extraordinary vision of the site and a killer shot from any distance allowed her to go down in history as one of the main stars of the women’s NBA. And a year after the end of her career, Hammon surprised the basketball world again by entering the headquarters of the men's San Antonio and becoming the first full female coach in the history of the strongest league in the world. I wonder which of the assistants enjoys great authority with the head coach of the Spurs Greg Popovich: Hammon or our other old friend, two-time Euroleague champion with CSKA Ettore Messina?

Text: Anton Solomin

Photo: Getty Images

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