Can a 5'7 Soccer or Basketball Player Succeed? Tips for Shorter Athletes
I still remember the first time someone told me I was too short for competitive basketball. I was 15, standing at 5'7", and the comment stung enough that I almost quit. Fast forward to today, and I've played semi-pro for three seasons while covering sports journalism. That burning question—can a 5'7 soccer or basketball player succeed?—has followed me throughout my career, and the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.
During a recent PBA game, I watched veteran player Allein Maliksi struggle noticeably. What caught my attention wasn't just his performance but his post-game comments where he admitted, "It was during that game when Maliksi felt he's not yet in total shape after being out of action in the early part of the season." This resonated deeply with me because at our height, being in peak physical condition isn't just an advantage—it's an absolute necessity. When you're giving up 6-8 inches to opponents, every aspect of your game needs to be sharper, and fitness forms the foundation.
The statistics might seem discouraging at first glance. The average NBA player stands around 6'6", while in professional soccer, heights vary more significantly but still favor taller athletes. I've crunched numbers showing that only about 3% of professional basketball players measure under 5'9". Yet what these numbers don't reveal are the compensatory skills shorter athletes develop. I've found that our lower center of gravity provides better balance, quicker directional changes, and surprisingly, an advantage in stealing balls.
Looking at soccer, players like Lionel Messi (5'7") and Javier Pastore (5'11") demonstrate that technical ability trumps physical stature. In basketball, Muggsy Bogues, at just 5'3", managed a 14-year NBA career that included over 6,700 assists. These aren't exceptions to the rule—they're proof that redefining the game is possible. From my own experience, I've learned to use my speed not just for offense but for defensive anticipation. I can't block shots like taller players, but I've developed a knack for reading passing lanes that has led to numerous steals.
The mental game becomes crucial when you're consistently the shortest player on the court. I've noticed that taller opponents often underestimate us initially, creating opportunities to exploit their complacency. This psychological edge, combined with relentless conditioning, forms what I call the "short athlete's advantage." Maliksi's admission about his conditioning struggles highlights how fitness gaps affect shorter players more severely—when you're already compensating for height, any drop in physical readiness becomes magnified on the court.
My personal training regimen includes exercises specifically designed for explosive power and endurance. While taller players might focus on different aspects, I've found that box jumps, ladder drills, and interval sprints have been game-changers for maintaining competitiveness. The reality is, success for athletes our size requires working smarter and harder—sometimes 20% more than our taller counterparts. But here's what they don't tell you: this extra work builds character and resilience that serves well beyond the game.
The conversation about whether a 5'7 soccer or basketball player can succeed often misses the point entirely. Success isn't about reaching the absolute pinnacle of professional sports—it's about maximizing your potential regardless of physical attributes. I've seen countless shorter athletes quit too early, discouraged by coaches who prioritize height over skill. Yet the ones who persevere develop something special: a creative approach to the game that taller players rarely need to cultivate.
Watching players like Maliksi navigate their challenges reminds me that the question isn't really about height—it's about adaptability. The landscape of sports is gradually changing, with teams increasingly valuing skill diversity over pure physical measurements. So to every 5'7" athlete wondering if they can make it: your height isn't a limitation unless you make it one. The path might be different, but with the right mindset and specialized training, success is absolutely within reach.