Can a 5'7 Player Excel in Soccer or Basketball? A Height Comparison Guide
I remember watching that PBA game last season where Allein Maliksi struggled to find his rhythm after returning from injury. The commentator mentioned how Maliksi felt he wasn't in total shape yet after being out of action early in the season, and it got me thinking about how physical attributes like height interact with conditioning in sports. At 5'7", I've often wondered whether players like us face insurmountable challenges in sports like soccer and basketball, or if there's genuine room to excel.
Looking at basketball first, the numbers seem daunting. The average NBA player stands around 6'6", making someone at 5'7" appear almost comically undersized. I've calculated that this represents nearly an 11-inch difference, which in basketball terms feels like playing with a permanent disadvantage. Yet throughout my years covering sports, I've seen exceptional players defy these odds. Muggsy Bogues, at 5'3", not only played in the NBA but had a 14-year career, while Spud Webb at 5'7" won the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest - something I still find incredible every time I watch the highlights. These players compensated with extraordinary speed, ball-handling skills, and basketball IQ that made their height almost irrelevant.
Soccer presents a completely different picture, and honestly, I've always felt it's more forgiving for players of various heights. The global average for professional soccer players sits around 5'11", but the beautiful game has celebrated numerous stars at or near 5'7". Lionel Messi immediately comes to mind - his low center of gravity combined with technical mastery makes him nearly impossible to dispossess. I've noticed that in soccer, shorter players often develop better close control and agility, turning what might seem like a limitation into a distinct advantage. Diego Maradona, at 5'5", dominated the 1986 World Cup through his incredible dribbling and balance. From my perspective, soccer values technical ability and intelligence far more than physical stature, which explains why height becomes less of a determining factor.
The conditioning aspect that Maliksi mentioned really resonates with me. Having spoken with sports scientists, I've learned that shorter athletes can actually benefit from certain physiological advantages. Their bodies typically require less oxygen per pound of muscle, and they can change direction more rapidly due to lower centers of gravity. I recall a study showing that players under 5'8" have approximately 15% faster reaction times on average, though I'd need to verify that exact figure. The key, as Maliksi discovered, is maintaining peak physical condition - something that becomes even more crucial when you're giving up height to your opponents. I've observed that shorter players often develop superior technical skills precisely because they have to work harder to compete.
What many people don't realize is that certain positions in both sports actually favor shorter players. In basketball, point guards frequently excel when they're closer to 6 feet or under, as their lower stance makes dribbling penetration more effective. In soccer, attacking midfielders and wingers often benefit from the agility that comes with a smaller frame. I've always believed that the mental aspect matters just as much as the physical - the determination to prove doubters wrong can fuel incredible development in skill and game intelligence.
After years of analyzing sports and speaking with coaches, I'm convinced that while height provides advantages in both sports, it's far from the determining factor for success. The players who truly excel understand their bodies' unique capabilities and limitations, then build their games accordingly. Technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and relentless conditioning - these are the elements that separate good players from great ones, regardless of whether they stand at 5'7" or 6'7". The journey might be tougher for shorter athletes, but the destination remains equally attainable with the right approach and mindset.