Absolutely! A contestant of any height can find a place on the field. Basketball is a game requiring clear and well-coordinated teamwork, which provides for a clear division of roles. There are positions in which the athlete is not required to have a gigantic growth.
The huge growth of top basketball players is a stereotype. History knows examples of when athletes of small stature achieved outstanding results.
If you are short, remember: you will need the patience to develop the necessary ball-handling skills to overcome your opponent’s height advantage. A thorough study of tactics and strategy could make you an indispensable player and lead your team to victory.
Many experts argue that being small in basketball has a number of advantages:
- Great maneuverability;
- Invisibility to the enemy;
- Fast movement speed;
- Strong feeds;
- Great stability;
- Low center of gravity.
Such an impressive list of benefits indicates that an athlete of any size with regular basketball training is able to achieve impressive results in this sport.
Adjust Your Training Routine
In order to gain an advantage on the field, despite your height, you need to study hard. Your training process should be focused on teaching you how to deal with a taller and bigger opponent.
First of all, tell your coach about your decision and ask for advice. A competent coach will help you create a training program in such a way as to develop the necessary skills for you
Ask teammates and basketball training partners for help. Your partners will be happy to help you and provide you with the necessary conditions recreating the real situation on the field in which you would need to beat a taller opponent.
Define Your Role
As we mentioned above, this sport involves a well-coordinated team game. In order to be the most effective, you need to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You must choose the role bringing the most points to your team.
The history of sports knows examples of excellent short defenders who did not allow tall opponents to penetrate their half of the field. Thanks to their resourcefulness, it was almost impossible to get the ball past them.
Also, sports history is replete with examples of successful scorers of small stature who perfected the throwing technique to perfection, which allowed them to score the ball into the basket and earn important points.
This is why try to give yourself an exam and determine which basketball role suits you best.
Constantly Improve Your Skills
The most productive contestant is the smartest and quickest athlete. The ability to quickly make the right decision plays a decisive role on the field. First of all, an athlete must know all the subtleties of the game and understand the nuances and tactics that can significantly affect the outcome of the match.
This could allow you to make the right decision and execute it while your opponent is figuring out what’s going on.
Increase your speed, hone your long shots, and constantly study theory. There are many books describing the most successful combinations increasing team performance.
Tips for Short Offense Players
If you have chosen to play on the attack, then you should get a couple of deceptive tricks that could help to deceive the enemy’s defense. You need to be able to make the opponent jump in order to make an imperceptible shot at the basket or pass at that moment. It takes a lot of practice and skill.
For successful offensive play, focus on developing the following skills:
- Possession of the ball;
- Dribbling;
- Strategy and tactics;
- Fake tricks;
- Precise shots.
Mastering these skills could not only help you overcome your opponents but will also give you more confidence, which will positively affect all aspects of your activity.