So you wanna play basketball but you’re “vertically challenged”? The good news is, there are plenty of ways for shorter players to even things out.
The main objective is to learn and then perfect techniques that give shorter people a chance to prevent a taller offense player to score, or to fake a defender out so a shorter offensive player can score. The bottom line is that beefing up the basics is the best way to gain the advantage over taller players who are closer to the basketball goal. Speed, agility and exemplary dribbling are all skills that can make or break a player and win or lose a game.
Endurance is another basic skill that is essential to success on the court. Getting tired after a couple of sprints won’t help anyone’s team, the ability to maintain a high level of energy throughout a game is a highly desirable trait in a player.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will assist in overall health and the ability to perform to an individual’s highest potential. Eating a balanced diet which meets daily nutrition guidelines and getting a sufficient amount of sleep will provide the building blocks for optimal health and wellness and make practicing and perfecting drills and skills attainable.
When playing defense opposite a taller offense:
Learn the art of the steal. Use a smaller stature to maneuver a steal when the taller player is focused higher up.
Don’t be afraid to get close. Get chest to chest with the opponent and jump around, wave hands in the air, anything to fluster or frustrate the other person. It’s hard to concentrate on taking a shot or passing when someone is right there.
Use the body’s center of gravity to hold steady in a position, make the opponent see that they will not be able to get through.
When playing offense opposite a taller defense:
Fake, fake, fake! Faking is an excellent way to get defenders hopping around allowing the offense to take shots while the defense is covering the fake.
Master continuous dribbling and ballhandling. Accurate, steady hands will be an asset to the entire team.
Practice shooting skills, master making shots from different spots on the court.
Always be looking for ways to test and improve skills and be open to taking coaching and advice from others. Work with people whose strengths could provide helpful new information and share strategies that have been successful in personal experiences to those who could use the pointers. Learning what works for and against others can prove to be invaluable information.