Looking for the low-down on the best sports for short people? We have you covered with four sports to set your sights on that are not so much about height as they are about skill and heart.
As someone who played high school baseball, basketball and football at 5’7” and 150 pounds, I always appreciated athletes considered undersized. Today, these underdogs may also be labeled as “vertically challenged” given that many team sports tend to favor taller individuals.
This is especially true in basketball and volleyball, where regulation net heights are 10 feet and 7 feet, 11 ⅝ inches, respectively; while there are instances of shorter players excelling in these sports, they are rare.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel on your sports dreams. There are sports where height doesn’t matter as much. Have we piqued your interest? Here’s a short list of the best sports for short guys.
Physical Advantages of Being Short in Sports
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it–Size is important in sports. But size doesn’t necessarily relate to height. Short people can (and do) excel at sports traditionally associated with height. It’s all about the position you play.
For example, if we look at the National Basketball Association (NBA), we see pro basketball players the likes of Spud Webb (5’7’’), Muggsy Bogues (5’3”), and Isaiah Thomas (5’9”). Meanwhile, Calvin Murphy (5’9”) is the shortest player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In basketball, it is fairly easy to determine what position to play if you are undersized: guard. The NBA players above are similar: highly skilled on offense as scorers, and/or they set up teammates for scoring opportunities.
In volleyball, undersized players typically play libero or defensive specialist. These positions differ from basketball because they are less about direct scoring opportunities and more about set-up and defense.
Short people have an advantage in other sports like soccer, hockey, football and baseball. Are you wondering why? Shorter individuals have a lower center of gravity, which gives them better balance and stability. Typically, shorter athletes are also quicker and more agile so that they can get around their opponents more easily. In the case of football, a lower profile stature makes it harder for taller counterparts to tackle or defend.
Now that you know all about the advantages of being a man of modest height in sports, let’s take a closer look at these sports where being short is an advantage.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
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For the under-5’10” fraternity, a midfielder is an ideal position. Midfielders are set-up guys who control the flow and tempo of the game. Shorter players have an advantage compared to taller players when it comes to quickness, coordination and timing—critical assets when it comes to ball control. Physical fitness (particularly endurance) is key as players run up and down the field.
Midfielders typically log more miles than other positions and touch the ball more than any other position on the field. The center midfielder is particularly important as they are tasked with setting up plays on offense and defense.
Although MLS doesn’t carry the prestige of European leagues, the talent level continues to improve as players from Europe and Latin America bolster rosters.
In 2018, Atlanta United FC forward Josef Martinez (5’7”) led the league in goals (34), while DC United midfielder Luciano Acosta (5’3”) was first in assists (15).
If we look at the global stage, many fans will argue that Argentina’s Lionel Messi (5’7”) is the best in the business.
National Hockey League (NHL)
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Aside from goalies, players will support both sides of the ice (offense and defense); however, opportunities for undersized guys tend to be on the offensive side. As playmakers, forwards are either straight scoring machines, create goals for teammates or a combination of both.
Check out the Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau or the Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand to see a couple of elite forwards in action.
In addition to hockey skills, Gaudreau is business savvy. He trademarked the term Johnny Hockey. Meanwhile, TMM readers will appreciate the fact Marchand was recognized by the Boston Globe as one of the best-dressed Bostonians.
National Football League (NFL)
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A lower center of gravity makes it more challenging to tackle shorter players, making guys below 5’10” an asset on offense. This is especially true for the position of running back, as shorter players can change directions quickly and are adept at hiding behind offensive linemen (who average 6’5” and 300-plus pounds) as they carry the ball upfield.
While most wide receivers are over 6 feet tall, there are opportunities for shorter players who combine speed, elusiveness and fearlessness for catching the ball in the middle of the field- where they may get lit up by heavy-hitting linebackers and safeties.
Football historians will recall epic ankle-breaking runs by the Detroit Lions’ Barry Sanders (5’8”), one of the all-time best RBs. Currently, the shortest NFL player is Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn. He stands at 5’5”.
Clearly, the tale of the tape only goes so far on the gridiron. Let’s move on to hardball, shall we?
Major League Baseball (MLB)
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Playing middle infield (e.g., second base and shortstop) requires high levels of dexterity for fielding and throwing. These players typically provide more defensive support than offense. However, there are instances where players in these positions deliver on the field and at the plate. Meanwhile, outfielders may be offensive or defensive-led with regards to overall skill set.
Previously, the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) has gone to the Houston Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve (5’6”) and Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (5’9”). Coincidentally, each player also helped their team win the World Series the same year they won the MVP award. Each player has been unique in delivering strong performances on defense and offense.
When Altuve won the award in 2017, he gained bragging rights as he beat out New York Yankees’ juggernaut Aaron Judge (6’7”). Score another for the underdogs.
Psychological Resilience in Sports
It’s time for a little tough love. If you’re a man of modest height, you may be self-conscious about it. Others may have teased you in your younger years. These are real factors, but it’s time to get over the mental hump. You are just as capable of playing sports (or doing anything else) as tall men.
If you are trying to overcome societal expectations and stereotypes, here are a few ways to build mental toughness to excel in sports. First, embrace your strengths. You can hone your technique and skills so that they are near perfect. Mastering your skill is one of the easiest ways to make up for height. You’ll see that skill trumps height the first time you outmaneuver and outperform taller opponents.
Next, you need to develop mental fortitude constantly. Shift your mindset from “I’m short, so I can’t” to “I’m short, I definitely can, AND I can do it better!” Develop resilience and determination by believing in yourself and having confidence. Cultivate a strong sense of self-belief that will project onto your opponents and teammates.
Last, find inspiration. Simone Biles inspires both men and women. She’s dubbed the GOAT or the “greatest of all time,” standing at 4’8”. The average height of a woman in the United States is 5’4”, but I can guarantee that the average height woman does not have 11 various Olympic medals. Furthermore, she has the most Olympic medals earned by a U.S. gymnast. Yes, I know Biles is a woman. However, she inspires anyone, especially people of modest height.
Choosing the Right Sport Based on Body Type
You should first identify your body type to choose the best sport for short guys. Many men fall into one of three main body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. However, these types are not static. This means your body type can change depending on diet, exercise and medical factors. If you’re not sure of your body type, this handy body type calculator will help you out.
Ectomorphs are generally long and lean, so they excel in sports that require endurance—think running, swimming, or cycling. Endomorphs are strong, so if this is your body type, weightlifting, wrestling, and rowing are best suited for you. Last, mesomorphs are usually the best of both worlds, so they excel at sports requiring strength, power and speed.
Outside of traditional team sports, individual sports such as horse racing, cross fit, weightlifting, gymnastics and auto racing open doors for athletes who may be smaller in stature.
Horse racing is one of the best sports for short people. It has weight limits, making it one of the friendliest for the not-so-tall. For example, the Kentucky Derby weight limit for jockeys and their equipment is 126 pounds (57 kg).
Given the correlation between height and weight, this sport caters to guys with smaller frames.
The average jockey height is 4’10” to 5’6”. In 2018, Mike Smith (5’4”) won the illustrious Triple Crown, which is taking first place at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes the same year. Already inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2003, Smith accomplished the feat at the age of 52.
Crossfit enthusiasts will recognize the name Mat Fraser (5’7”). He has won the Reebok CrossFit Games three years in a row (2016-2018), earning him bragging rights as the “fittest man on earth.”
Wrapping Up The Best Sports for Short Men
To sum up, quickness and dexterity are the primary advantages of shorter athletes. Depending on the team sport, players may have niche skills for a specific position on offense or defense. As you can see, sometimes short stature is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. These successful athletes prove that hard work and skill are far more important than size.
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Since the world is suppose to be fair should sports such as basketball netball volleyball rugby American football have an overall height quota just like they have a wage quota so that short people can play the game a
Ski jumping, which is a very popular sport in some European countries. The majority of ski jumpers would be shorter than 5’10” and with body mass similar to horse riders.
Paintball. Ever see a 6ft dude try to hide behind a tree? Small guys definitely have the upper hand there
OF course , you neglected bodybuilding where short guys rule. I am 5’5 and was a competitive bodybuilder for 20 years. Short guys are natural bodybuilders. I began lifting at 10 years of age, by the time I was 18, I was 5’5 but with a 50 inch chest, 30 inch waist, 24 inch thighs and 20 1/2 inch biceps. Sure I worked out hard but muscle came to me a lot easier than it did for many of the taller guys that I trained with and competed against. I have a room full of trophies that are taller than me.I am short, proud to be short and wouldnt have it any other way. Yea, we sort of need ladders and step stools more than other guys but we dont worry about crashing into low doorways just narrow ones.
Shouldnt the percentages be closer to 50% for ALL sports?
Also the examples you give are examples where the athelete is winning on the basis of judging(Frazer) and where the horse is the athelete(Smith).
Shouldnt we as a society be looking to more closely match the demographics of society in all sports if all people are created equal?
Rugby is one, certain positions make it an advantage, I won’t explain too much because no-one over there really plays it anyway!
Hi Ben, thanks for reading my write-up. As a sports enthusiast, I am interested in learning more. What positions in particular? Also, TMM has readers all over world.
Happy to answer as an American former rugby player. There are some! The hooker position is great for shorter players. The differential in height between the props and the hooker can be advantageous in the scrum. Scrum half is a key decision maker on the field and similar to your example about a running back, can benefit from the cover of large forwards for tactical maneuvers. I started playing rugby in college and was struck by the inherent inclusivity of the sport. There is a position that is ideal for most all body types. It really highlights the importance of fitness and athleticism in its many different forms rather than one particular shape. Was great for recruitment given that many popular sports do not share that whole community feel. Several positions are good for the average size (loose forwards/centers/full back), while a few are really well-suited for a tall person (second row), short person (hooker / scrum half), very broad/ heavy person (prop), or whispy person (winger). A team comes together to see how the different body types are ideal for the different roles on the field and different players appreciate each other in ways that I don’t think you get in other sports with more uniform characteristics. It really does feel like it reflects the shapes and sizes of communities. Probably because it is such an old sport and is more like the experience of gathering a group of friends and saying, “what game can we all play together”? How fun is that?!
Interesting articles, thanks for that!
By the way, it’s “Rich Froning”, not Mark.
Thanks for reading, Marcel – and catching my oversight on Mr. Froning!
don,t forget Wrestling!
Yes! Although would be curious if you’re referring to professional, freestyle, etc? For pro wrestling, some of the same advantages in gymnastics would be applicable. Weight classes aim to create even playing fields when it comes to freestyle wresting, boxing, and UFC.
I like Aikido, this is perfect for short people.
Thanks, João. Morihei Ueshiba (Aikido’s founder) was just under 5’0″ — too short for Japan’s military…but tall enough to create his own form of martial art.
MotoGP stars: Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, Cal Crutchlow et al. are all between 5 ft 0″ – 5 ft 10″.
I believe Rossi is a bit taller (6’0″) but the others have made their mark for sure! Body control (e.g. lean) is an advantage. Marc Marquez: “I like the elbow, because when I feel it touch, I go down a bit more.”
Other sports that have more shorter men include gymnastics and boxing, too.
Excellent examples, Alan (apologies for the slow reply). Strength to body weight ratio plays a huge factor in gymnastics. The ability to rotate is also a huge advantage as a smaller frame provides a smaller radius, enabling faster revolutions.