Been watching the women’s soccer teams and must say my favorite players on US: Dunn, Smith, Swanson, Girma and many others from the other top teams come in at 5’2” to 5-6”. Sure you have the goal keepers and a random tall girl like Rodman. But if the very good player comes in around 5’4” in national teams why do we see the coaches on ECNL and ECRL teams and even ulittle favor the tall girls? They play them more. Start them more. But time after time I see technical skills, speed and ball bwing moved better by the shorter players not the taller players. Sure your tall player might win a header, but that’s not reason enough.
-
-
The good coaches know better -
You started with your own conclusion.Originally posted by Guest View Post
Then you looked for just those data points that supported you.
You should have stayed in school.Comment
-
I think it works both ways. A team has to have someone tall enough to head in or out the corner or to win the 50/50 header in the middle. Those are key aspects of the game as much as passing. On our ECNL team, the taller ones can stay standing past defenders to get off a solid cross or shot. The smaller ones tend to be easily pushed off the ball. The tall defenders are fast and can stand up ECNL attackers barreling in when our shorter ones simply get run over. Maybe it’s a combo height and strength thing, overall size taking into account muscles. But soccer’s a physical game so physical elements are bound to play a part.Comment
-
Dudes kid is 4’11. Picked his favorite players on the field based on height (smaller the better). Completely ignored all the other players and all the college players. Well done!Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Parent of a smaller kid here. I disagree to some extent. Certain positions in the sport absolutely should have taller players, goalie, center back, striker. Just like in bball you wouldn't play a small player as center or forward, but they can play guard.
I do think OP is right is the default option is to pick a taller/bigger player if the skills are equal or even worse than a smaller player.
Good coaches should recognize this, if your coach doesn't your coach may not be good, lazy and/or your kid isn't as good as you think.Comment
-
There are more skilled, fast, agile, and strong tall kids than there are positions on most ECNL teams. If a shorter player has equal skills, the taller player will be picked over them as they should. Rarely are there shorter players who have such a skill or speed than the taller players. That is why you see what you see. It has to be one standard deviation better to be exceptional. That’s a lot to ask for most.Comment
-
I should have added though that your shorter player probably had a good run between U6 and U13. I’m sure they started and were dominant. The taller players during these years were overlooked because they were 10 lbs heavier from being a foot taller with the same muscle mass. They were clumsy every 3 months when they grew 2 inches in a weekend. Finally their heels ached from Severs disease from growing so fast. The problem is you didn’t see all this or care. It was a struggle for these players to stay on top teams.Comment
-
Parent of a smaller and above average height/build players.
Smaller child is quicker and shiftier on the field then many others, and typically can be the first to the ball. However he can get knocked off the ball a bit easier and struggles in the physical part of the game.
Other child can use his body more, and although he lacks the overall agility battle when comparing the two his explosiveness, power and versatility more then make up for it.
Both have their pros/cons IMO.Comment
-
This really isn't an all or nothing question, and shouldn't be. A lot of pro soccer players are small, Messi is the GOAT and well below average. Small and skilled and the kid will have a spot. Use the height bias to have them work harder and this be better. Get muscle, learn to use their smaller height.
Small and built like a twig won't last at top levels.Comment
-
The two strikers on USWNT, Swanson and Smith are 5’4 and 5’5Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
So you’re comparing USWNT players who are on the short side vs. 99% of club soccer players where 99.9% will have no chance of playing at that level. What do those players that you mentioned have in common? Athleticism, speed, quickness, mental and physical toughness along with a high soccer IQ. If your a short player than you better have these attributes to offset your size.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
First if you are making a comparison of short and tall between people 5’4 (short) and 5’8 (tall), I don’t think there is much difference in 2-4 inches for most players. There is when the spread is wider all things being equal in speed and skill. Taller wins.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Bro 4 inches is a lot. That’s the difference between being 5’8 and 6 foot. I’m not sure where you’re from but that’s a lot!Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
-
Flawed premise. It all depends on the position.
Plus, extremely tall players will suffer from not being as coordinated on the ball, whereas shorter players have lower center of gravity/better balance.Comment
Comment