Basketball players are some of the tallest athletes in the world. It’s hard to miss them as they travel around the court, some often stretching to heights that are nearly seven feet.
Why are basketball players so tall compared to the rest of the world? Is it a coincidence, or is it something they eat as children? Why are these athletes so tall compared to others?
Why Are Basketball Players So Tall?
1. Genetics
Genetics are one of the biggest reasons why basketball players are so tall. They might have tall parents or could have a recessive gene that makes them taller than average.
You will note that many basketball players have parents that are above average. A tall mother makes the difference between an average height and a tall height for a child.
It’s always interesting to see where tall basketball players come from in reality. Many current players will have children who will become basketball players. They’re all tall on the field.
2. Tall Is Ideal
In basketball, height is an advantage. To be a basketball player, you must be taller than average. Professionals are more likely to scout you at this status in the world.
If you are tall in basketball, there are many areas in which you can excel. You can dunk the ball, provide excellent defense, collect a rebound, and make accurate shots when needed.
Even in younger teams, tall players are sought after. Basketball players chosen for a group are more likely to be on the taller end of the spectrum than the shorter end.
3. Physical Proactivity
A physically proactive child might have a better chance of growing taller. Many professional basketball players have been active since they could walk on the ground. It’s vital.
Moving around often is critical to the health and well-being of an individual. In a child or a fully-grown man, it might make all the difference in the height they end up being.
Many basketball players are tall because they have been on their feet since they were small children. They have always been physically proactive and continue to be in their sport.
4. Hydration
Proper hydration can go a long way as a child grows. Water makes everything happen, and a child needs to get enough liquid to help their body function properly as they sprout.
When you drink water, it cleans out your entire system. Metabolism thrives, and all the systems can get themselves in working order. Hydration is necessary for health.
Many basketball players are tall because they are hydrated enough as children and continue to drink enough water. They know how critical it is to drink this beverage daily, seven glasses.
5. Medical Supplements
Unfortunately, some individuals give their children medical supplements to make them taller. This action occurs with the intent to give a kid an advantage over everyone on the field.
There are only a few supplements that have the potential to make a person taller. They also only work on individuals that have a specific set of items wrong with them.
Unless a doctor recommends it, medical supplements should not be taken as an adult or a child. However, many children grew up with these pills in their diet. Adults take them, too.
6. Environment
The environment of a child can have an impact on their height. What is the air pressure like where they grow up? How much humidity fills the air around them? What do they eat?
An environment can make all the difference in the height of a basketball player. An unhealthy diet or a home filled with too much stress to sleep can cause a stunted growth experience.
Many basketball players are tall because they grew up in an environment that allowed them to sleep, thrive, or move. They had a way to flourish as they hit critical growing ages.
7. Exercise
Exercise can do a lot for growth. As a child grows, tons of workouts can cause the limbs to lengthen to catch up with the movement of the child outside. Movement is vital to height.
If you have an injury, one of the best ways to deal with it is to give it time to heal. Exercise works that way. It allows the body to strengthen and stretch out over time.
Many basketball players are tall because they were constantly on their feet as children. They gave their bodies the chance to stretch out and stimulate their muscles as much as possible.
8. Enough Sleep
A growing child should get enough sleep. Most kids need at least eight hours a night to provide enough time to regenerate and rest in the evening. Sleep is crucial.
For any athlete, sleep is a necessary part of life. It allows the body to rest, digest, and prepare for the next day. It’s also the time when a growth hormone releases into the body.
Basketball players might be tall because they get enough sleep at night. Their bodies have had time to recover and grow as much as possible before they play the game.
9. Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition can help a child’s height. A kid with more nutrition benefits, such as protein and veggies, is more likely to grow taller than one nutritionally stunted.
Protein in childhood is the most critical food item to help a child grow tall. It can help build muscles and provides enough strength to grow taller as they age.
Several other nutrition items impact the height of a child. Minerals, calcium, and vitamins a and d are necessary. Tall players may have eaten these, whether as a child or an adult.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why beach volleyball players hug, why backflip is illegal in figure skating, and why people idolize athletes.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that basketball players are tall, and there are many reasons for this characteristic. Height can come from genetics, medical supplements, and nutrition.
Although it seems like all basketball players are tall, there are some smaller ones, too. However, height matters in this sport. The taller you are, the better the advantage.