Do You Have To Be Tall To Play Volleyball?

Your interest in this sport may drag you up to finding basic to involved details. In that case, a volleyball player’s height requirement can be both- an essential and complicated factor. Many of you might have this question whether you need to be tall to play volleyball. Thus, this article will answer all your questions.

You can play volleyball even if you are tall or short. The height is actually a matter of fact with the position you are playing. In fact, you have a better chance to show your talents when you are tall in certain positions. And on the contrary, in some positions, being short can be a blessing sometimes!

We know you are curious to learn more about this now. So, the wait isn’t worth it- let’s get to the business!

Do You Have To Be Tall To Play Volleyball?

In indoor volleyball, men below 180 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches) and women under 175 centimeters (5 feet 7 inches) still have a chance to show their talents regardless of their height being very tall. In fact, you don’t have to be necessarily tall when playing as a libero or a setter.

Illuminating Fact! – The average height of men in the world is 174 centimeters or 5 feet and 7 inches. Accordingly, any man below this height is considered short. On the other hand, the average height of a woman in the world is regarded as 159 centimeters or 5 feet and 3 inches. Therefore, any woman who is under this height is considered to be short.

How Does This Really Work?

If you are a male player under 180 centimeters, you can choose your position as a libero to show your best capabilities. In fact, since a libero is responsible for defending, he has to be good at coordination and be pretty hardy. 

Thus, shorter stature usually comes with flexibility and a better activity level. So, even if you are somewhere between 170 centimeters and 180 centimeters, you should not be disheartened as you can obviously be a good libero. 

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Furthermore, if you are in a height range of 180 centimeters to 185 centimeters, the chances are high that you can compete as a setter. Generally, setters do not require much of a height. If you feel that you are good at setting the ball and can jump high for blocking, then there you go!

The same theory applies to female players but with different height ranges. Women players less than 175 centimeters can go for libero position. And, if you are under 180 centimeters, then you can go for being a setter. Usually, female players over 180 centimeters can go for any position.

Can I play volleyball if I’m short?

Having an average short height is not a problem to play volleyball. Sometimes, shorter players would have more advantages in the game than tall players. As mentioned above, you can have good chances in positions like libero and setter if you have relatively short stature.

In fact, shorter players are considered to have better movement and flexibility. Therefore, even though all the positions will not pave the way to bring out your best, the places that require much potential with regard to movement and flexibility will keep you hopeful.

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How Tall Is The Average Libero?

A libero is taking care of defending; therefore, he or she should be 153 centimeters or more (5 feet or more). However, this height range can vary upon the level you are playing. 

Refer to the table below to have a better idea.

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Wrapping Up

So, as you see, you need not actually have to be tall to play volleyball. In fact, Men under 180 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches) and women less than 175 centimeters (5 feet 7 inches) can show their best in positions like libero and setter.

All the positions might not be suitable for players with a short stature. But still, our intention on this feature was to show that any flexible short player with a good movement and capabilities can show their talents in volleyball.