It seems soccer is one of the only sports that allow humble athletes to compete against tall ones. So, this might bring us to the question, does playing soccer make you taller or shorter?
By playing this sport routinely, it helps accelerate the growth of the lower body. Also, constant running and evasive movements grow and stretch muscles surrounding your knees, thighs, and calves. And all result in a taller lower body frame.
But if you want to know how this works and how you can make the most of playing soccer to grow taller, keep scrolling.
Understanding the Science of Height
Before diving into the tips and tricks for increasing height, it’s important to understand the basic science behind it. Our height is primarily determined by our genes, which are inherited from our parents. However, environmental factors such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress can also influence our height to some extent.
During childhood and adolescence, our bodies undergo a growth spurt that lasts for several years. This is the time when our bones and muscles grow the most, and our height increases rapidly. Once we reach adulthood, our bones stop growing and our height becomes fixed. However, there are still some ways to increase height even after reaching adulthood.
How does playing soccer affect your height?
Two main things, including stretching and running, are contributing to increasing your height by playing soccer.
As you know, this sport involves lots of running up and down the field and avoiding opponents. While running, all the muscles surrounding your legs grow and get stretched. Mostly the development of your calf and thighs muscles will make your lower body grow, leading to an increased overall height. What is more, bursts of speed, quick movements, and large amounts of running are everything to help you grow taller.
But remember that the height you get from playing soccer might only be an inch or less.
What is the right time to start soccer to grow taller?
The ages 6-9 are ideal to start soccer if your kids have expressed an interest. In fact, there are many advantages to having them begin this sport soon. At this age, kids have developed stronger vision and coordination and a solid attention span. Also, their bone and joint system attains a certain sturdiness, allowing them to perform movements with ease.
Playing soccer at this age helps the kids’ body be more supple, enhances the firmness of the muscles, and supports height growth.
So, is older just as good?
Playing soccer to grow taller can work for almost everyone. But it just works better for those under 20 years old. As mentioned above, lots of running and evasive movements are how you can increase your height. While the sudden sideways maneuvers help stretch your muscles and legs, running for long stretches might build the muscles in your lower body.
Although you cannot get taller with this sport as you age, there are some benefits to your health. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Some health benefits of playing soccer
Boost cardiovascular health
Covering 5 to 7 miles of running within 90 plus minutes requires you to breathe fast, making your heart pump blood quicker and move it around the body muscles. Also, better circulation of blood helps prevent the heap of any plague inside the main cardiovascular arteries. Instead of running by yourself on a boring treadmill, playing soccer will be a better alternative to stabilize your heart rate and prevent you from chronic heart diseases.
Improve aerobic capacity
Yes, soccer is an aerobic sport. That is because players are required to run and play for 45 minutes before they get an official break. During this time, they have to be able to go from walking to sprinting and have to recover fully to do it again and again.
Lose or maintain weight
If you have a proper diet while playing soccer, you easily control your weight over time. In fact, any form of exercise burns calories and helps you maintain weight, but this sport involves lots of running that might burn a remarkable amount of calories during a 90-minute soccer match.
No doubt that playing soccer helps get you into shape.
Improve endurance and stamina
Endurance and stamina are two main attributes necessary in every sport that needs physical activities.
The rolling ball would require you to run for longer periods and strategize the whole game in mind. Hence, it would lead to the increase of both your physical and mental stamina. Importantly, a soccer player needs to know the game techniques of the opponents and play under different weather conditions to increase the endurance level and enhance the immunity system.
Increase cerebral functions
When playing soccer, you need to constantly keep thinking to determine your next move. And with over five to six possible changes at the same time, it might contribute to the growth of your brain, making it easier to multitask. As a result, you are required to control the present situation and suppose the future scenario, which improves your assessment power and enhances your thought.
Lower stress
Similar to any other physical activity, playing soccer helps release endorphins in the human brain, which is necessary for regulating the stability of your mood. Also, it makes a great impact on your inner health and gives you a relaxed mind. Overall, this sport makes you more determined and focused, thereby reducing anxiety levels.
Improve flexibility of body and mind
When you pass the ball to others or shield it, you have to move fast towards a certain place to make the most of the right situation. You also need to make vertical or lateral movements by continually running backward and forward. And these rapid movements involved in soccer improve your physical agility to a great extent.
What to consider to increase height rapidly?
What time to play soccer?
Playing soccer in the morning or evening is good for increasing height.
How long should you practice? You can try practicing for 45 minutes and then take a break of about 15 minutes. Or if you are still new to this sport, you can cut down the time between 20 and 30 minutes.
How about frequency?
To grow taller effectively, you should play soccer for about 60-90 minutes in between 3 and 5 days per week. Do not extend the training time to over 90 minutes because this might affect your bone strength and health badly.
Choose the right equipment
Make sure to wear something you are comfortable with. Clothes that let you move around comfortably and do not restrict your movement will be ideal. Besides, you need to select suitable cleats because they will give protection and support to your feet as well as offer extra traction.
Have a well-balanced diet
Your diet should involve about 60-65% carbohydrate, 10-15% protein, and 20-25% fat [1]. This ensures you get the proper amounts of nutrients to fuel your activity.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, and it can also help you grow taller. During sleep, our bodies produce growth hormone, which is essential for bone and muscle growth. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night to ensure that your body has enough time to produce growth hormone.
Practice Good Posture
Maintaining good posture is important for both your health and your height. Poor posture can compress your spine and make you appear shorter than you actually are. Make sure that you stand up straight, with your shoulders back and your head held high. Avoid slouching or hunching over, especially when sitting for long periods of time.
Reduce Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your health and growth. When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can interfere with the production of growth hormone. To reduce stress, engage in activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Make sure that you take breaks throughout the day to relax and unwind.
Consider Height Supplements
There are several supplements on the market that claim to help increase height. While there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness, some people have reported positive results. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, and make sure that you choose a reputable brand.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol can have a negative impact on your health and growth. They can interfere with the production of growth hormone and also weaken your bones. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake to promote optimal growth and development.
Overall, playing soccer might help you grow a bit taller by stretching and growing the muscles around your legs. Aside from giving a slight increase in height, this sport is also good to support your overall health.
What are you waiting for?
Get the ball rolling and enjoy all the benefits from this sport now!
FAQs
At what age should I start playing soccer to increase my height?
The earlier you start playing soccer, the better. Children and adolescents who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to grow taller than those who are sedentary. However, it’s never too late to start playing soccer, even as an adult.
What specific soccer drills or exercises can help me grow taller?
There are several soccer drills and exercises that can help improve your posture and promote optimal growth and development. These include stretching exercises, yoga, and drills that focus on balance, coordination, and agility.
Can playing soccer cause any negative impact on my height?
Playing soccer itself does not cause any negative impact on your height. However, if you suffer from any injuries or chronic pain as a result of playing soccer, it can potentially affect your posture and overall health.
Can nutrition impact my height while playing soccer?
Yes, proper nutrition is crucial for optimal growth and development. Make sure that your diet is rich in nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for bone growth. Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid sugary or processed foods that can negatively impact your health and growth.
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