Soccer seems to be one sport
by BabaGhanouj (2022-10-02 19:57:44)
Edited on 2022-10-02 20:04:07

In reply to: Recruiting question from a 100% know-nothing.  posted by G.K.Chesterton

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where practically any body type can be a star. No need to be a freak of nature.

Typically, backs are taller than forwards, but Cristiano Ronaldo, is nearly 6'2".
In Notre Dame's 2023 recruiting class, Meghan Mrowick, a forward, is a very good basketball player also. She is 5'10".

It is helpful to have a "college size body" since it is a rough, physical game. Also, being tall allows one to get up on headers. Again, I would say generally coaches prefer taller backs than forwards, but a quick, tall forward would be great.

Sounds like you, your wife, and your son all had a good time at the game!

USWNT heights
by SixShutouts66  (2022-10-04 19:02:47)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I tired to look at the current USWNT roster for heights.

The four goalkeepers are 5'9" to 6'0", probably to aid covering the top of the net.

Most of the other players are about 5'7" (average size for US women). The two exceptions on the shorter side are Crystal Dunn (a defender at 5'1") and Rose Lavelle (a midfielder at 5'4"). Dunn has exceptional speed and often joins the attack, and Lavelle is an exceptional ball handler who tends to create plays.

The taller players are Sam Mewis (6'0" midfielder and Lindsey Horan at 5'9".

In the past Abby Wambaugh and Cindy Parlow were considered giants as 5'11" forwards.

Height has advantages, especially if one is good at heading balls; but it seems size is not as important in most positions as speed, ball handling, soccer IQ, and foot skills.
5'7 is well above average for a woman
by Tex Francisco  (2022-10-05 15:20:25)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

From what I can find online, it appears to be top 25%.
Generally this is correct
by catripledomer  (2022-10-04 18:44:37)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

However, the big bodies in the back still need to be able to defend the smaller forwards. Size does help in the back line because you don't ever want a fullback being pushed off the ball by a forward.

Another great counter-example from a size standpoint is Zlatan Ibrahimovic - a 6'5" forward.
ND Has Two Relatively Tall Backliners ...
by dillon77  (2022-10-04 18:15:56)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

with Eva Gaetino (5'11") and Leah Klenke (5'10"). Those are the two tallest starting field players for the Irish and, not surprisingly, Gaetino is the main target of Korbin Albert's corner kicks. On the flip side, it's good to have some tall defenders to defend opposing corner kicks and crosses.

Sure, I'd like to see a taller forward on offense for the same reason, but having a speed demon like Olivia Wingate is an advantage, too, as would be a person to has a very quick ability to get off quick shots.

Your point on physical play is important, too. Korbin Albert is an excellent combination of technical expertise and physical play. One of my favorite ND subs, Katie Coyle, is a very physical player who has decent wheels and the ability to turn the corner and get off centering passes.
Albert and Coyle are "only" 5'7" but in soccer today, that's AOK.

(Of course, ND WBB fans are preconditioned to like Irish athletes tall and versatile! Sonia Citron - 6'1" -- was an all-New York State soccer player and Olivia Miles a talented striker.)