The Best Tall People Sports: Top 5 Where Height Gives You the Edge

Alright, let’s talk about being 6’9” like me—something I’ve lived with my whole life, from sinking hoops in the Netherlands to running TFT Designs here in SoCal. Back when I was playing pro basketball, I figured out pretty quick that height can be a total game-changer. Sure, it’s not the only thing that matters, but there are some sports where being tall just gives you a leg up. As the guy behind TFT Designs, where we whip up dress shirts for tall, slim dudes who don’t fit the usual “big and tall” box, I’m all about owning what makes us stand out. So, here are my top five sports where height really shines, based on what I’ve seen and a bit of digging around.

1. Basketball

No shock here—basketball’s my world. Those 14 years, from college to pro, showed me how my height ruled the court. At 6’9”, I could grab rebounds, block shots, and fire off 3-pointers over anyone. I’ve read that the average NBA player’s around 6’6”, and centers often hit 7 feet or more. That extra reach? It’s gold for dominating inside or stretching the floor. It’s the ultimate tall guy’s playground, mixing athleticism with that height advantage.

2. Volleyball

Volleyball’s another one where height pays off big time. I’ve watched guys like 7’1” Kévin Le Roux smash the ball, and it’s clear why. From what I’ve picked up, a 2019 study in some sports science journal said taller players get a 20% boost in spiking height thanks to those long arms. I bet my lanky frame would’ve been perfect for slamming one over the net. Whether it’s indoors or on the beach, height makes you a force up there.

3. Swimming

Swimming’s a surprise, but it totally works for tall folks. Think Michael Phelps—6’4” with a 6’8” wingspan—gliding through the water. I read in Swimming World Magazine a while back that taller swimmers have an edge because their longer strokes cover more ground. My height would’ve been a natural fit, making each pull count without wrecking my joints like some land sports do. It’s a cool way to use that length.

4. Rowing

Rowing might not pop up first, but tall rowers own it. I’ve heard Olympic rowers average 6’3” to 6’5”, using those long limbs for extra pull. A Rowing News piece from a few years ago mentioned height can bump stroke power by 15%. At 6’9”, I could’ve been hauling with the best of them. It’s a team thing where height amps up your game without stealing the show.

5. High Jump

High jump’s the tall guy’s dream. Guys like Javier Sotomayor, at 6’10”, cleared 8’0.5”—wild! I read in Track & Field News that taller jumpers get a boost from a higher center of gravity and longer legs. My height would’ve given me a killer launch, though I’d have needed to nail the technique. It’s one of those sports where being tall feels like a built-in advantage.

Owning Your Height on and off the Field

These sports show how height can be your secret weapon—whether you’re dunking, spiking, or jumping. I stuck with basketball growing up, but I could’ve had a blast with these too. The trick is leaning into what your height brings—reach, power, presence—while working on your skills. At TFT Designs, we’re all about lifting up tall guys to feel good, whether you’re crushing it in a sport or rocking a shirt that fits right. What’s your go-to tall-friendly sport? Drop a comment below, and swing by our latest collection to stand tall in style!