Of the 6 major sports, does basketball require the least amount of skill?

Basketball should require the most skill when you think about.

[FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]+[B]Passing[/B]-You need great court vision, hand eye coordination, reaction skills, reflexes, and ball handling skills.
+[B]Shooting[/B]-You need good accuracy, range, force, agility.
+[B]On Court[/B]-You need speed, vertical, acceleration stamina, a healthy body, strength, agility, rebounding, post, and a variety of scoring.
+[B]Defense[/B]-You need timing, accuracy, guarding, vertical.[/FONT]

[QUOTE=Boston C's]Ive played soccer up to the college ranks and from a players perspective its like basketball except with your feet lol... thats the quickest way to sum it up for me[/QUOTE]

But a normal person who hasn't played neither will have a much easier time learning basketball, since you have more control in your hands.

Soccer is definetely the sport that takes the higher amount of skill because it requires incredible coordination with your foot, something you just have to learn from scratch because people rarely use their foot to do anything other than walking / running.

[QUOTE=DuMa]im surprised.... not really LOL, that hockey hasnt been talked much on here. no one gives a shit about hockey but to be a defense man in hockey doesnt require much skill. learning to skate and hit and being 6ft plus. thats about it.[/QUOTE]

People don't care about hockey because it's not as accessible as football, basketball, or soccer. Defence is one of the hardest positions to learn... saying it only requires "skating, hitting and being tall" is like me saying playing a quarterback only requires being white, 6'2"+ and the ability to throw the ball.

you need much more skill in soccer than basketball and especially football.
in basketball do be truly on of the very best, you have to be at least 6'4, 6'6 and alot of the all time top 10 players are 7 footers.
A 5'10 guy has no chance whatsoever to be the best player of all time.
The way the sport works doens't allow that to happen.
You can almost call it unfair that a guy like lebron or any other super big athletic guy can just straight go play in the biggest league of basketball and be good.

in soccer height doesn't give you many advantage over others. much more people are able to compete making it harder for you to be the greatest.
making it more skillbased instead of just you being more gifted.
just look at messi.
he is one of the best players ever but the guy is a freakin dwarf.

In my area, white people love hockey. No just men but girls. I think most chicks around here like hockey and baseball the most.

(referring to DuMa's and Fiasco's posts)

Football is by far the easiest skill-wise out of the 6.

[QUOTE=28renyoy]I'm speaking of

Baseball
Football
Basketball
Soccar
Hockey
Golf[/QUOTE]

I'd say the most skill pertaining to the sport and/or the most exceptional physical gifts. The best players in the NBA could have dominated four of those other five sports had they committed to them instead of basketball. Imagine a Lebron James sized soccer goalie or Ron Artest as a defense-men in Hockey. I think Dwyane Wade could be the NFL's best receiver right now.

Football and Soccer take very little skill. Soccer takes more time and football more athletic ability, but both are mostly physical/conditioning based games. Hockey starts with becoming a great skater. Baseball and Golf are mostly based on mechanics and repetition and tennis is a combination of athleticism and skill, but rarely attracts the high level athlete.

If we are taking out the point guards, pitchers, quarterbacks, punters, field goal kickers, goalies, and centers out of consideration, I think football requires the least amount of skills. But if we exclude football because it is a sport in which each player is limited to a couple of things his position demands, I'd say soccer.

If we are just speaking in terms of bare minimums, here are the basic skills that each player in each sport needs in order to play.

Basketball: dribbling, passing, layup, catching, contesting shots
Football: catching, tackling/holding
Soccer: running with the ball, passing, shooting, defending
Baseball: throwing the ball, batting, catching
Hockey: skating, passing, shooting, defending

I'm not going to include golf cause we all know that isn't the least skillful sport out there. Keep in mind that I am excluding all physical traits and wisdom about the sports.

The reasoning as to why soccer requires the least skill is that all of soccer's basic skills feel much more natural to do than the other sports.

I just clicked to see what sports #5 and 6 were.

[QUOTE=G.O.A.T]I'd say the most skill pertaining to the sport and/or the most exceptional physical gifts. The best players in the NBA could have dominated four of those other five sports had they committed to them instead of basketball. Imagine a Lebron James sized soccer goalie or Ron Artest as a defense-men in Hockey. I think Dwyane Wade could be the NFL's best receiver right now.

Football and Soccer take very little skill. Soccer takes more time and football more athletic ability, but both are mostly physical/conditioning based games. Hockey starts with becoming a great skater. Baseball and Golf are mostly based on mechanics and repetition and tennis is a combination of athleticism and skill, but rarely attracts the high level athlete.[/QUOTE]
I think you're really ignoring how much skill it takes to score a goal in soccer. On defense, it's mostly a conditioning based game, but not at all on offense, though having the right body type is pretty huge, just like basketball.

[QUOTE=G.O.A.T]I'd say the most skill pertaining to the sport and/or the most exceptional physical gifts. The best players in the NBA could have dominated four of those other five sports had they committed to them instead of basketball. Imagine a Lebron James sized soccer goalie or Ron Artest as a defense-men in Hockey. I think Dwyane Wade could be the NFL's best receiver right now.

Football and Soccer take very little skill. Soccer takes more time and football more athletic ability, but both are mostly physical/conditioning based games. Hockey starts with becoming a great skater. Baseball and Golf are mostly based on mechanics and repetition and tennis is a combination of athleticism and skill, but rarely attracts the high level athlete.[/QUOTE]

lol soccer goalie. if you're gonna talk about dominating a sport pick positions that ppl care. you obviously picked the least skilled position. a position in which reaction, size and athleticism the most important are. lebron would never manage to be a half decent soccer player.

[QUOTE=lilojmayo]Football and Basketball are easier to pick up then the other sports. Which is why they are the two most played sports in the country. But at the same time since they are played so much the competition far exceeds any of the other sports. You basically have to ask if you never had experience playing a sport which would you struggle the most.

1. Golf
2. Hockey
3.Baseball
4. Soccer
5. Basketball
6.Football[/QUOTE]

I essentially agree with that except I'd have soccer and basketball as 5 and 6 and interchangeable. Throwing a football can be quite hard to do as well as tackling a player going full speed. I wouldn't even play on the defensive end of the football when i started playing (8th grade) until I had a year's experience of watching that side of the ball.

To give you an idea thinking about all of those sports and think about how many people actually play the sport that they watch. It's most likely basketball and soccer since they are very easy to pick up.

[quote]
I'd say the most skill pertaining to the sport and/or the most exceptional physical gifts. The best players in the NBA could have dominated four of those other five sports had they committed to them instead of basketball. Imagine a Lebron James sized soccer goalie or Ron Artest as a defense-men in Hockey. I think Dwyane Wade could be the NFL's best receiver right now.

Football and Soccer take very little skill. Soccer takes more time and football more athletic ability, but both are mostly physical/conditioning based games. Hockey starts with becoming a great skater. Baseball and Golf are mostly based on mechanics and repetition and tennis is a combination of athleticism and skill, but rarely attracts the high level athlete.[/quote]

Yea sorry goat I don't agree with that.

Not to say baseball doesn't take skill, but there's a reason why so many legends have done steroids...

1 - NFL Quarterback
2 - NHL Goalie
3a - Golfer
3b - MLB Pitcher
3c - Soccer Goalie
4 - NBA Point Guard

That's my list

[QUOTE=Joey Zaza]Interesting topic, really interesting that despite this being a basketball site, basketball is not dominating the voting...

Making a basket is probably easier than anything else listed. Further, someone without any basketball knowlege or experience can still get out for a game and play without looking too foolish. Worst happens, you miss a shot (everyone does) your guys scores on you (so what, everyone is scored on).

But, to that end, since scoring a basket is so easy (compare to other sports, ball goes in 40-60 times a game, runs/goals/TD score 3-4 times a game) stopping the basket is insanely hard.

Further, the comparison between other sports is largely unfair. [B] Baseball and golf are about fine motor skills. [/B] The position of the fingers when holding the ball, swinging the club. The gross motor..swinging the arms, jumping, are useful, but not primary. Basketball and football is all gross motor skills. Big, broad movements dominate--(though I'm sure R.Allen and R.Miller will tell you their finger tips are the whole game).

All that being said, ice hockey seems impossible.[/QUOTE]


Baseball requires serious athleticism for 2b, SS, 3B and all of the outfield. Don't get it twisted. It even requires great stamina. If you don't believe me, have someone hit you fly balls or grounders for just 10 minutes. In baseball, you have to instantly react to a ball moving more than a 100 MPH. You have no idea in what direction its going and then you have to consider how many outs there are, whos on base, and whats the score. Its silly when people think like you do about baseball.

[QUOTE=bdreason]Here is my list of major American sports, based on skill, hardest to easiest.


1. Golf - the entire sport is based on skill. I have friends who are shorter and weaker than me that consistently out-drive me, and out-play me.

2. Baseball - another sport that requires mostly skill. [B]Speed, stamina, and strength are nice, but not required. [/B]

3. Hockey - they play on ice. Most people can't even ice skate, let alone play a sport while skating.

4. Basketball - requires a combination of skills using both the hands and feet. I would love to rank bball higher, but the sport is highly reliant on size and athleticism as well. That's why many claim Basketball has the greatest athletes in the World.

5. Football - the positions in football make the sport more specialized. Only the QB position requires as many skills as some of the other sports mentioned.[/QUOTE]
:roll: You really have no clue as to what you're talking about.

[QUOTE=sundizz]I am very very very naturally skilled at sports...just short.

My definition of 'skills' is would you be able to play with a bunch of normal athleticism guys that have played the sport for 10+ years. For example, if you went to the park and there were a bunch of 20-40 year old people there could you play the game without being a huge detriment to the fun.

Results for someone with above average athleticism and coordinator (me)
In order of easiest to hardest (assuming you get to have one day to practice)

1. Baseball.
Catching and throwing. Your singular effect on any single game is usually not that great. I've never once played baseball in any organized way, but when I play with people that do know how to play I don't embarrass myself. I can catch the ball if it easy and i'm fast enough to get a grounder. I have a naturally good arm and can get it close enough to my target. I suck at hitting, and am a detriment there but with a subpar picture I can occasionally get a good whack at the ball.

2. Soccer
If you have decent athleticism you can always play defense. I really am terrible at kicking the ball but can play great on the ball or help defense. This is a game with clear cut offense and defensive players so as long as you don't choose a position (forward) that requires mad skill you can play just fine. I played with varsity level players and most of them had no idea I never played soccer before. All I did was play defense and try to not do too much. I've played one on one soccer against people that have high school level of skills and beat them. Again, mostly luck, I was faster than them and it was a big field, and no goalie. It takes a little bit to get used to dribbling with your feet, but as far as sports go you can pick that up fairly quickly.


3. Football
Football really depends on how properly it is played. You have to at least understand football to play it decently. You have to know where to be and what to do/the rules. This is not necessarily skill, but rather knowledge. If you are playing tackle then the skill is a bit less. You can be huge, fast and strong and dominate as a running back or etc. This gets the nod above the other two because you HAVE to be able to catch the ball, move laterally, move explosively, and gauge distance. If you are wide open and can't catch the ball you are a huge liability. Alternatively, if you keep getting torched on defense you are a huge liability.

4. Basketball
In bball you can be pretty terrible and still be allowed on a court. However, the skills required to be good are very fine tuned. Being a skilled shooter is something purely learned, and not physical (such as catching). Same with dribbling. However, you can be tall and do other things. Alternatively, as long as you can catch and get the ball to someone else it is usually enough. However, the divide between not having skills and having skills is larger than the prior two sports.

5. Hockey
Ice skating is a semi-skill. I could ice skate just fine the first time I ever tried it. Stopping, turning quickly, etc etc is something I'm sure I could pick up if I go another 20+ times. I think the skill to hit a puck while moving is pretty hard though. I think basketball requires more actual skill, but I think for most people skating and using a stick at the same time is a combination of body skill that requires tons and tons of practice. I might be an exception, rather than the rule here.

6. Tennis
As an avid tennis player, I can say with certainty if you don't have the skills you have no chance. The athleticism/etc only comes in to play once you have the skills. Someone fast and strong will be only marginally better than someone slow and weak. Skill definitely trumps all, until you get to the upper echelons.


7. Golf
This sport requires the most skill in my opinion. I naturally have been able to get by, or do well at every sport I've ever played just a few times. Golf is by far the exception. It is impossible. The skill required to hit that ball properly is just unbelievable. Size, strength and every measure of normal athletic ability (coordination, wrist strength, explosiveness, etc) really have no bearing on golf. It is a pure skill sport.[/QUOTE]


Golf does indeed require a high level of skill to play at the highest level.

Golf is not a sport though.

If golf is a sport, so is shuffleboard. So is air hockey.

[QUOTE=wagexslave]1 - NFL Quarterback
2 - NHL Goalie
3a - Golfer
3b - MLB Pitcher
3c - Soccer Goalie
4 - NBA Point Guard

That's my list[/QUOTE]

MLB pitcher takes more skill than all of those. You know how hard it is to throw a strike?

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaIvBd0Q19s[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzq5hw5KSXU[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IRQ0RjJ20Q[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn69Z820P6w[/url]

[QUOTE=Sarcastic]MLB pitcher takes more skill than all of those. You know how hard it is to throw a strike?

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaIvBd0Q19s[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzq5hw5KSXU[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IRQ0RjJ20Q[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn69Z820P6w[/url][/QUOTE]

I'd be willing to bet I could throw a strike before you could skate backwards.

Baseball, despite how many of the athletes who do play professionally are out of shape, requires the most skill. It's tough as shit hitting a 90+mph fastball, much less a splitter and/or changeup that comes in almost as quick. Fielding (catching or playing defense) and pitching? Fuhgettaboutit.

I'd say Basketball/Hockey are close seconds, followed by Football.

[QUOTE=Fiasco]I'd be willing to bet I could throw a strike before you could skate backwards.[/QUOTE]

I grew up ice skating, and played hockey when I was young.

[QUOTE=sundizz]

2. Soccer
If you have decent athleticism you can always play defense. I really am terrible at kicking the ball but can play great on the ball or help defense. This is a game with clear cut offense and defensive players so as long as you don't choose a position (forward) that requires mad skill you can play just fine. I played with varsity level players and most of them had no idea I never played soccer before. All I did was play defense and try to not do too much. I've played one on one soccer against people that have high school level of skills and beat them. Again, mostly luck, I was faster than them and it was a big field, and no goalie. It takes a little bit to get used to dribbling with your feet, but as far as sports go you can pick that up fairly quickly.
[/QUOTE]

No. Just athleticism is not enough to play defense. You would not even touch the football in my local game. Newsflash, the guy you beat can't play football either.

[QUOTE=G.O.A.T]I'd say the most skill pertaining to the sport and/or the most exceptional physical gifts. The best players in the NBA could have dominated four of those other five sports had they committed to them instead of basketball. Imagine a Lebron James sized soccer goalie or Ron Artest as a defense-men in Hockey. I think Dwyane Wade could be the NFL's best receiver right now.

Football and Soccer take very little skill. Soccer takes more time and football more athletic ability, but both are mostly physical/conditioning based games. Hockey starts with becoming a great skater. Baseball and Golf are mostly based on mechanics and repetition and tennis is a combination of athleticism and skill, but rarely attracts the high level athlete.[/QUOTE]

Jesus. NBA bias at its best. Almost all NBA players would suck in soccer. When a guy is too tall, he does not have the motor coordination to play the beautiful game. A guy like Kobe, who has great basketball footwork, looks like a robot playing soccer, with no mobility whatsover.

Soccer takes very little skill? You have never played before and cleary has no idea what what you are talking about.

I'll say this about hockey compared to basketball too: assuming you know how to skate, it's easier to learn how to control and shoot the puck than it is to learn to dribble and shoot a basketball.

[QUOTE=lakers_forever]No. Just athleticism is not enough to play defense. You would not even touch the football in my local game. Newsflash, the guy you beat can't play football either.



Jesus. NBA bias at its best. Almost all NBA players would suck in soccer. When a guy is too tall, he does not have the motor coordination to play the beautiful game. A guy like Kobe, who has great basketball footwork, looks like a robot playing soccer, with no mobility whatsover.

Soccer takes very little skill? You have never played before and cleary has no idea what what you are talking about.[/QUOTE]

Hakeem Olajuwon played soccer and was supposedly a great goalie.

There's a better chance of Lebron James being able to make it as a soccer player than a short soccer player making it to the NBA.

Are we talking about just your average player or a professional?

[QUOTE=Sarcastic]

There's a better chance of Lebron James being able to make it as a soccer player than a short soccer player making it to the NBA.[/QUOTE]
I think thats kind of proving the point made by the OP in this thread. The athleticism threshold to make it in the NBA is MUCH higher than in any other sports.. You can be an average sized guy and be in the MLB.. or the NFL[assuming you hit the gym].. or the NHL, but theres no way to boost your height.. so if you're not tall you cant make the NBA. And in addition to being tall, you have to have the coordination and movement/quickness of a guy 6 inches shorter than you.

[QUOTE=tpols]I think thats kind of proving the point made by the OP in this thread. The athleticism threshold to make it in the NBA is MUCH higher than in any other sports.. You can be an average sized guy and be in the MLB.. or the NFL[assuming you hit the gym].. or the NHL, but theres no way to boost your height.. so if you're not tall you cant make the NBA. And in addition to being tall, you have to have the coordination and movement/quickness of a guy 6 inches shorter than you.[/QUOTE]

I thought the OP talking about "skill"?

[QUOTE=catch24]I thought the OP talking about "skill"?[/QUOTE]
In a lot of people's minds athleticism is like the opposite of skill. People who get by on pure athleticism are often looked at as having the 'easy way' to success in whatever theyre playing where as people who get by on skill are often marveled at for their work ethic and dedication. So since a lot of NBA players get by on their height and athleticism alone, the OP looks at that as them being less skilled by their counterparts in other sports. And when you think about it in today's age, it's kind of true. The fundamentals in basketball are being eroded. Look how many guys cant even shoot the ball or make the correct passes. It's all about how hard you can dunk and how good your dribbling looks.. and scouts pick guys almost exclusively on their physical specs instead of their actual games saying they can be 'molded'.

[QUOTE=tpols]In a lot of people's minds athleticism is like the opposite of skill. People who get by on pure athleticism are often looked at as having the 'easy way' to success in whatever theyre playing where as people who get by on skill are often marveled at for their work ethic and dedication. So since a lot of NBA players get by on their height and athleticism alone, the OP looks at that as them being less skilled by their counterparts in other sports. And when you think about it in today's age, it's kind of true. The fundamentals in basketball are being eroded. Look how many guys cant even shoot the ball or make the correct passes. It's all about how hard you can dunk and how good your dribbling looks.. and scouts pick guys almost exclusively on their physical specs instead of their actual games saying they can be 'molded'.[/QUOTE]

I don't disagree with anything you've said. Good stuff. In-terms of [I]skill[/I]; however, how would you rank the sports - least to most difficult or vice versa?

[QUOTE=Sarcastic]Hakeem Olajuwon played soccer and was supposedly a great goalie.

There's a better chance of Lebron James being able to make it as a soccer player than a short soccer player making it to the NBA.[/QUOTE]

Goalie again... Lebron, even trainning since a little kid, would have no chance to make it as a soccer player (not talking about gk's). First, he would not play in a high level soccer country. Second, he's just too tall. I only know one player over 6'6, Peter Crouch and he looks clumsy as hell (just like Lebron would) and is far from being a great player.

And about the goalie part, Lebron would be the tallest gk in the premier league. While the height is great to defend high shots, the low corner shots would kill him.

[QUOTE=catch24]I don't disagree with anything you've said. Good stuff. In-terms of [I]skill[/I]; however, how would you rank the sports - least to most difficult or vice versa?[/QUOTE]
In terms of pure ability to master all of the skills related to one's sport[hardest to easiest]:

Soccer
Basketball
Baseball
Hockey
Football

In my last ranking I had the order different, but in that one I was ranking them based on how important skill is to dominate. Like in soccer for instance, you need to be extremely skilled at juggling the ball, kicking, having great footwork, etc. You need to be skilled to play. In basketball however, youll see 7 footers pulled off the street who have very little skills at all[see hasheem thabeet].. but to master basketball's full range of skills is very hard. You you need great footwork, great coordination to be able to sync your dribbling with your movement, great touch on your shot, the ability to pass anywhere on the court and to make all different types of passes.. shit even things like rebounding can be skillful. Look at how rodman always was able to put himself in position to rebound the ball. Thats a skill. The thing is though most NBA players dont need to master these skills to make it.. so they just get by on their athleticism. That doesn't take away from how hard it is to master the full range of basketball skills though.

[QUOTE=tpols]In terms of pure ability to master all of the skills related to one's sport[hardest to easiest]:

Soccer
Basketball
Baseball
Hockey
Football

In my last ranking I had the order different, but in that one I was ranking them based on how important skill is to dominate. Like in soccer for instance, you need to be extremely skilled at juggling the ball, kicking, having great footwork, etc. You need to be skilled to play. In basketball however, youll see 7 footers pulled off the street who have very little skills at all[see hasheem thabeet].. but to master basketball's full range of skills is very hard. You you need great footwork, great coordination to be able to sync your dribbling with your movement, great touch on your shot, the ability to pass anywhere on the court and to make all different types of passes.. shit even things like rebounding can be skillful. Look at how rodman always was able to put himself in position to rebound the ball. Thats a skill. The thing is though most NBA players dont need to master these skills to make it.. so they just get by on their athleticism. That doesn't take away from how hard it is to master the full range of basketball skills though.[/QUOTE]

Another solid post. Quick question though - and be honest. If an athlete had one off season to pickup a sport, which of the following is he more likely going to excel at? Soccer, Basketball or Baseball? You pick the position(s) you want to enhance your skillset btw.

[QUOTE=tpols]In my last ranking I had the order different, but in that one I was ranking them based on how important skill is to dominate. Like in soccer for instance, you need to be extremely skilled at juggling the ball, kicking, having great footwork, etc. You need to be skilled to play. In basketball however, youll see 7 footers pulled off the street who have very little skills at all[see hasheem thabeet].. but to master basketball's full range of skills is very hard. You you need great footwork, great coordination to be able to sync your dribbling with your movement, great touch on your shot, the ability to pass anywhere on the court and to make all different types of passes.. shit even things like rebounding can be skillful. Look at how rodman always was able to put himself in position to rebound the ball. Thats a skill. The thing is though most NBA players dont need to master these skills to make it.. so they just get by on their athleticism. That doesn't take away from how hard it is to master the full range of basketball skills though.[/QUOTE]

All sports are extremely hard to master. I've played with soccer pro's and they made every amateur on the field looking like a 10 year old kid. It's a completely different level. The power on their shots is just crazy.

[QUOTE=lakers_forever]All sports are extremely hard to master. I've played with soccer pro's and they made every amateur on the field looking like a 10 year old kid. It's a completely different level. The power on their shots is just crazy.[/QUOTE]
I ranked soccer as the number one hardest sport to master in terms of skill.

[QUOTE=tpols]I ranked soccer as the number one hardest sport to master in terms of skill.[/QUOTE]

Oops. My bad. But I don't know about being the hardest. All of them are hard as hell to master. It's a difficult comparison.

[QUOTE=catch24]Another solid post. Quick question though - and be honest. If an athlete had one off season to pickup a sport, which of the following is he more likely going to excel at? Soccer, Basketball or Baseball? You pick the position(s) you want to enhance your skillset btw.[/QUOTE]
Assuming the athlete is like 6'1 or 6'2 so he could competitively play a position in basketball, I'd say baseball. I've seen kids who were just HS level soccer players, who could juggle the ball with their feet incredibly.. like keep it going for over 5 minutes. I cant even imagine how good/skilled you'd have to be to be in higher levels. And its very hard to pick up the coordination with your feet for soccer if you never played it when you were young.

And with basketball, have you ever seen a kid play it for the first time at like 16 or 17? They will look so uncoordinated it's not even funny. Their shooting form will look awkward.. they will be looking at the ground when they dribble.. overall it just takes so much practice to master all of the fine details of basketball. And assuming this guy is around the height I listed before, he would have to be a point guard.. meaning he'd have to be even more skilled than your average player to excel.

With baseball, I've never seen an athletic kid not be able to throw the ball or swing a bat. It's a natural thing for us to be able to throw a ball or swing a bat. It's much more foreign to be juggling a ball with your feet, or bouncing a ball on the ground at all different angles around your body while you're moving. Sure it takes a lot of practice to get baseball down but I think you have an easier base to work with.

[QUOTE=tpols]I think thats kind of proving the point made by the OP in this thread. The athleticism threshold to make it in the NBA is MUCH higher than in any other sports.. You can be an average sized guy and be in the MLB.. or the NFL[assuming you hit the gym].. or the NHL, but theres no way to boost your height.. so if you're not tall you cant make the NBA. And in addition to being tall, you have to have the coordination and movement/quickness of a guy 6 inches shorter than you.[/QUOTE]

I disagree. Being tall is just a secondary condition you need to go along with skill. There are lots of very tall people in the world, and they don't automatically make it to the NBA. It requires amazing skill as well.

If every basketball player ever was tall you may have a point, but Muggsy Bogues and Spudd Webb prove height is not the determining factor for making the NBA.

[QUOTE=tpols]Assuming the athlete is like 6'1 or 6'2 so he could competitively play a position in basketball, I'd say baseball. I've seen kids who were just HS level soccer players, who could juggle the ball with their feet incredibly.. like keep it going for over 5 minutes. I cant even imagine how good/skilled you'd have to be to be in higher levels. And its very hard to pick up the coordination with your feet for soccer if you never played it when you were young.

And with basketball, have you ever seen a kid play it for the first time at like 16 or 17? [B]They will look so uncoordinated it's not even funny. Their shooting form will look awkward.. they will be looking at the ground when they dribble.. [/B]overall it just takes so much practice to master all of the fine details of basketball. And assuming this guy is around the height I listed before, he would have to be a point guard.. meaning he'd have to be even more skilled than your average player to excel.

With baseball, I've never seen an athletic kid not be able to throw the ball or swing a bat. It's a natural thing for us to be able to throw a ball or swing a bat. It's much more foreign to be juggling a ball with your feet, or bouncing a ball on the ground at all different angles around your body while you're moving. Sure it takes a lot of practice to get baseball down but I think you have an easier base to work with.[/QUOTE]

Just wanted to hear your idealization of the three sports and what make them difficult. Thanks. You're definitely right about the bold. Shit is too funny :oldlol:. Almost like a fish out of water.

And yeah, an athlete being 6'1" / 6'2" would be ideal for all sports (you could play any position in both baseball and soccer, and at least one in basketball). Swinging (and making contact)/throwing a baseball is probably easiest to pickup, but doing them consistently? I'd take my chances with shooting and dribbling a ball, or juggling/kicking for sure. Baseball at a professional level is still the toughest sport to play, IMO.

[QUOTE=Sarcastic]I disagree. Being tall is just a secondary condition you need to go along with skill. There are lots of very tall people in the world, and they don't automatically make it to the NBA. It requires amazing skill as well.

If every basketball player ever was tall you may have a point, but Muggsy Bogues and Spudd Webb prove height is not the determining factor for making the NBA.[/QUOTE]
Bro.. I'm not saying basketball is not a skillful sport. I actually think it is one of the hardest sports to master. There are just so many different skills to master. But the fact is most NBA players dont need to master those skills because they get by on their athleticism more than anything else. Being tall is a necessary condition to make it in the NBA. You just named the two biggest outliers in the history of the game. Bottom line if you're 6'10 and coordinated[and I dont mean in the basketball way, I just mean you're able to run fast, jump, catch a ball, do some of the basics etc.] you can make the NBA. If you're 6'0 with the same skillset as the 6'10 guy, however, you're not even making a division 2 college squad.

[QUOTE=catch24] Baseball at a professional level is still the toughest sport to play, IMO.[/QUOTE]
it might be.. this is all just my opinion. To me, they are all close. You will have to put in years and years of your life to master any sport's skillset..