Comparisons Between Basketball and Soccer: Part 1

Soccer is a flowing game that can be played end to end in just a short period of time. It is no wonder that basketball has drawn many comparisons to soccer. Both games feature possession, counterattacking play, and can be very physical despite strict rules to the contrary.



As someone who has played both sports, one of the first similarities I noticed was the hold up play or post play. In basketball, much of the scoring is based around the ability of a big power forward or center who, with his back to the basket, can post up a defender near the hoop and score from close range with a simple hook or layup. Soccer is very similar, often featuring a target forward who either wins a long ball in the air or receives a pass on the ground, both with his back to the goal, and holds the ball to allow his teammates to advance and get into the attack. A particularly skilled forward may be able to turn with the ball himself and score. In both sports, a player who is strong and able to use his body can be especially influential.

Another similarity is the use of a playmaker whose extraordinary vision and technique often have the power to influence a game in favor of his side. In basketball, the point guard(#1) is usually that player. His teammates look to pass the ball to him prior to advancing the ball down the court. Most point guards see plays unfold several passes before they actually do, which allows them to conduct the game. In soccer, an attacking midfielder or withdrawn forward(#10) often operates in a similar fashion to the point guard. This player, much like the point guard, sees the field better than his teammates and has above average technical abilities.

However, increased speed and athleticism has led to the evolution of players in basketball such as LeBron James, who line up in or near the post, but have the ability to play out on the perimeter. Soccer has also featured changes in the game in response to the increasing physical nature of play. Number 10s, often developing near perfect touch and passing abilities in response to less than average size while developing, have more often than not been forced out onto the wing due to their inability to succeed in the rough center of the pitch.

There are other comparisons to be drawn from both sports. I will discuss them in a future post.