Standing at 6'3" on the pitch isn't just about being taller than everyone else—it's about owning that space. I've played with and against plenty of lanky footballers over the years, and the ones who truly dominate understand it's not a passive gift. It's a toolkit. When I first hit my full height at eighteen, I'll admit, I was clumsy. My coordination hadn't caught up. But my coach told me something I've never forgotten: "They can't teach height. They can teach everything else. So you're already ahead." That shift in mindset was everything. It was simply a matter of time before I learned to weaponize my frame, and that's the journey I want to take you on. This isn't just theoretical; it's the hard-won wisdom from aerial duels, set-piece strategies, and watching giants like Virgil van Dijk redefine what a tall defender can do.
Let's talk about the most obvious advantage: the aerial game. In my experience, winning a header isn't just about jumping high. It's about timing, positioning, and that subtle, often illegal, use of your arms to create a pocket of space. I've found that arriving a fraction of a second later than your marker is the key. Let them commit to their jump, then you rise. The ball, more often than not, will find you. Statistically, a player of our height wins approximately 78% of their aerial challenges in the opponent's penalty area when the cross comes from deep. That's a game-changing number. But it's not just about attacking. Defensively, your presence alone forces opposing teams to change their strategy. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a winger look up, see me patrolling the back post, and decide to cut the ball back instead of lofting it in. You start to dictate play without even touching the ball.
However, and this is a big however, the biggest misconception is that tall players are inherently slower or less agile. That's a myth I love to shatter. The real challenge for us isn't a lack of speed; it's managing our center of gravity. My first two steps might be slower than a 5'8" winger, but once I hit my stride, my longer legs cover more ground with less effort. I've clocked a top speed of 34.2 km/h during a match, which is faster than a lot of professional forwards. The trick is in the preparation. My training focuses heavily on plyometrics and short-burst acceleration drills. I spend at least three hours a week just on footwork and change-of-direction exercises. It's the only way to combat that "lumbering giant" stereotype. You have to prove you're not a liability in open space.
Now, let's get into the nuances that separate a good tall player from a dominant one. Set-pieces are your bread and butter, but are you just a target, or are you a strategist? I always position myself at the far post for corners. Why? The trajectory of the ball means it's often dropping as it arrives, and with my height, I can attack it with power downwards, making it incredibly difficult for the keeper to save. I've scored 11 goals from that exact position in the last two seasons. But your role isn't just to score. You are a decoy. Sometimes, my only job is to drag two defenders with me, creating chaos and space for a teammate to attack the near post. Understanding these roles is what makes you invaluable. It was simply a matter of time before I realized that my greatest contributions weren't always the highlight-reel goals, but the tactical wins I created for my team.
Beyond the physical, there's a psychological warfare element to being the tallest player on the field. You become an intimidating figure. Use it. A well-timed, thunderous but fair challenge early in the game sets a tone. I make a point of being vocal, organizing the defense from the back. My voice carries, and my height gives that voice a certain authority. Opposing forwards will often take a second glance before trying to challenge you. That moment of hesitation is all you need. I remember a specific game where a notoriously physical striker targeted me early. I won the first three headers against him cleanly, and by the second half, he was actively avoiding aerial duels. He'd been broken psychologically. That's the power you wield.
Of course, there are trade-offs. Low center of gravity players will always have an advantage in tight spaces. I used to hate it when the game became a tiki-taka mess in the midfield. I felt like a giraffe in a ballet. I had to adapt. I worked on my first touch relentlessly, making it so soft and precise that I could control the ball and move it in one fluid motion, minimizing the time I was stationary. I also learned to use my body differently, not just for height but for width, shielding the ball with my entire frame. I probably give away more fouls than smaller players—the referees are often quicker to whistle what looks like a clumsy challenge from a big man—but that's a price I'm willing to pay.
Looking at the modern game, the prototype of a successful footballer is changing. The era of the 6'3" midfielder who can ping 60-yard passes and also track back to break up play is here. Think of players like Paul Pogba in his prime. His height wasn't a hindrance; it was the foundation of his unique skill set. For any young player reading this who is self-conscious about their height, stop. Embrace it. Your journey to dominating the pitch is unique. The technical skills, the tactical awareness—those can be drilled. But your physical stature is your immutable advantage. It was simply a matter of time before I stopped seeing my height as a quirk and started seeing it as my greatest weapon. The field is your domain; it's time you started ruling it.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
