1. Joining a Wheelchair Hockey Team
Wheelchair hockey is a popular sport, allowing a full combination of hockey rules and adaptive sports. To play wheelchair hockey, you must require a wheelchair for mobility, but have full control of your cognitive skills. Contact your physical therapist or look on the Internet for listing for wheelchair hockey teams. Learn all the rules and positions in hockey first, so that you are able to participate in the game. Decide what position appeals to you are try out for that position. For players with muscle issues, attach the hockey stick to the wheelchair on either the left or right side. The player moves the chair around to access the ball and moves the chair again to hit the ball.
2. Practicing Wheelchair Hockey
To practice hockey in a wheelchair, get two or three friends together to help. They don't need to be in wheelchairs to help practice. Set up one net start playing. The basic rules of hockey apply. The purpose of this practice is to improve skills and develop a deeper understanding of the rules of hockey. The only requirement is to ensure the wheelchair hockey player doesn't roll over the feet of the other players. Wheelchair hockey is a high intensity sport, and all true fans of hockey are excited to see another player enjoy the game. Individually, practice improving your stick handling skills with a series of drills. Place obstacles or markers on the ground and maneuver around them in your wheelchair while controlling the hockey puck or ball. Place the obstacles at least 6 feet apart in a straight line for maximum challenge. Practice working around the net to improve your scoring opportunities. Set up a standard hockey net, with at least 8 feet of room around all sides. Move the wheelchair around it while controlling the puck. Develop a feel for the curves in the base of the net to improve. These minor drills impact player confidence and speed.
3. Taking a Class to Improve Your Game
Contact your local rehabilitation hospital or center to ask about a wheelchair hockey class or course. Almost all rehab centers have included sports into the rehabilitation programs. If you can't find any listings, try your local college or university. They have a mandate to be inclusive to able and disabled students alike and often have teams and courses to encourage full participation in an active life.
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