Playing basketball can provide you with a fun experience while working on your coordination, teamwork and motor skills. If you want to play competitively, look into leagues that are part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association or Special Olympics, competitive leagues that bring together individuals with disabilities. Whether playing competitively or recreationally, alternate equipment may be used to facilitate the game.
Basketballs
Both the Special Olympics and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association use a traditional men's or women's basketball leagues; however, the Special Olympics does substitute the women's 28.5-inch ball for the youth, or junior's leagues. This smaller, slightly lighter-weight ball makes catching, throwing and shooting easier. If you're playing recreationally and you're having a hard time getting the ball to the hoop, try a couple different basketball sizes to see if you have more success with a smaller ball. If you still have trouble, ask the facility's manager if you can use a volleyball or dodgeball to practice your shot.
Hoop
The height of the basketball hoop traditionally stands 10-feet high. Both the Special Olympics and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association adjust the height to 8 or 8.5 feet depending on the league and the competitive level of the players. In any case, you can adjust the level of the hoop to a height that promotes success, especially if you're just learning the game of basketball. This way, you have the opportunity to focus on success and skill-building rather than getting distracted by missed shots. As your skills improve, you can begin adjusting the basketball height back up toward 10 feet.
Wheelchairs, Mouthguards and Goggles
Depending on your specific disability, you may need to invest in other sporting accessories to help protect you while playing basketball. Because basketball is a physical sport, it's not uncommon to accidentally get hit in the face with the ball, an elbow or a hand. If you wear glasses, plastic sport goggles can protect your eyes and prevent your glasses from breaking. Additionally, a self-molded mouth guard can prevent tooth and lip injuries.
If you currently use a wheelchair, crutches or a cane, you may want to play basketball in a chair. The wheelchair can help you move down the court quickly and lend agility to your movements. Players participating in National Wheelchair Basketball Association leagues have specific guidelines regarding the chairs, but for recreational purposes there's no reason to spend extra money.
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