1. The Wheelies Have it
Basketball is a popular sport for disabled athletes confined to a wheelchair. The sport has been adapted for players and teams are active in most communities. Anyone in a chair can play and most teams allow for varying degrees of abilities. Both men and women play the sport, which uses five players on each side playing the court at the same time. It is one of the most popular sports played at the Paralympic Games and Special Olympics and is played worldwide. There are both national and international associations that hold tournaments and set rules.
2. Play by the Rules
For the most part, wheelchair basketball employs the same rules as basketball played by running athletes. Traveling violations are in force when a player pushes the ball without it touching the floor more than two times. If a player's anti-tipping legs on the back of the chair hit the floor when he is in possession of the ball, he loses that possession. Every player must stay in their chairs at all times, even if they have some mobility. When a player falls out of the chair, play is stopped for everyone's safety.
3. Sport Chairs in Play
Players must follow guidelines as to the kinds and sizes of wheelchairs allowed in wheelchair basketball. The chair must be no higher than 21 inches and the footrest must not be any higher than 5 inches off the floor. Most athletic wheelchairs do not have grips for pushing, but instead just have a small handle with no curve on it. Players who need it may use a seat cushion, but the width of the rubber must be in accordance with that teams regulations, usually between two and four inches. The chair has to have a bar on the outside of each wheel to protect the floor in case of dumping.
4. Train for the Game
To play basketball decently, a person in a wheelchair should be good at maneuvering her chair, both with speed and with direction. Players need to be able to handle the basketball and their chairs simultaneously. Most players have already developed good upper body strength, but may not have the pivoting and stopping techniques down to successfully compete in the game. Players should practice quick stops and starts as well as pivots.
5. Gear up for the Game
Special safety gear is recommended for wheelchair basketball players. A player who has a tendency to fall out of the chair or lose control easily should wear a helmet. Most wheelchair athletes wear gloves to give them traction and protect their hands from getting even more calluses than they have already. A good pair of thin leather gloves with the fingers cut out is the best to use.
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