5 Ways to Play Electric Wheelchair Hockey

1. Get in Position

Your initial step in playing electric wheelchair hockey is choosing a position on the court that fits your skills. The player in center position needs to possess good vision as well as an ability to pass the ball to wingers in traffic. You may want to show off your shooting skills and speed by playing one of the two wing positions. Many wheelchair hockey players choose defenseman and goalie positions if they feel comfortable blocking the ball and passing over long distances. You should test out each position during practice to see the court from all perspectives and find out where you best fit.

2. Shoot and Score in Electric Wheelchair Hockey

Electric wheelchair hockey requires the use of plastic rather than wooden sticks during play. You can attach this stick to the dominant-hand side of your wheelchair to ensure quick passes and shots. It is important to keep the ball on your dominant side and use the momentum of your wheelchair to get power behind shots.

3. Tend the Goal

Your job as goalie in a wheelchair hockey league is made easier with a few rule modifications from traditional hockey. The ability to attach your goalie stick to your wheelchair helps you block additional shots. The stick blade needs to be extended away from the chair to widen your stance in goal. You can stop the ball underneath your chair to stop play according to wheelchair hockey rules. Most leagues will whistle a play dead when the ball rolls under the goalie's chair to avoid collisions and unnecessary contact.

4. Find Facilities for Wheelchair Hockey Leagues

The growth in wheelchair hockey leagues has been facilitated by the simple rules governing playing surfaces. There are plenty of basketball gyms and roller rinks throughout the United States that meet the minimum space requirements laid out by local leagues. You can also set up center lines and end lines for hockey rinks in warehouses if basketball courts aren't available. Your team should carry red and blue masking tape along with two goals to every facility to make sure practices run smoothly.

5. A League of Your Own

There are a number of electric wheelchair hockey leagues throughout the world that need participants. The highest density of leagues in the world are found in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. You can travel to these destinations during vacations and find pickup games throughout the year. These leagues have influenced community leaders and handicapable activists in places such as North Carolina and Maryland to start leagues. Your community can start its own league with a few tennis balls, a basketball gym and a commitment to international rules for electric wheelchair hockey.