4 Ways to Play Wheelchair Basketball

1. Perfecting the Dribble in Wheelchair Basketball

The first skill needed to play wheelchair basketball is dribbling. Wheelchair basketball rules allow players to push twice down the court between official dribbles. Traveling violations are called if you begin a third push or hide the ball from the official at any point.
Your dribbling experience starts by figuring out which hand is stronger for retrieving the ball and dribbling. You should practice dribbling from your chair with both hands using two basketballs to assess your dominant hand. It is wise to get comfortable using both hands in case opponents trap or defend your strong side.
Two good pushes between dribbles helps your team move the ball up the court quickly. Your hand positioning on the wheels is important to building enough speed to head from one basket to another. Your team should work on achieving greater distances with each push by turning dribbling drills into regular competitions.

2. Accurate Shooting in Wheelchair Basketball

The challenges of shooting a basketball from a wheelchair can be surmounted with good technique. A good shot starts with bent elbows and hands on both sides of the ball. You should start the shot from your neckline and imagine a 45-degree angle upward. The elbows will extend toward the basket and your fingers will stretch outward as the ball heads toward the basket.
There are several drills that help perfect your technique before pickup and league games. Your teammates should use brooms and other objects while practicing defense to force a higher arc on your shot. The baskets in your practice gym can be lowered to help build confidence in your shot.

3. Using Unique Wheelchair Characteristics for Loose Balls

Your wheelchair can be used to help you pick up loose balls during practices and games. The standard technique for collecting loose balls in wheelchair basketball is pressing the ball against either wheel. The forward motion of the wheel pushes the ball upward into your hands to allow the transition from defense to offense. It is important to note the standard rule for loose balls which prohibits players from leaving their chair to pick up a free ball.

4. Dealing With Wheelchair Basketball Time Violations

Most wheelchair basketball leagues have three time-based violations designed to keep games moving. You need to pass or dribble the ball from the back court to the front court in 8 seconds to avoid a back court violation. Every player needs to make a basketball move within 5 seconds of receiving the ball to avoid a violation. There is a restricted area around the basket in wheelchair leagues that needs to be cleared by players every 3 seconds. These rules should be observed during practice and pickup games to develop a rhythm for your game.