Disability should not limit a disable person from doing what he/she desires to do. That is why many sports are adapting to accommodate disabilities. Wheelchair basketball is an excellent example of this adaptation phenomenon. A disable can participate in the game regardless of the nature of disability by learning how to play wheelchair basketball. Wheelchair basketball is for persons with disability.
To play the game a person with disability basically needs to have a wheelchair and a basketball and to learn the rules of the game.
Many of the rules are similar to traditional basketball, although some variances have been made to accommodate disabilities considering the fact that the players are on wheelchairs. One of the major things to understand in learning how to play the game is that disabilities are rated differently. Each person’s abilities are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, and the total of all five members’ ratings on the court has to be somewhat equal to members of the other team. This ensures the match-up is fair between teams.
Once one has learnt the rules of the game, one may want to practice before joining a team that plays regularly. Just as traditional players must practice shooting as well as condition their bodies to run up and down the court many times, wheelchair basketball players must also know that as well. Failing to do so could result in one getting tired during a game or simply not playing at your best.
There are a number of different ways to find a team once one is ready to start playing against others. This is best accessed through the internet.
Wheelchair basketball is not limited to only those with disability. You can get a wheelchair and play along regardless of what you are able to do. Just remember that your rating may make it difficult for your team to play against other teams that have severe disabilities.
Wheelchair Basketball is the largest and one of the blue ribbons leading Paralympics Sport, with its roots going back to the late 40’s. Although initially a rehabilitation and recreational activity for spinal cord injured patients, it quickly developed into a competitive sport and today the National Wheelchair Basketball League consists of 65 teams playing in 9 Divisions.
Wheelchair Basketball embraces a wide range of disabilities including paraplegics, spina bifida, amputees, brittle bones, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Able bodied players are eligible to play in divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4, junior league and women’s league. Virtually everyone who can conceivably play wheelchair basketball is encouraged to do so.
If you are new to the game and looking to play or become involved in wheelchair basketball you can find out what the basic skills needed to play are, more about the classification system the women’s and the junior programme. Information can also be found on coaching and officiating wheelchair basketball.
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