Wheelchair basketball has come a long way since it was first played by veterans from World War II in the late 1940s. Today the equipment is specifically designed to be tall, light, quick, and safe. Along with the evolution of the equipment, the rules are modified to create maximum fairness and include many individuals with diverse physical disabilities.
Individuals can start off playing effectively in their everyday chair, but as the competition evolves it is necessary to upgrade to sport-specific chairs. Just as an able-bodied individual would not be successful playing basketball in their Merrill hiking boots, upgrading footwear to a good pair of Nike Zoom’s is essential. Leave that collapsible wheelchair behind, and check out several fantastic basketball-specific wheelchairs being produced. For a good sample you may want to check out www.sportaid.com. For adults, purchasing a custom made chair specifically for basketball may be ideal; for youth, however, a variety of chairs such as the Top End transformer, and the Colours little dipper are available so adjustments can be made for a variety of sports and growth.
When purchasing or modifying a chair, make sure your chair meets the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation standards www.iwbf.org. Some things to consider are maximum seat height of 59 cm. (not including cushion), maximum wheel diameter 69 cm., and a footrest no higher than 11 cm. off the floor. Also adjustable wheel camber may be desired, depending on the position the athlete plays. Camber is essential for protecting the hands, quick turns, and stability, but as the camber increases from 0 degrees, 9 degrees, 15 degrees and up, maximum speed and height decrease.
Complete rules for play can be found at www.iwbf.org; however, a rule that is essential to include a variety of individuals and promote fairness is the classification system. No team of five players in competitive play can have a player value of more than 14 points on the court at any time. Individuals are given points due to their functional ability. For example a team can be made of five players: two 4s, one 3, one 2 and one 1, totaling 14 points. This ensures individuals with a variety of function can play.
Many organizations offer wheelchair basketball, including Blaze Sports, Parks and Recreation programs, and even adult wheelchair programs sponsored by NBA teams. Many of these programs offer training camps and competitions. This summer developing youngster should go to the University of Illinois Basketball camp. This year is the camp’s 22nd year; June 24-28 camp for elite youngsters will cost $500. Camp for beginners is $375 and will be held July 6-10. www.disability.uiuc.edu/athletics .
In Salt Lake County we are just finishing up our youth wheelchair basketball season that was assisted by the Utah Jazz. It is an exciting season in Utah; our men’s wheelchair basketball season is rolling towards an end, and the Wheelin’ Jazz team is hopefully on the way to the National Championships in Lexington, Kentucky (April 2-5). For more wheelchair basketball information, a calendar of events, news, results, and live web casts go to the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s home page at www.nwba.org.
No matter where or how the game is played around the world from the best surfaces and stadiums to outdoor dirt courts, the end result is the same: smiling healthy faces.
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