Wheelchair basketball has come a long way since it was first played by disabled 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.

Adaptive Equipment: Sports Wheelchairs Important
Individuals can start off playing effectively in their everyday wheelchair, but as the competition evolves it is necessary to upgrade to a sport-specific wheelchair.   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.

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 Zooms is essential.

For adults, purchasing a custom-made wheelchair 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. 

Evaluating the Wheelchair
When purchasing or modifying a chair, make sure your chair meets the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation standards. Some things to consider are maximum seat height of 59 cm. (not including cushion), maximum wheel diameter of 69 cm., and a footrest no higher than 11 cm. off the floor. 

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 the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation  website.

One 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.

Wheelchair Basketball Organizations
Many organizations offer wheelchair basketball, including Blaze Sports, local parks and recreation programs, and even adult wheelchair programs sponsored by NBA teams. Many of these programs offer training camps and competitions, such as the University of Illinois Basketball camp.

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.

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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See Matt Scott: Wheelchair Basketball Player Who Says Just Do It! to discover an athlete who has no boundaries.

Looking for another sporting adventure to tackle? See Adaptive Ski Camps for All Abilities to learn more about adaptive skiing with a disability.