Playing Wheelchair Basketball is a great way to meet friends and exercise. Play
it safe by choosing the right sports wheelchair.
- One of the most important things about playing wheelchair basketball is having the right wheelchair. Not only does this enhance your performance by giving you better stability on the court, a greater range of motion for catching and throwing the ball, and the ability to corner and move quickly and easily, but it's also important for your safety and that of the other players.
- Many wheelchair basketball games can become very competitive. Since basketball is a contact sport, it's clear that there's going to be some chair-to-chair contact as well as chair-to-person contact in any active game. When everyone is using the right equipment, there's a smaller chance of injury from getting snagged, bashed, or falling due to the use of a wheelchair not designed for wheelchair basketball.
- In addition to these general safety guidelines, most basketball leagues will provide you with a list of rules your wheel chair must comply with for the safety and fairness of the game. For example, a chair can not be too tall or have too many cushions (Can you imagine the guy on the 10-foot wheelchair just parking by the basket?) It also must have handrails on the wheels, padding on the back and steering devices and brakes are not allowed.
- If you are interested in getting involved with a wheelchair basketball league in your area, find a venue where regular games take place, watch a few games, and inquire about the rules so you can be sure that your sports wheelchair is set up correctly for the fun and safety of all!