Basketball

Unity of Players, Wheelchair & Ball

Who would ever try to solely and with great speed, one handedly while still maneuvering in a wheelchair and expertly fooling opponents getting the ball into the basket to land goal? Maybe the isolated movements would be possible with much training, but to simultaneously accomplish it would require much hard work and sweat including great ‘know how' of all the players.

Wheelchair Basketball is a fascinating game and is driven by the fast moves of its wheelchair players, requiring being in tune with the ball. The player has to be able at any time to be in control not just of the basketball but also its wheelchair. The wheelchair handling is practiced to perfection. Different moves practiced, enable individuals also to overcome obstacles during everyday living.

The game thrives by its tactically clever moves and from the playful contact with ball and opponent.

Basketball is a very interesting and varied sport. Technical perfection and tactical cleverness distinguishes this sport and make it very interesting for the players as well the spectators. Anybody not already fascinated by this game should try it or at least watch one. Basketball season takes place during the winter months.

Development of Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball started to develop after the Second World War in the USA and in England. There were many young SCI patients after the war which had a need to be physically expressive and wanted to still participate in sports. In the beginning year's wheelchair basketball was a mixture of basketball and American football. Nationally accredited basketball rules were non existent. Each team had its own rule interpretations. The game got out of hand, as players used it to vent anger and frustrations. To look at today's rules please go to Rules and Classifications.