Wheelchair basketball laid the foundations for the Paralympic Games. Originally devised as a rehabilitation activity for injured WWII veterans, wheelchair basketball fuelled the growth of parasports worldwide. Combining the elements of speed, skill, chair control and team spirit, wheelchair basketball captures the essence of Paralympic sport.
Today, wheelchair basketball is played in over 108 countries worldwide.
Brief overview of the rules
The rules of wheelchair basketball are like those of standing basketball: the game is played by two teams of five players on a court that is the same size as its Olympic counterpart, with the hoop at the same height as well. However, dribbling rules are different. Players must either pass or bounce the ball after every two pushes of the wheels on their chairs to avoid being penalised for travelling.
The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body and the game. Wheelchairs have rigid frames, three or four wheels, and an anti-tip wheel at the rear to withstand repeated contact and collisions during matches. Each wheelchair is custom-made for the player to fit their body measurements, impairment, and role on court.
Eligible impairments
All athletes compete in a wheelchair and have an impairment that affects motor function. Wheelchair basketball players are classified on a point system according to the degree of their impairment(s). Points range from 1 to 4.5, with 1 representing the most severe impairment. At the Paralympic Games, the sum of points for the five players on court for each team must not exceed 14.
Paraplegia, quadriplegia or equivalent, amputation or equivalent, physical impairment limiting movement.
