Wheelchair Basketball, a Game Anyone Can Play

Basketball is a great sport with a lot of history behind it. People of all ages enjoy playing the sport each and every day, and people who have disabilities should not feel left out. Everyone can play basketball in some way or another. This article will discuss wheelchair basketball, an exciting option for those who may need another way to get into the game.

The first wheelchair basketball game was played between veterans of World War 2 in 1946. The game was played in the United States. Since that time, wheelchair basketball has spread like wildfire all over the US.

Usually played by people with disabilities, wheelchair basketball is looked forward to by those who may be unable to walk or run. However, in some places even able-bodied athletes can join in on the fun of this basketball game. In the countries Canada, Australia, and England able-bodied athletes can compete with the disabled on mixed teams. Teams that compete at a level above that of recreational, use a classification system that takes into consideration the different functional abilities of the wheel-chair bound athlete.

There is a scale of 1 to 4.5. Athletes that are not disabled are classified as a 5. An athlete who is disabled in the highest degree would be classified as a 1. The classification system is an international regulation where competitions limit the number of points allowed on the court at a given time.

For the most part, the same rules that apply to able-bodied basketball, also apply to wheelchair basketball. There's a ten-foot basketball hoop and a standard basketball court. Scoring is also usually consistent with able-bodied basketball.

An intense game of competition on the international level, there are also the paralympic games, which are played in the Olympic host city, only two weeks following the Olympic games. The Golden cup is then held two years following the paralympics, and players must qualify for that. The most prominent "players" in wheelchair basketball are Canada, Australia, USA, England, the Netherlands, and Japan.

As you can see, there are many options out there for anyone who wants to get in on the game of basketball. Even if you are an able-bodied person, you can play some of the different variations out there. Basketball and other popular recreational sports are always evolving in a way that is new and exciting. So what are what you waiting for? Pick up a ball, and hit the court!