Background

Wheelchair Basketball became a Paralympic Games sport in Rome, 1960. It is a dynamic, high skill, team sport. The players display speed and precision from their wheelchairs while performing all the skills that make basketball an exciting, fast paced game to watch or play.

Every team is comprised of five players and seven substitutes and each match consists of four periods of ten minutes. After the first and the third period there is an interval of one minute. There is a 15-minute interval between the second and third period. If the score is tied at the end of playing time for the fourth period, the match will be continued with an extra period of five minutes or with as many such periods of five minutes as are necessary to break the tie.

As in able-bodied Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball players must dribble the ball once they have gained control of it on the court. It is a travelling violation to take more then two pushes on the wheels without dribbling the ball.

The classification system for Wheelchair Basketball is a method by which each individual has an equal opportunity to compete. The skills and the level of training of a player are not the subject of the classification system; it only measures functional limitations caused by the physical disability which affects the players' capability for performing the different skills. The level of sitting balance and trunk movement of the athletes become the fundamental elements in the definition of the classes.

Did you know?

A player is not allowed to touch the playing surface with his or her feet while in possession of the ball.

Downloadable Education Pack

The Wheelchair Basketball Education Pack contains a variety of classroom and outdoor activites to help children connect with Wheelchair Basketball and to gain a better idea of the challenges that some athletes face.

Click here to download the 2012 Wheelchair Basketball Education Pack

Case Studies

Our athlete case studies allow your students to learn about some of our BT Paralympic World Cup athletes. Click here to find out about our wheelchair basketball players.

Quiz

After your students have learnt all about Wheelchair Basketball why not try our quiz? Click here to find out more.

Learn how to play wheelchair basketball

Download the information pack on how to play wheelchair basketball. This information pack also includes information on how to join clubs in your area.