Wheelchair basketball

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Wheelchair basketball is a team sport modeled after basketball but designed for athletes with physical disabilities. It is one of the major disability sports practiced worldwide.

History

Wheelchair basketball originated in the United States in the late 1940s. It was initially developed by World War II veterans who had sustained injuries during the war. The first formal games were played in Veterans Administration hospitals. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread to other countries.

Rules

The rules of wheelchair basketball are similar to those of standard basketball, with some modifications to accommodate the use of wheelchairs. The court dimensions and the height of the basket are the same as in able-bodied basketball. However, players must adhere to specific rules regarding the movement of their wheelchairs. For example, players are allowed to push their wheelchair twice before they must dribble, pass, or shoot the ball.

Classification

Players are classified based on their physical abilities, with each player assigned a point value ranging from 1.0 to 4.5. Lower point values are assigned to players with more significant physical impairments. A team on the court must not exceed a total of 14 points.

Competitions

Wheelchair basketball is played at various levels, from local clubs to international competitions. The sport is governed by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). Major competitions include the Paralympic Games, the World Wheelchair Basketball Championship, and regional championships such as the European Wheelchair Basketball Championship.

Equipment

The primary equipment used in wheelchair basketball includes a specially designed sports wheelchair and a standard basketball. The wheelchairs are lightweight and highly maneuverable, with features such as cambered wheels for stability and anti-tip devices.

Notable Players

Some of the most notable players in wheelchair basketball include Patrick Anderson, widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the sport, and Chantal Benoit, a prominent figure in women's wheelchair basketball.

Related Pages

• Basketball
• Paralympic Games
• Disability sports
• International Wheelchair Basketball Federation
• World Wheelchair Basketball Championship

See Also

• Adaptive sports
• Wheelchair rugby
• Wheelchair tennis