How to Maneuver a Wheelchair in Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is a popular sport among people who have limited or no movement in their legs. The game is played similar to regular basketball where the objective is to score more points than the opponent. Players shoot shots from beyond the 3-point arc, in two-point range and from the free-throw line to score. In order to play the game effectively, players must be able to maneuver efficiently to get into position to score and, when on defense, to prevent the opposition from getting good position on them.

Things You'll Need

  • Wheelchair
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Instructions

  1. Moving forward

    • 1

      Place your hands on the wheels on each side of the wheelchair. Grasp the tops of the wheels securely.

    • 2

      Push down and forward on the wheels while simultaneously releasing your hands. The wheelchair should begin to move forward.

    • 3

      Repeat this process over and over, grasping the wheels and pushing downward to move forward. The faster and harder you push down, the faster the wheelchair will move. Players often look to move down the court quickly in fast-break situations or when trying to get back on defense.

    Moving Backward

    • 4

      Place both hands on the wheels. Grasp the wheels firmly with your hands.

    • 5

      Pull back your hands, while simultaneously releasing your grip. This should start to move the wheelchair backward.

    • 6

      Repeat this process over and over to move backward over a greater distance. Like moving forward, the faster you grasp the wheel, pull and release, the faster you will move backward. A wheelchair basketball player may use this skill to get a long rebound or to back away from a defender to receive a pass.

    Turning Sideways

    • 7

      Grasp each wheel. Hold the wheel firm for the direction you want to turn.

    • 8

      If you want to turn left, your left hand will hold your left wheel still while you push forward on the right wheel with the right hand.

    • 9

      If you wish to turn right, your right hand will hold the right wheel still as you push forward on the left wheel.

    Moving on an Angle

    • 10

      Place both hands atop the wheels of the wheelchair. Push down slower with the hand that is on the wheel in the direction you want to move.

    • 11

      If you wish to move on an angle to left, your left hand will push slower than your right.

    • 12

      If you wish to move on an angle to the right, your right hand will be moving slower than your left.