The Difference Between Wheelchair Basketball and Basketball on Foot
Feb. 9– People may look at someone who is in a wheelchair and think that the individual is helpless. When it comes to wheelchair basketball, some may think the the game may be dumbed down because it seems harder when they can’t use their feet. Wheelchair basketball has the same rules and additional rules that may make the game harder than stand-up basketball.
First off, there is the same amount of players on the court, the court is the same size and wheelchair basketball still has to throw from the three-point range.
There is a timeout when a player falls out of their chair. This is similar to a player falling over in the game. Players who fall out of their chair are not assisted. Each player adjusts themselves and continues to play.
When it comes to traveling, a player with the ball cannot push their chair more than twice without dribbling the ball. Wheelchair players are fully capable to dribble a ball across the court just like any able- bodied player.
On-foot basketball always put their best players on the court and have no restriction as to how many times they can play. No matter how successful the wheelchair player is, the player can only score 14 points in one quarter to be fair. The reason for that has to do with the classification of each player.
Wheelchair players are divided into five classifications;
Class 1.0- The player cannot bend forward or rotate to catch the ball. The wheelchair the player is in has a larger backrest to secure the player during the game.
Class 2.0- The player can lean forward and is able to rotate to a extent. Their wheelchairs are similar to class 1.0.
Class 3.0- These players can bend forward and rotate much more than class 2.0. Their backrest is similar to the two classes above.
Class 4.0- Besides the 3.0, 4.0 can bend on one side. Their wheelchair keeps them stable because the other side can be unstable and keep the player in the chair.
Class 4.5 – This player is the most mobile of the classes. Some of these players can walk, but they do not meet the classification to play without the wheelchair.
All players are examined my unbiased doctors that have nothing to do with the university or the sport. Because some players are more mobile than others, there needs to be a equal balance of classifications on the court.
Although wheelchair basketball does have different rules than stand-up, rules for wheelchair make it just as equal. No matter if a player is one foot or in a chair, they are all athletes. Each player works just as hard to be the best they can be and deserves the same recognition.
BAMA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ON WHEELS 