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Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, competitive team sport with rules similar to traditional basketball. The game was first played around 1946 in the USA by injured war veterans and has since become one of the largest and most popular adaptive sports worldwide. The basic rules are the same as traditional basketball, with some adaptations to accommodate wheelchair use. The court dimensions, basket height, and playing time are identical, but players must remain seated and use only their upper bodies. The wheelchair is considered an extension of the player, and rules regarding contact and fouls apply to the wheelchair as well. Players are allowed to wheel and dribble simultaneously, but there is a limit of two pushes when the ball is picked up or placed on the lap. Scoring and violations, such as travelling and back-court violation, are also similar to traditional basketball, with some modifications for wheelchair users. Each team has five players and seven substitutes, and the objective is to score the most points in the opposing team's basket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court dimensions | 28m x 15m |
| Basket height | 10ft |
| Number of players on court | 5 |
| Number of substitutes | 7 |
| Time limit for possession | 24 seconds |
| Maximum pushes while in possession without dribbling | 2 |
| Maximum time in the key area | 3 seconds |
| Player classification range | 1-4.5 |
| Technical fouls | 1-3 free shots |
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What You'll Learn
Court and equipment
The court measurements for wheelchair basketball follow the standard basketball court size as defined by the FIBA (International Basketball Federation): 28m x 15m. There are also additional markings that are specific to wheelchair basketball, including a 'free-throw line' and a 'no-charge semi-circle'. The free-throw line is drawn at a distance of 5.8m from the backboard, and the no-charge semi-circle has a radius of 1.8m. These markings are used to regulate the positioning of players during free throws and to define the area where charging or blocking fouls can occur.
The key, also known as the 'free-throw lane' or 'key lane', has a width of 3.6m and is marked by a rectangle that extends from the free-throw line to the end line. This area is crucial for offensive and defensive strategies, as players must adhere to specific rules when inside the key.
The basket, which includes the backboard, rim, and net, is positioned at a height of 3.05m from the surface of the court. This height is the same for both men's and women's competitions. The backboard dimensions are 1.8m x 1.2m, and it is considered an infringement if a player makes contact with the backboard during play.
The basketball used in wheelchair basketball is the same as in the running game, with a circumference of 75-78cm and a weight of 600-650 grams. However, players in wheelchair basketball are allowed to dribble the ball onto their lap to facilitate ball control and manoeuvring. This technique is unique to wheelchair basketball and showcases the <
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Player classification
The purpose of classification is to provide equal opportunities for all players. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) is the global governing body of the sport and sets the rules and regulations. In 1964, the IWBF adopted basic international rules with adjustments to meet the needs of the game in a wheelchair.
Basketball wheelchairs are custom-built to meet the specific needs of players, including speed, manoeuvrability, stability, and durability. They have a lower seat height, a longer wheelbase, an angled footrest, and a fifth wheel at the front for better movement and stability.
The rules of wheelchair basketball are similar to traditional basketball, with adaptations for wheelchair use. The wheelchair is considered part of the player's body, so all contact rules apply to the wheelchair. Players must remain seated and cannot use their legs or feet to touch the playing surface or steer the wheelchair.
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Scoring
The objective of wheelchair basketball is to score the most points by shooting the ball into the opposing team's basket. The rules for scoring are similar to traditional basketball, but with some adaptations.
Wheelchair basketball is played on a standard basketball court with the same basket height, foul line, and three-point line as in traditional basketball. Each team has five players on the court and seven substitutes. After gaining possession of the ball, a team has 24 seconds to attempt a shot. If they fail to score or hit the rim of the basket within this time, possession of the ball goes to the opposing team.
Players can push their wheelchair while dribbling the ball. However, after every two pushes, the player must either pass, shoot, or dribble again to avoid a travelling violation. There is no double-dribble rule, meaning players can stop and restart dribbling without penalty.
A goal from the three-point field goal area counts as three points. A goal from the two-point field goal area counts as two points. A goal from a free throw counts as one point.
If a team commits a technical foul, the opposing team receives one to three free shots, with each successful shot counting as one point.
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Fouls
Technical fouls include lifting the legs to gain an advantage or lifting out of the chair. Players must remain seated and cannot use their legs or feet to steer the wheelchair. If a player falls out of their wheelchair, the referee may stop play if they deem there to be a risk of injury; otherwise, play will continue.
A player is allowed to wheel and bounce the ball simultaneously, but if the ball is picked up or placed on the lap, the player may only push the wheelchair twice before they must shoot, pass, or dribble again. This rule is in place to avoid a travelling violation. There is no double-dribble rule, so players can stop and restart dribbling without penalty.
In addition to the standard fouls of basketball, players must also adhere to rules regarding their wheelchair. For example, an offensive player cannot remain in the key area for more than three seconds. After a team scores, the ball is given to the opposition to restart play.
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Violations
Wheelchair basketball is played on a standard basketball court with the same rules as traditional basketball, but with some adaptations for wheelchair use.
Wheelchair basketball players and their chairs are considered one entity, so all contact rules apply to the chair. Players must remain seated and cannot use their legs or feet to gain an advantage, such as by steering the chair or balancing. A player who commits five personal fouls must be replaced.
Officials can award violations for player handling errors, such as travelling, goal-tending, and back-court violation. A travelling violation occurs when a player takes more than two pushes while holding the ball without dribbling. Players are allowed to dribble the ball while pushing their wheelchair, but after every two pushes, they must pass, shoot, or dribble again. There is no double-dribble rule, meaning players can stop and restart dribbling without penalty.
On inbound plays, offensive players are not allowed to enter the key until the referee hands the ball to the inbounding player. An offensive player may not remain in the key area for more than three seconds.
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Frequently asked questions
The rules of wheelchair basketball are very similar to traditional basketball, with some adaptations to account for wheelchair use. The court dimensions, basket height, and foul and three-point lines are the same. Players can wheel and bounce the ball simultaneously, but if the ball is picked up, they can only push twice before shooting, passing, or dribbling again. The wheelchair is considered part of the player's body, so players must remain seated and cannot use their legs or feet to gain an advantage.
Scoring in wheelchair basketball follows the same rules as traditional basketball. A goal from the three-point field goal area counts as three points, a goal from the two-point field goal area counts as two points, and a goal from a free throw counts as one point.
Yes, there are some rules specific to wheelchair basketball. For example, there is no double dribble rule, meaning players can stop and restart dribbling without penalty. Additionally, players are assigned a 'Classification' from 1-4.5 based on their functional ability, with 4.5 indicating a non-disabled athlete.
