“Things are going to be tough and things are going to be difficult and we’re looking forward to that challenge.” US men’s Wheelchair Basketball coach for the Paralympics 2024, Robb Taylor, told The Newsroom. He made the comments before flying to Paris with his strong unit. The team is ready to overcome challenges and defend their gold in Tokyo. The hopes are high for Team USA, who are on an exceptional winning streak.

With two golds to their record already, they aim to become the first team in Paralympic history to win three consecutive gold medals. The women’s team is also keen to win the tournament. With all the buzz surrounding the sport, it’s important to understand the game’s rules. How is wheelchair basketball played and what makes it unique? Let’s dive deep.

According to the North American Wheelchair Basketball League (NAWBL), the basic rules of wheelchair basketball are similar to running basketball. This includes the basket height, foul line distance, and the three-point line. There also been several changes within wheelchair basketball over the years.

When adopted in 1964, the rules included minor tweaks to the standard basketball rules to adjust to player needs. The rules of wheelchair basketball are set by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). They have largely been a modified version of the FIBA guidelines.

A score and a foul: rules that determine the lucky and the not-so-lucky!

Regarding scoring, the rules are simple. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) notes that a goal is credited to the attacking team if the ball goes clean through the hoop. Per the NAWBL, a goal from a free throw lodges 1 point. Scoring from the 2-point field goal area amounts to 2 points. Finally, a goal from beyond the arc amounts to 3 points. The timer is set for 24 seconds. If no attempt is made within the allotted time, a team loses its chance to attempt for the basket. They must pass the right of play to the opposing side.

Dribbling and point-and-rolls follow different criteria. The NAWBL is clear about rules regarding this. Unlike running basketball, there is no double dribble rule. The player might get a traveling violation if more than two pushes are taken while possessing the ball without dribbling. While possessing the ball, a player is not supposed to touch the hardwood with their feet. This gets counted as a foul. Wheeling the chair and bouncing the ball simultaneously is given a free pass. However, if the ball is picked up and placed on the player’s lap, they are only allowed to push twice before they are obligated to shoot, pass, or dribble.

“The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body in relation to establishing responsibility for contact on the court in the case of charging, blocking, going out of bounds, and other violations,” the NAWBL states in its rulebook. Moreover, during an in-bounds play, the offensive player is not allowed to enter the key until the ball has been handed to the in-bounds player by the referee. Players on the offensive are not permitted to stay in the key area for more than 3 seconds. They have to ensure that their wheels are always on the go.

What about the other technical fouls that are markedly different from the ones assessed in stand-up basketball? If a player ends up lifting their legs to gain an advantage, a technical foul is given. To avoid any confrontation with the judging panel, it is best if the hooper remains firmly seated in the chair and does not use his/her lower limbs to steer the chair or gain an unfair advantage. In case any player loses balance and falls out of his/her chair, the referee may bring the play to a temporary halt if in his/her opinion the player is at risk of getting hurt, otherwise the action carries on.

This amazing hoop game of scores and fouls, attacks, and counter-attacks with the resounding echo of wheels grating against the hardwood leaves you with the same nail-biting thrill and adrenaline rush as that of stand-up basketball. This Paralympic season brace yourself for some unforgettable on-court action!