Getting Started with Wheelchair Sports

Sports are for everyone. Whether you’ve been playing sports your whole life or just trying something new - wheelchair sports offer fun ways to get fit, compete and meet people. Thanks to adaptive equipment and tweaked rulebooks, wheelchair users can dive into a whole range of exciting sports from fast-paced basketball to hard-hitting rugby, competitive tennis, and high-speed racing.

This guide covers everything you need to know to get started with wheelchair sports, choose the right equipment, learn the techniques and join competitions in the UK and beyond.

Wheelchair Rugby

Originally called "murderball" due to how physical it is, wheelchair rugby is a mix of rugby, basketball and handball.

Key points:

• Games happen on a regular basketball court

• Each team has 4 players on the court

• Players use heavy-duty wheelchairs built to handle bumping and crashing

• To score, you need to cross the goal line while holding the ball

• Wheelchair contact isn't just allowed—it's part of the strategy!

People with quadriplegia or limited function in both arms and legs have really embraced wheelchair rugby as their go-to competitive sport.

Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair tennis mostly uses regular tennis rules, but players get an extra bounce if they need it - and that second bounce can even land outside the court lines.

Key points:

• Standard tennis courts and nets

• Lightweight sports wheelchairs with extra mobility

• Can be played in singles or doubles

• All Grand Slam major tournaments include wheelchair divisions.

Britain's wheelchair tennis powerhouse team of Hewett and Reid has been on an absolute tear lately, steamrolling opponents and racking up championships all over the world.

Para Athletics

Wheelchair racing events go from 100m sprints to marathons and are a mainstay of Paralympic athletics.

Key features:

• Custom racing chairs with aerodynamics

• Three wheels in a triangle

• Hand controls for steering

• Different chair for different distances

Other Wheelchair Sports

• Wheelchair Fencing: Athletes compete from fixed positions with special frames

• Wheelchair Badminton: Smaller court, same rules as standard badminton

• Wheelchair Curling: Played on ice with delivery sticks not sliding

• Power Hockey: Powered wheelchairs and special sticks

Choosing the Right Sports Wheelchair

Having the perfect wheelchair can make all the difference between struggling on the court and absolutely dominating your game.

General Sports Wheelchairs vs. Sport-Specific Models

If you're just getting started or like to play different wheelchair sports, general sports chairs are perfect - they're the all-purpose option before investing in something specialized.  These have:

• Lightweight aluminium frames

• Slight camber (angling) of wheels for stability

• Basic adjustability

• Price range: £1,000-2,500

Sport-specific wheelchairs are designed for the specific demands of each sport:

• Basketball chairs: extra camber, wing guards, anti-tip devices

• Rugby chairs: reinforced frames, wing bumpers, offensive or defensive configurations

• Tennis chairs: extra manoeuvrability, single anti-tip wheel

• Racing chairs: aerodynamic design, positioned for maximum speed

What to Look For

When choosing a sports wheelchair, consider:

1. Frame Material: Aluminium is a good balance of weight and strength; titanium and carbon fibre are lighter but more expensive

2. Wheel Camber: More angles (usually 16-24 degrees) = more stability and turning ability

3. Seating Position: Lower seats = more stability; higher seats = more reach

4. Strapping Systems: Secure strapping = more control and connection to the chair

5. Weight: Lighter chairs = faster and less fatigue

6. Fit: Must fit your body measurements

Many UK sports clubs and organisations offer chair loans or rental programmes for beginners before you buy your own equipment.

Wheelchair Sports Techniques and Skills

Basic Wheelchair Movement and Control

Master these fundamental techniques and you’ll improve your performance in all wheelchair sports:

• Pushing: Smooth long strokes not short jerky movements

• Stopping: Controlled pressure on handrims not grabbing suddenly

• Making Turns: Push ahead with one hand while pulling back with the other - this gives you that smooth pivot

• Changing Direction Fast: Get good at the "J stroke" technique - push forward then quickly redirect your momentum

• Staying Balanced: Learn to shift your body weight just right to keep your chair under control when moving at speed

Sport-Specific Skills

Basketball Skills

• Shooting from different positions

• Dribbling while moving

• Chair positioning for defence

• Setting and using picks

Rugby Skills

• Chair-to-chair contact techniques

• Ball carrying while pushing

• Blocking and creating space

• Sprint and endurance conditioning

Tennis Skills

• Serve from seated position

• Forehand and backhand adjustments

• Court positioning and movement

• Chair turning during rallies

Getting Started with Wheelchair Sports

Finding Local Clubs and Facilities

The UK has loads of resources for wheelchair sports participants:

• WheelPower: The national organisation for wheelchair sport (wheelpower.org.uk)

• Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association: Club listings nationwide

• Activity Alliance: Connects disabled people with inclusive sporting opportunities

• Local leisure centres: Many now have wheelchair accessible facilities and programmes

Most clubs welcome beginners and offer taster sessions where you can try sports before committing.

Where to Find Training Help:

• British Paralympic Team: They run programs to spot and develop new talent

• Sports Organizations: Each wheelchair sport has its own national group offering coaching materials and support

• Adaptive Coaching Experts: Disability Sports Coach provides specialized training for coaches who want to work with wheelchair athletes

• Digital Learning: Tons of YouTube videos and websites show you techniques and drills you can practice on your own

Equipment for Beginners

Before you spend a fortune:

• Borrow or rent chairs through clubs initially

• Look for second-hand equipment (many clubs have message boards for this)

• Check out funding through organisations like the Matt Hampson Foundation or WheelAppeal

• See if you’re eligible for equipment grants from your local council

Wheelchair Sports Benefits

Playing wheelchair sports has many advantages:

Physical Benefits

• Increased upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness

• Better wheelchair handling for everyday life

• Core stability and balance

• Endurance

Mental and Social Benefits

• Reduced isolation through being part of a community

• Confidence and self-image

• Stress reduction and wellbeing

• Goal setting and achievement

Case Study: James’s journey to Wheelchair Basketball

"After my spinal cord injury three years ago I felt lost. Joining my local wheelchair basketball team not only improved my physical strength but completely changed my outlook on life. I’ve made life long friends, competed nationally and feel healthier than I did before my injury. The skills I’ve learned on court have made my everyday wheelchair use much more efficient too." - James, 34, Leicester Cobras Wheelchair Basketball Club

Competitions

Local and National

The UK has a structured pathway for competitive wheelchair sport:

• Regional leagues: Entry level competitions for most wheelchair sports

• National championships: British Wheelchair Basketball Championships, GB Wheelchair Rugby Championships

• Multi-sport events: Invictus Games, WheelPower National Junior Games

Paralympic and International

For the elite:

• Paralympic pathway programmes: Talent identification and development systems

• International competitions: European and World Championships

• Paralympic Games: The top of the competitive disabled sport tree

Classification

Most wheelchair sports use classification systems to ensure fair competition:

• Medical and functional assessments determine classification

• Categories vary by sport based on relevant functional abilities

• Reassessments may be required, especially for progressive conditions

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Integrated Sports Opportunities

Many wheelchair sports have integrated or inclusive formats:

• Wheelchair basketball reverse-inclusion programmes where non-disabled people can play

• Family wheelchair sports sessions at leisure centres

• Mixed-ability coaching programmes

Venue Accessibility

When choosing where to play:

• Check for accessible changing facilities and toilets

• Ensure suitable parking and building access

• Check court surface for wheelchair movement

• Confirm availability of adaptive equipment if needed