Adaptive Athletics on the Playground: Guide to Wheelchair Sports

By Derick Hancock

Spending time competing in games on the playground can contribute to a person's mental and physical well-being, no matter what abilities or disabilities they may have. When it comes to adaptive games and activities, individuals in wheelchairs have a lot of appealing options available to them. Wheelchair sports can be equal parts challenging and fun, and just about any sport can be adapted to be played while sitting.

Wheelchair Lacrosse

If you've ever watched a traditional game of lacrosse, you know it's a fast-moving, competitive sport. Adaptive lacrosse is every bit as exciting for both the players and spectators. Two teams maneuver their wheelchairs over the field in an effort to scoop up the ball with their lacrosse stick. It takes a lot of agility to pass the ball to teammates and move it toward the net while keeping it away from the opposition. Quick thinking and cooperation are essential for this heart-pounding game.

Power Wheelchair Soccer

In England, they call it football, while in America, it's soccer. Either way, this sport is gaining popularity in the world of wheelchair sports. Using a joystick, individuals twist and turn their powered wheelchairs as they chase the ball, protecting it from the opposing team. Players hit the ball with a special metal guard on the front of their chair, sending it closer to the opposing team's net. The adaptive version of soccer shares many elements with the traditional game. For instance, team members take on roles including forward, defender, midfielder, and, of course, the goalie. Plus, the soccer ball has the same appearance in both games.

Wheelchair Basketball

Individuals in wheelchairs who love watching basketball are likely to enjoy playing it even more. The rules and positions in traditional and adaptive basketball are very similar. Players dribble, pass, and defend the ball while moving down the playground or indoor court. One difference is that the basket is positioned at a height that's more accessible to players in wheelchairs.

The chairs used in this game have a wide base and angled wheels, different from those on typical wheelchairs. This design gives a player the ability to turn swiftly in order to defend the ball and pass it to teammates. In addition, there are two smaller wheels located at the back of the chair that provide a player with more stability in the heat of a game.

Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair tennis is ideal for someone who prefers playing as an individual instead of on a team. The design of the wheelchairs used in this game is similar to the ones used in basketball. The wide base and angled wheels allow players to move quickly across the court to make shots and return the ball before it goes out of bounds. The net, racket, and balls used in this version of the game are the same as in the traditional version. One notable difference is in the rules: It's legal for the ball to bounce twice before the player hits it back across the net.

Wheelchair Football

This version of football includes the intense action of touchdowns, passing, and blocks seen in traditional football. Each player wears a helmet for protection due to the frequent clashes and scrambles for the ball. Teammates pass the ball down the field in an attempt to reach the opponent's goal line and score a touchdown before the clock runs out.

Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair rugby is a high-intensity wheelchair sport for the ultra-competitive player. In fact, it is sometimes called "murderball" because of how aggressive the sport can be. Once again, the angled wheels in the design of rugby wheelchairs allow a player to spin and maneuver with ease. If you watch this sport, you'll immediately see how it earned its nickname. Players crash into each other and even tip over as they try to protect the ball and cross the goal line.

Wheelchair Hockey

Individuals who enjoy lacrosse may want to give wheelchair hockey a try. In this version of street hockey, players in specially designed chairs turn, reverse, and charge forward to help their teammates move the ball toward the goal. Each player has a wooden hockey stick that is used to hit, push, redirect, or stop the ball. Players are allowed to switch the hockey stick to their other hand whenever necessary to make a shot.

Wheelchair hockey is played on a court instead of on ice, but for players who really want to get out on the rink, there's also an adaptive version of ice hockey played on specially designed sleds instead of in wheelchairs. The sleds have skate blades on the bottom, and the sticks used for this sport have teeth on them that allow players to grip the ice to move themselves around. Sled hockey players use two shortened sticks, one in each hand.

Additional Resources

• Facts About Wheelchair Rugby
• Rules for Wheelchair Basketball
• Sports in the Paralympic Games
• The Health Benefits of Wheelchair Tennis
• The Evolution of Power Wheelchair Soccer
• What Is Wheelchair Football?
• Famous Athletes With Disabilities
• Adaptive Play Equipment
• Power Wheelchair Hockey
• Types of Wheelchairs for Sporting Activities
• Seven Common Questions About Wheelchair Games

Learn About the Author

Derick Hancock

Derick has been a mainstay of PlaygroundEquipment.com for nearly a decade. In that time, he’s earned a CPSI certification for his in-depth knowledge of playground safety and installation. With years of playground experience, Derick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, which he uses to help better the lives of children on the playground. In his downtime, Derick enjoys rock climbing and playing video games.

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