The Rules of Basketball Wheelchair Game

Basic Rules

The basic rules of wheelchair basketball are very similar to running basketball, but over time they have evolved to include minor adjustments to meet the needs of Wheelchair Basketball.

Wheelchair basketball is played in accordance with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) rules

Scoring

Points are scored for shooting the basketball through the hoop. Two points for a goal inside the three-point semi-circle, and three points for goals scored from outside. Free throws, taken from the free-throw line and awarded after a foul, are worth one point.

Outside the three-point arc

Shots scored from outside of the three-point line – the D-shaped arc surrounding each team’s basket – earn three points. Three-point shooting is highly prized by teams and spectators alike, especially if the winning basket is hit from distance on the buzzer.

Inside the three-point arc

Shots which find the basket from inside of the three-point line are worth two points.

Free Throws

A free throw is an unchallenged shot at the basket from the free-throw line, taken while the clock is stopped. They are worth one point.

Timing

There are a number of time restrictions that dictate how long a team or player has to make a particular move.

24-Second Rule

After a team gains possession of the ball, they have 24 seconds – timed by a “shot clock” – to shoot. Possession is handed to the other team if they fail to do so.

Eight-Second Rule

After the attacking team gains possession of the ball in their own half; they have eight seconds to move the ball into the opposition’s half. Otherwise they lose possession.

Five-Second Rule

Throw-ins from the side-lines or free throws must be taken within five seconds of the re-start.

Three-Second Rule

A player can only be in the opposition’s restricted area – or the “key” – for three seconds. A violation will be called if the player does not leave in time.

Time Outs

Play can be stopped for coaches to discuss tactics and game plans with their players. Each team can call two time outs in the first half and a total of three in the second half, each lasting for a maximum of 60 seconds. Only one per team is available in overtime regardless of its duration.

Dribbling

A player may wheel the chair and bounce the ball simultaneously, however, if the ball is picked up and/or placed on the player’s lap, they are only allowed to push twice before they are obligated to shoot, pass, or dribble the ball again.

There is no double dribble rule in wheelchair basketball.

A traveling violation occurs if the player takes more than two pushes while in possession of the ball without dribbling.

A player is not allowed to touch the playing surface with their feet while in possession of the ball.

Fouls

There are a few amendments to the foul rules for Wheelchair Basketball.

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.

An offensive player may not remain in the key area for more than three seconds.

In addition to the technical fouls that may be assessed from time to time as in stand up basketball, a player lifting their legs to gain an advantage or lifting out of the chair is given a technical foul. The player must remain firmly seated in their chair and must not use their lower limbs to steer the chair or gain an unfair advantage.

In the event that a player falls out of their chair, a referee may stop the play if in their opinion the player is at risk of being injured, otherwise play will continue.

On an inbound play, the offensive player is not allowed to go into the key until the ball is handed to the inbounding player by the referee.