Wheelchair Basketball Skills Proficiencies versus Disability Classification

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to assess the relationship between the disability classification levels of wheelchair basketball players, as used by the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA), and the skill proficiency levels of the athlete. The assessment tool consisted of seven components deemed necessary for proficiency in basketball; these items were the 20-m sprint, free-throw shooting, obstacle dribble, baskets per minute, rebounding, speed pass, and pass for accuracy. The data used for statistical analysis were based upon the results acquired from 91 subjects who were tested in 1983. These subjects represented 18 NWBA teams from 14 states and Canada. The results of the investigation indicate support for placing less of an emphasis on the disability levels of wheelchair basketball participants, and for the development of functional assessment tools to be used in judging performances of “handicapped” athletes.