Report by Ross, aged 14, from Woodway Park School in Coventry
Before I did this report, I was quite worried that when I was talking to the Coventry Crusaders wheelchair team players I was going to say something that offended them.
When I actually started to talk to them I didn't even have to think about what I was saying, though. It was just like talking to my mates, which makes sense because they are still people whatever disability they have.
ÌýWheelchair basketball is almost the same
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| Ìý |  | Some of the Coventry Crusaders wheelchair team in action
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I did not know much at all about wheelchair basketball and I thought it would be quite different from the able-bodied game.
It turns out that the game is almost the same. The nets are not even lowered which is very surprising because most points come from slam-dunks, which they can't do and they are lower down.
ÌýThs history of the game
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| Ìý |  | Sahail, one of the Coventry Crusaders wheelchair team
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The game was started after the 2nd World War because loads of American soldiers who lost the ability to walk still wanted to play. I don't think the game has changed that much since them, apart from the chairs and there are probably more restrictions.
ÌýWheelchair basketball rules
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| Ìý |  | Some of the Coventry Crusaders wheelchair team players in action
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Basketball is played in teams of five and the idea of the game is to get the ball in the opposition's basket. Games have four quarters, each 15 minutes long.
Every time the ball goes out of bounds or there is a violation, the other team start with a throw-in from the side. Unless it's a foul while shooting, then you get a foul shot from the foul line.
You get three points for a basket outside the semicircle, two points for a shot inside the semicircle and one point for a basket off a foul shot.
In wheelchair basketball, to dribble you can have two pushes per bounce and you can put the ball in your lap. You can't bump into other people but you can go in front of them so they have to stop.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Paul Claridge, the team organiser
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Able-bodied people are allowed to play but they are worth five points. Points are how people's disabilities are judged the worse the disability the lower the point.
You can't have more than 15 points worth on the court at one time. I think that is a fantastic rule because anybody can play and it makes sure that one team does not have an unfair advantage.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Carl, one of the Coventry Crusaders wheelchair team
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The wheelchairs are a lot different to the normal ones used. The wheels are at an angle to give them more stability. They are actually quite light but that is because they are made of titanium instead of steel.
Now, all basketball wheelchairs have an anti-tip wheel at the back, to stop them tipping over, believe it or not.
Most chairs made now come with side guards, a bar which curves all the way around the chair, they are used to deflect away other wheelchairs.
They let me have a go in a wheelchair and join in with the training. The wheelchairs were very easy to control and were great fun to have a go with, even though you get a sweaty bum.
ÌýWheelchair basketball in Coventry
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| Ìý |  | Some of the Coventry Crusaders wheelchair team players in action
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There has been a wheelchair basketball team in Coventry for about 10 years. The club was formed in its current form in 1995.
They had little funding, were using normal wheelchairs and had terrible training facilities. The team played in the Development League from 1995 to 1997.
They managed to get promoted and in the 1997-1998 season they played in the 3rd division. They didn't start very well but last season they finished 2nd.
They now have good chairs and great training facilities. They even have a 2nd team in the Development League for new players to become better players and move up to the first team.
ÌýInterview with two players
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I managed to speak to two of the players and find a bit more about them. I spoke to Sahail, a newcomer to the game, and Carl, a veteran.
How long have you been playing?
Sahail: "1 and a half years."
Carl: "5 years for the Crusaders 10 years in total."
What got you into the game?
Sahail: "Paul, the coach got me into the sport. He saw me playing football."
Carl: "I've been doing sport all my life and I've always watched basketball so that's what I did."
What's your ambition in the game?
Sahail: "Just to enjoy it really, I have no professional ambitions."
Carl: "Well I'm a bit old now but when I was younger I wanted to play international basketball."
What's your highpoint in the game?
Sahail: "Just having a laugh."
Carl: "To win this division and to play in division 2, I'll find it more difficult and so will everyone in the team."
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Sahail: "I ain't had any."
Carl: "There are too many. Falling asleep and a habit of eating too much big time food!"
ÌýThe Crusaders wheelchair team are more than happy for newcomers to have a go at the sport so if you are interested in playing visit their site linked on the left.
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