My Memphis Rolliln' Grizzlies Experience

            Last night, our class had the privilege to watch a Memphis Rollin’ Grizzlies wheelchair basketball team practice. This experience was truly enlightening and these athletes have my utmost respect. In talking with the coach, we learned a little about each of the players, the rules of the game and how they differ from “normal” basketball, and other unique aspects of the game. For instance, each player is given a score based on his degree of injury. The higher the score, the lower the degree of injury. For example, a player with a single leg amputation who does not have any balance issues would have a higher score than a player with a lumbar spinal cord injury who struggles with balance. At any point in a game, there is a limit to team’s total scores of the players. This way, one team cannot have an unfair advantage because all of their players have very minor injuries while the other team has very severe injuries. I thought that this was a very interesting and important rule to keep the games fair and safe.

            One thing that I believe surprised all of us was that some of the players do not need a wheelchair or adaptive equipment when they are not playing the game. Two of the players walked into and out of the game. This is because their ability to walk has not been compromised, but it is not safe for them to play “normal” basketball because it could be life threatening should their spine get injured. This is a concept I had not considered before this experience.

            My final take away from this practice is that shooting a basketball from a wheelchair is much more difficult that shooting from standing. After practice, the players were kind enough to let us sit in their wheelchairs and try out the game. While the chairs were easier to maneuver than an average wheelchair, because they were made to be agile in athletic events, shooting the basketball was a different story. I had never thought about how much we use our legs and hips in shooting a basketball. When you are seated, all of that leverage and “umph” is gone. I found myself trying to jump while I was seated which, clearly, did not work. Not only are you further away from the basket, you are relying solely on your arms to shoot the ball. And I was sitting stationary in the middle of the court without anyone attempting to take the ball away! I am so thankful for this experience and I have the greatest admiration for wheelchair sports everywhere!