--- title: 12 Popular Wheelchair Sports & Activities description: Discover 12 popular wheelchair sports and activities to stay fit and active, including basketball, tennis, swimming, and more, with tips on gear and resources. image: https://www.abc-med.com/hubfs/Smiling%20Wheelchair%20Basketball_female_lowres-1.jpg --- Toll-Free: 866-897-8588 [Customer Login and Bill Pay](https://www.abc-med.com/customer-login-and-bill-pay) [ePrescribe (Clinicians)](https://www.abc-med.com/eprescribe) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/myabcmedical/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/myabcmedical) [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/myabcmedical) [![logo-trademark](https://www.abc-med.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-trademark.png?width=300&height=64&name=logo-trademark.png "logo-trademark")](https://www-abc-med-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/abc-medical-home-page) ## ABC Medical Blog # [12 Popular Wheelchair Sports & Activities](https://www.abc-med.com/abcmedicalblog/12-popular-wheelchair-sports-activities) Dec 29, 2025 1:26:16 PM / by [ABC Medical](https://www.abc-med.com/abcmedicalblog/author/abc-medical) ![ABC Medical](https://www.abc-med.com/hubfs/abclogo.jfif) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Smiling Wheelchair Basketball_female_lowres-1](https://www.abc-med.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Smiling%20Wheelchair%20Basketball_female_lowres-1.jpg?width=728&height=486&name=Smiling%20Wheelchair%20Basketball_female_lowres-1.jpg) It may surprise you to know that there are many different options for you to exercise and stay fit. Whether you want to compete in an individual or team sport as part of a league or local club, or if you’re looking for something to keep you physically active and manage your weight, there’s plenty to choose from. **Popular Wheelchair Sports and Activities to Explore** After a spinal cord injury, there are still many forms of exercise that you can participate in to stay fit. Here is a snapshot of some of the more popular sports that include some information on equipment and available resources.   | Sport or Activity Description | Recommended Gear | Support & Resources | | --- | --- | --- | | **Basketball:** The oldest wheelchair sport is a great way to stay physically fit while participating in an intense team activity. | A standard wheelchair can be used, but you may want to use a special basketball wheelchair with a lighter and smaller frame.  | [The National Wheelchair Association](http://www.nwba.org/) organizes leagues and tournaments for players of all abilities. | | **Tennis:** Two ball bounces means you can get to more shots and boost your fitness on the court. | Serious tennis players use a more maneuverable wheelchair with wider wheels and a smaller frame. | The [United States Tennis Association](https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/adult-tennis/programs/national/about-wheelchair-tennis.html) has resources and league support for wheelchair athletes nationwide. | | **Swimming:** Swimming can give you a feeling of freedom that you can’t get with other forms of exercise due to buoyancy. | Facilities with a pool are required to have disability access equipment, so all you need are goggles and a swimsuit. | Explore the [International Swimming Federation](http://www.fina.org/) website and [USA Swimming](https://www.usaswimming.org/). | | **Softball:** This sport is an excellent physical and social activity since you participate in a team environment. | The softball used is 16 inches, and specialty sports wheelchairs are needed for you to participate in this sport. | Visit [National Wheelchair Softball Association](https://www.wheelchairsoftball.org/) for information and support. | | **Wheelchair racing: **This popular sport has a long history at the Paralympics. Most major marathons or running races have a wheelchair division. | There’s no need to use a custom racing wheelchair unless you plan on taking racing more seriously. Racing models feature ultra-light frames and aerodynamic wheels. | The [Paralympics website](https://www.paralympic.org/) provides plenty of a great resources for racing beginners. Check local listings for races and clubs as well. | | **Downhill skiing**: This is an exhilarating sport that can boost coordination and upper body strength**.** | Special stabilizers and poles are used, depending on the slopes. Those with paraplegia and quadriplegia use a sit-ski, mono-ski, or bi-ski. | For information on skiing, visit the [Paralympic website.](https://www.paralympic.org/) | | **Archery:** This sport is a unique combination of mental focus, eye-hand coordination, and muscle control. | Visit your local archery range for the needed bows, arrows, and other equipment you need. | Visit [World Archery](https://worldarchery.org/Para-Archery) or [Team USA Archery](https://www.teamusa.org/usa-archery/archers/para-archery) for available support and resources. | | **Wheelchair handbikes**: You drive your wheelchair forward using a hand crank, which works your upper body. | You can buy an adapter kit to convert your current wheelchair. Upright or recumbent racing bikes are also a more advanced option. | The [Paralympics website](https://www.paralympic.org/) provides information on this competitive sport.  | | **Sled hockey:** Some people call this “sledge hockey.” This sport increases stamina, strength, and coordination. | Players fly on the ice with two-skate blades, using two short hockey sticks with ice picks on the bottoms to propel forward. Protective gear is also required. | The [Paralympic website](https://www.paralympic.org/) is a great resource. If you live in the U.S., you can also visit [USA Hockey](http://www.usahockey.com/disabledhockey) for more information on sledge hockey. | | **Football (American**): This highly demanding sport brings teamwork and individual performance together for a fun competition. | You can use either a manual sports wheelchair or something that is powered. | The NFL has plans to introduce a new wheelchair football league soon. Check local resources for teams and clubs. | | **Rugby:** For those with tetraplegia and a competitive spirit, it’s a great action-packed, highly physical sport. ** ** | Rugby requires a more stable wheelchair, built to take a few collisions, and more maneuverable. | The [www.iwrf.com](http://www.iwrf.com/) is a great place to start exploring this energetic sport. ** ** | | **Scuba diving**: Scuba diving can give you a sense of newfound mobility because of water weightlessness. | Standard scuba is required for everyone. Visit your local dive center for help buying or renting equipment. | Check out the [Disabled Divers International](https://www.ddivers.org/) and the [Handicapped Scuba Association](http://www.hsascuba.com/) websites. |   **Many Other Wheelchair Sports and Exercise Options** These are just a small sampling of some of the most popular wheelchair sports. There are many more potential sports, exercises, and physical activities available to you. For more information on these and other wheelchair sports, visit the [Wheelchair Sports Federation](http://www.wheelchairsportsfederation.org/) or [Disabled Sports USA](http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/sports/adaptive-sports/).     --- Experts are standing by to support all your supply needs. Fill out the form or call 866-897-8588.   *Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider. * Sources: - [Popular Wheelchair Sports | Hollister US](https://www.hollister.com/en/ContinenceCare/ContinenceLearningCenter/LivingWithANeurologicalCondition/PopularWheelchairSports) - [Popular Sports Without a Wheelchair | Hollister US](https://www.hollister.com/en/ContinenceCare/ContinenceLearningCenter/LivingWithANeurologicalCondition/PopularSportsWithoutAWheelchair) - [What Are The Most Popular Wheelchair Sports? 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