Players in white uniforms are the members
of the Yokohama Dreamers.

Wheelchair basketball is played according to rules that are almost the same as those for standard basketball, except that players are in wheelchairs. The size of the court, the height of the basket, and scoring and foul rules are almost the same as well. One noticeable difference is that there is no double dribble rule in wheelchair basketball. A traveling violation occurs if the player takes more than two pushes of the wheels without dribbling while in possession of the ball.
A wheelchair basketball team of Yokohama Rapport is known as the “Yokohama Dreamers.” The members of the team, many of whom are working adults, practice three times a week, starting at 6 p.m. For each practice session, about 10 members show up and do basic practices or play intra-squad games. They are working very hard to win big tournaments.

A teammate takes a shoot while Mr. Ishino blocks the opposing team’s defender!

Captain Masaki Yokose

I played basketball in elementary school, junior high school and senior high school. After going out into the world, I was injured and started to use a wheelchair. While I was undergoing rehabilitation, an acquaintance of mine took me to a practice session of wheelchair basketball, which made me want to try the sport. Once I began playing wheelchair basketball, I soon found it fun. Wheelchair basketball involves unique movements and difficult aspects. It has its own appeals that are different from those of able-bodied basketball.

Vice Captain Mototsugu Ishino

I always liked physical activities and enjoyed track and field sports and skiing. Then, I got injured and started to use a wheelchair. I commuted to Yokohama Rapport for rehabilitation and, in its training room, I was invited to play wheelchair basketball. At first, I could not keep pace with my teammates in practice sessions. But, as my skills improved through practices, I came to enjoy the sport. In wheelchair basketball, what you call a screen play in able-bodied basketball (which is intended to block the defense of the opponent) is very effective. While on court, I keep it in mind to screen the opposing team’s defense to make it easy for members of my team to take a shoot. Seeing teammates score points because of my sacrifice and win the game just thrills me.

 

Contact information of the Yokohama Dreamers:

yoko_deamer_kantou_wbf@yahoo.co.jp (Ms. Eriko Yokose, Manager of the Yokohama Dreamers)

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