Basketball

This page draws together basketball-related information for all of Special Olympics. The coaching materials and other links will help you get a good sense of how this sport contributes to Special Olympics.

300x200-Athlete holds the basketball

About Basketball

Basketball is a game where players try to throw a round inflated ball through a raised basketlike goal. It is played on a court by two teams of five or three players. Points are made by shooting the ball through a high metal hoop and net at the opponent's end of the court. The large round ball used in this game is also called a basketball.


The Basketball Coaching Guide

Special Olympics coaching guides are the key source of coaching information for our volunteer coaches worldwide. The guides are written by experts in the sport who understand that people with intellectual disabilities need extra time and attention to master new skills. The guides are helpful to anyone teaching a sport but are especially valuable when coaching Special Olympics athletes.


The Power of Sports

Find out why sport is at the core of Special Olympics.
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Sport Teaches Us

What can sport teach us? Compassion, courage and teamwork.
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How to Get Involved in Special Olympics

Special Olympics sports training, coaching and competitions go on in more than 170 countries around the world. You can get involved by getting in touch with the closest Special Olympics office.

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Made Possible by The Annenberg Foundation

The Special Olympics movement is profoundly grateful for the support of the Annenberg Foundation which has underwritten the production of the coaches’ guides and resources, supporting our global goals for coaches’ excellence.

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