Douglas M. Garner, owner of DG Books, in collaboration with his son, Tyler Garner, Ph.D., has co-authored the training manual Coaching Speed for Wheelchair Basketball. This pioneering resource is the first to specifically address speed, agility, and performance development for wheelchair basketball and other adaptive sports. The book on Amazon offers practical, research-based strategies tailored to athletes who use wheelchairs, filling a critical gap in adaptive sports training. Recognized for its innovation, the book recently won the 2024 International Impact Book Award, highlighting its contribution to inclusivity and performance development in adaptive sports.
With a Ph.D. in Exercise Science, Tyler Garner contributes significant academic and athletic expertise to the manual. As a former athlete for the University of Texas at Arlington’s wheelchair basketball team, Tyler’s five years of varsity competition and his participation in two triathlons provide the foundation for a deeply informed and practical guide. The manual’s content integrates rigorous scientific principles with real-world athletic experience, ensuring it meets the needs of a diverse audience.
The book targets parents, teachers, coaches, athletes, and professionals who work with individuals with disabilities. It delivers actionable insights to help athletes maximize their potential and provides much-needed resources for physical education (PE) teachers who may feel unprepared to support students who use wheelchairs. By offering evidence-based training exercises, video demonstrations, and practical strategies, Coaching Speed for Wheelchair Basketball equips educators with the tools to engage and empower young athletes effectively.
The manual emphasizes the dual-task learning required for athletes who use wheelchairs, blending motor skill development with cognitive strategies. Young athletes are taught to use their wheelchairs proficiently while building foundational skills essential for independence and confidence both on and off the court. This approach not only improves athletic performance but also fosters resilience and self-assurance.
As adaptive sports continue to gain global recognition, the resources for training wheelchair athletes remain limited. This manual addresses that gap with drills and techniques designed to enhance speed, agility, and overall athletic performance. Its comprehensive content is suitable for both competitive and recreational athletes as well as the educators and coaches who support them.
Additionally, Coaching Speed for Wheelchair Basketball highlights adaptive sports’ rehabilitative and mental health benefits. For injured service veterans, structured training in wheelchair basketball and similar activities can significantly rebuild confidence, enhance mental well-being, and foster social connections. Douglas and Tyler Garner emphasize how adaptive sports can empower individuals to lead active and fulfilling lives, reinforcing the book’s broader societal impact.
Since its release, the book has reached audiences across six continents and over a dozen countries, reflecting its global relevance. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the authors have also published a Spanish edition to extend the manual’s reach. This initiative underscores their commitment to inclusivity and the transformative potential of adaptive sports.
The manual has garnered praise for its innovative approach, with reviewers calling it a landmark contribution to adaptive sports training. Combining evidence-based techniques with practical applications, Coaching Speed for Wheelchair Basketball represents a significant step toward inclusivity in sports. Equipping athletes, educators, and coaches with essential tools creates new opportunities for achievement and excellence.
The authors’ work serves as a call to action for greater inclusivity and empowerment within the athletic community. By addressing the unique training needs of wheelchair athletes, the book enhances performance and promotes a culture of opportunity and progress.
Coaching Speed for Wheelchair Basketball is available on Amazon. This manual offers essential guidance and inspiration for competitive athletes, recreational players, educators, and coaches to thrive in adaptive sports.
Douglas and Tyler Garner’s collaborative efforts have redefined possibilities in adaptive sports. Through their innovative resources, they are empowering a new generation of athletes and educators to achieve their full potential and driving forward a vision of inclusivity and excellence in sports.
Published by: Annie P.
