Gopher BarrowBall Set

Students work together to collect, launch, and catch balls using a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver kid’s wheelbarrow. One team launches balls using sling shots while their teammates race to catch them in the wheelbarrow. Throwers/retrievers gather missed balls. They return the red balls to the launchers, while the throwers keep the blue balls. Play continues for a set time or until all balls are caught. Launched red balls caught in the wheelbarrow earn 2 points; thrown blue balls score 1 point. The team with the most points, wins!

Wheelbarrows feature a durable ABS frame and a soft fabric bucket (21”L x 19”W) for successful catches. The launcher includes 5”L plastic handles with soft, comfortable grips and 22”L latex bands. The launch cradle is made of nylon and mesh for dependably durability. Set includes 2 wheelbarrows (31-1/2"L x 25"W x 20-1/2"H), 24 fabric-covered balls (2.5” dia), 2 launchers, and activity instructions.

15 Wheel-y Fun Activities Using the Gopher BarrowBall Set

The Gopher BarrowBall Set transforms traditional wheelbarrow races into a safer, more structured, and more inclusive experience. Each set includes durable, inflatable balls attached to plastic trays that serve as the “wheel” of the wheelbarrow, giving students a place to rest their chest and glide across the floor while a partner holds their legs. The rolling ball allows smoother, more controlled movement compared to the traditional hand-on-floor method. This design helps students engage in upper-body strength development, core stability, balance, coordination, and teamwork. The following 15 activities use this unique product to teach a variety of fundamental movement skills in both fun and functional ways.

1. Barrow Blitz Relay: In pairs, students take turns racing across the gym using the BarrowBall, focusing on arm strength, crawling, and coordination.

2. Backward Barrow Boogie: Students perform the BarrowBall movement backwards through a short course to emphasize directional control and spatial awareness.

3. Wheelbarrow Freeze: Play music while students move in wheelbarrow position. When the music stops, they must freeze without falling—great for body control and quick reaction time.

4. Push and Pull Partners: In teams of four, one student uses the BarrowBall while another pulls or pushes gently with a jump rope. Promotes teamwork, pushing/pulling, and coordination.

5. Alphabet Adventure: Place large letter cards on the floor. As students wheelbarrow over each one, they must call it out. Combines literacy and locomotor movement.

6. Color Coded Chaos: Assign colors to cones or poly spots. Students must wheelbarrow to the correct color when it's called out. Great for listening skills and quick reaction locomotion.

7. Shape Escape: Tape shapes on the floor. Students must stop on or move to certain shapes in wheelbarrow position. Encourages shape recognition and precise control.

8. Relay Ramp Up: Incorporate stations where students must stop, perform a task (like high-fives or balance), then continue. Builds sequencing, stopping, and restarting motion.

9. Direction Detective: Call out “left,” “right,” “forward,” or “reverse” while students are in motion. They must respond quickly, promoting agility and directional movement control.

10. Team Barrow Tag: Teams of BarrowBall pairs try to tag other teams while remaining in motion. Adds speed, awareness, and teamwork elements.

11. BarrowBall Basketball: Using a soft ball, students must dribble once and shoot into a low target while in wheelbarrow position. A creative take on object manipulation.

12. Circle Cycle: Create large circles on the floor and have students move around the circumference in wheelbarrow position. Promotes turning, endurance, and coordination.

13. Mystery Mission Movement: Hide small task cards around the gym. Students must wheelbarrow to them, read the task (e.g., “do 3 claps” or “spin in place”), and complete it. Encourages movement variety and following directions.

14. Stoplight Signals: Use red/yellow/green signs to cue students to stop, slow, or go fast in wheelbarrow mode. Emphasizes listening, reaction time, and movement control.

15. Balance the Beanbag: Place a beanbag on the back of the student using the BarrowBall. If it falls, they must return to the start. Reinforces steady movement and posture awareness.