Gopher Biggie! Training Volleyballs

Keep players bumping and setting for longer periods of time with lightweight, oversized volleyballs. The friendly, no-sting design helps your class practice longer and build better technique.

Encourages Participation

Larger, 16" dia Biggie! volleyball is twice the size of an official volleyball, but it's 20% lighter. Along with the 13" dia Biggie!, these oversized volleyballs encourage young players to participate while avoiding the stinging sensation associated with traditional volleyballs. This helps students become more comfortable with the ball before moving on to regular volleyballs to increase difficulty.

Quality Design

Smaller than our D-Lite Sport Volleyball, this is the smallest oversized trainer we offer. The traditional 18-panel composite cover backed by soft foam makes the ball friendly for all players. Its durability allows it to be used for long periods of time. A latex rubber bladder with butyl valve keeps the ball lightweight and air tight.

15 Engaging PE Activities Using Gopher Biggie Training Volleyballs

The Gopher Biggie Training Volleyballs are oversized, lightweight volleyballs designed to help students build volleyball fundamentals with ease and confidence. Their larger size slows flight time and increases visibility, making them perfect for beginners developing skills like bumping, setting, serving, and spiking. Unlike standard volleyballs, the Biggie design encourages success and reduces fear of impact—ideal for elementary and middle school students. These 15 creative activities utilize the Gopher Biggie Training Volleyballs to reinforce fundamental movement skills (FMS) in fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate ways.

1. Biggie Bump Relay: Students race while bumping the Biggie ball forward with controlled forearm passes. Builds striking, running, and coordination.

2. Set It & Forget It: Students set the ball as high as they can, let it drop, then catch it after one bounce. Teaches striking upward and reaction time.

3. Serve-a-Square: Mark out 4 large square zones. Students try to serve into assigned zones for points. Develops serving and spatial targeting.

4. Wall Ball Sets: Students face a wall and try to set the Biggie ball repeatedly against a marked target. Promotes striking precision and consistency.

5. Seated Set Challenge: Students sit and attempt to perform controlled sets back and forth. Develops core strength and upper-body control.

6. Bump-It Bucket Drop: Students bump the ball into a large bucket or hoop placed across the room. Teaches aiming and striking control.

7. Partner Pop-Up: Partners toss the ball for one to bump or set, then switch roles. Encourages communication and role rotation.

8. Biggie Four Square Volleyball: Modify four square using Biggie balls with legal volleyball hits. Enhances spatial movement and anticipation.

9. Target Toss Towers: Set cones or hoops at various heights. Students try to toss or bump the ball to land on or in each. Develops aiming and power control.

10. Rainbow Reaction Circle: In small groups, pass the Biggie ball clockwise, reacting quickly to the next move. Trains anticipation and group timing.

11. Hoop Shot Serve: Try to serve or toss the ball into a DuraHoop on the floor. Reinforces serving precision.

12. Jump & Spike Drill: Students toss, jump, and strike the ball downward over a rope or line. Builds jumping, striking force, and timing.

13. Island Pass Challenge: Students pass the ball while standing on poly spots spaced apart. Missing the spot = out! Teaches precision passing and body control.

14. Set & Move Circuit: Perform a set, then move laterally or forward to the next station. Encourages striking and agility.

15. Biggie Target Battle: Two teams compete to strike Biggie balls at each other’s cone targets. Knocking down all targets wins! Teaches strategic aiming and team collaboration.