Gopher Cage Balls
Perfect for large-group activities, these cage balls encourage participation and teamwork. Each ball set includes a long-lasting nylon cover and a burst-resistant, rotomolded vinyl bladder to withstand heavy institutional play!
Teamwork Abounds
Students will need to communicate just to move these oversized balls down the court. Whether it's rolling, pushing, passing, or carrying them toward the goal, teamwork is essential. The larger size will also keep activity levels high—it takes energy just to move them!
Friendly Design
The soft cover and lightweight design are inviting to all ages and proficiencies, keeping the focus on developing critical skills during game play. Colorful cover is easy to track, giving students full court awareness at all times and maximizing safe play. Five size options easily accommodate a variety of age groups and activities.
Sizes
- 24" dia; 2 lb 10 oz
- 30” dia; 3 lb 7 oz
- 36” dia; 4 lb 5 oz
- 48” dia; 7 lb 10 oz
- 60” dia; 12 lb 15 oz
Made to Last
With a durable nylon cover and tough burst-resistant, rotomolded vinyl bladder, these cage balls will keep their shape longer than similar cage balls on the market. The bladder is thicker and more durable than latex so it lasts longer and stands up against rugged group play in institutional settings.
*After inflating your cage ball per the included inflation instructions, please let the ball sit for 24 hours to allow the bladder to stretch and expand. Then, reinsert the inflator and finish filling the bladder.
Engaging Activity Ideas with Gopher Cage Balls!
The Gopher Cage Balls offer a versatile and exciting way to teach fundamental movement skills. With their oversized design, these balls are perfect for group play, making them ideal for activities that develop locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative, and body control skills. Students will work together or individually to maneuver, push, and control these large, lightweight balls, creating a highly engaging environment for learning physical literacy.
1. Ball Barrage Battle: Divide students into two teams, each on opposite sides of the gym. Using coated-foam balls, teams must throw the balls at the Gopher Cage Ball to push it across the opponent’s line. The team that successfully moves the Cage Ball into the other team's zone scores a point. This activity enhances throwing, teamwork, and spatial awareness as students strategize to work together to move the ball.
2. No Hands, No Problem: In this fun challenge, students must transport the Gopher Cage Ball across the gym without using their hands. They can use their heads, backs, hips, legs, or any other part of their body to move the ball. Teams work together to strategize and find creative ways to get the ball across the gym while maintaining balance and control.
3. Rolling Railroad Relay: Students lay down on the floor in a line, forming a “track.” The teacher rolls the Gopher Cage Ball over them, simulating a train moving down the track. As soon as the ball rolls over a student, they must get up, run to the end of the line, and lie down again to continue the track. The goal is to keep the ""train"" moving without interruption. This activity builds agility, coordination, and quick movement while being a fun, cooperative challenge for students.
4. Giant Pin Knockdown: Scatter pins around the play area and challenge students to knock them down by rolling the Gopher Cage Ball around the gym.
5. Cage Ball Relay Rampage: Teams must push the Gopher Cage Ball down a track, switch runners at checkpoints, and race to the finish. This activity enhances running, stopping, and pushing skills.
6. Cage Ball Crawlers: Students take turns crawling on top of the Gopher Cage Ball, working on their balance and core stability. Teammates push the ball slowly to help maintain movement. This activity builds dynamic balance, body control, and coordination. Remind kids to be safe during this activity! Adult supervision is recommended.
7. Cage Ball Parachute Launch: Teams stand in a circle holding the edges of a large parachute and attempt to launch the Gopher Cage Ball as high as possible. This builds teamwork, coordination, and upper body strength.
8. Scooter Scramble Showdown: Two teams face each other on opposite sides of the gym, with players assigned numbers. When their numbers are called, students race on scooters to push the Gopher Cage Ball across the opposing team’s wall or goal. The first team to score a point by reaching the wall wins. This activity promotes scooter control, balance, and teamwork.
9. Mega Soccer Showdown: Divide students into two teams for a giant soccer game using the Gopher Cage Ball. Students can use their hands and feet in this game! This encourages kicking, teamwork, and dynamic balance while moving the ball down the field.
10. Cage Ball Curling: Students roll the Gopher Cage Ball across the floor, aiming to land it closest to a target without overshooting. This helps develop precision, balance, and rolling skills.
11. Heave Ho Heroes: Students work in pairs to lift and push the Gopher Cage Ball across the gym. This activity strengthens teamwork, communication, and upper body pushing skills.
12. Cage Ball Parachute Launch: Teams stand in a circle holding the edges of a large parachute and attempt to launch the Gopher Cage Ball as high as possible. This builds teamwork, coordination, and upper body strength.
13. Cage Ball Crab Walk: Students crab-walk across the gym, using their legs and to kick the Gopher Cage Ball across the gym or play a game of Crab Walk soccer. This activity strengthens the upper body and core while enhancing coordination and balance.
14. Cage Ball Circle Dance: Teams form a circle around the Gopher Cage Ball and must work together to move it around the circle using only their legs. This promotes teamwork, leg strength, and coordination.15. Indiana Jones Boulder Dash: In this action-packed activity, one student acts as ""Indiana Jones"" while the rest of the class controls the Gopher Cage Ball, which represents the famous boulder. ""Indiana"" must run through a course filled with obstacles like cones and hurdles, while the other students roll the Gopher Cage Ball, trying to ""catch"" them. The objective for ""Indiana"" is to reach the finish line without being tagged by the ball, promoting agility, speed, and teamwork. The rest of the class must work together to guide the ball strategically.