Gopher Performer Plus Rubber Volleyballs

We made a great ball ever greater! Our premium Performer Plus rubber is thicker and more durable than the cover on our original Performer ball. The top-grade rubber cover is softer, making it a non-intimidating option for players focused more on honing their skills than competing at an extremely high level. The premium, thick cover will provide years of comfortable play for your students.

These volleyballs retain air better than many other rubber balls! The nylon-wound butyl bladder locks in the air and allows the Performer Plus to withstand every spike and bump during PE lessons. So you can spend more time teaching volleyball skills, and less time worrying about deflated balls.

15 PE Activities Using Gopher Performer Plus Rubber Volleyballs

The Gopher Performer Plus Rubber Volleyballs are built with a textured, tacky rubber cover that provides excellent grip and durability, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor play. Unlike standard composite volleyballs, the rubber construction enhances ball control for beginners and stands up to rugged use. These balls are perfect for introducing volleyball fundamentals and for a wide variety of engaging physical education activities that build locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative, and body control skills. Below are 15 inventive and movement-rich activity ideas using these rubber volleyballs to keep students active and building their physical literacy.

1. Bump & Balance Battle: Students balance the Performer Plus Volleyball on one hand, then perform a controlled bump to a partner. Emphasizes balancing (non-locomotor) and bumping (manipulative).

2. Jump Set Juggle: Students continuously jump in place while setting the volleyball in the air. Focuses on jumping (locomotor) and setting (manipulative).

3. Slide and Serve Station: Students laterally slide between markers and stop to perform an underhand serve toward a target zone. Builds serving (manipulative) and sliding (locomotor).

4. Spike Sprint Stack: Students spike a volleyball at foam blocks, sprint to stack them, then repeat. Combines sprinting (locomotor) with spiking (manipulative).

5. Sway & Set Circle: In small groups, students sway side to side before setting the ball to a teammate. Combines swaying (non-locomotor) and setting.

6. Underhand Accuracy Alley: Use Spot Markers as targets. Students underhand serve the volleyball onto a spot for points. Focuses on serving accuracy.

7. Jump Stop Spike: Students jump to spike the ball against a wall, then land in a balanced position. Develops jumping (locomotor), spiking (manipulative), and landing (body control).

8. Volley Volcano Knockdown: Build volcanoes from cones. Students aim to bump or toss the ball to knock them over. Emphasizes bumping (manipulative) and accuracy.

9. Performer Push Race: Teams push the volleyball using forearms only across the gym floor. Teaches pushing (non-locomotor) and teamwork.

10. Spin, Set, Sprint: Students spin once, set the volleyball, then sprint to a cone and back. Combines body rotation, setting, and speed.

11. Balance Beam Bump: Walk across a taped floor line while performing bump passes. Develops dynamic balance and control.

12. Rainbow Round Robin: Set up mini courts for quick 3-on-3 rallies using the rubber volleyballs. Rotate teams every few minutes. Focuses on game play and striking accuracy.

13. Hoppy Hand Pass: While hopping in place, students pass the volleyball back and forth with a partner. Emphasizes hopping (locomotor) and coordination.

14. Balance & Twist Toss: Students balance on one foot, twist at the waist, then toss the volleyball to a partner. Combines balance, twisting, and tossing (manipulative).

15. Zigzag Set Showdown: Students move in a zigzag pattern between cones, stopping at each to perform a quick set. Builds agility and setting form.