Gopher Rubber Softballs

These softball training balls are great tools to safely teach students the fundamentals of throwing and hitting. Durable rubber stands up to asphalt, gym floors, metal bats, and just about anything else it’ll come into contact with.

Specifications

• 11" or 12"
• Rubber Cover
• Sponge-Rubber Core

Indoor or Outdoor Use

A molded design ensures incredible durability in all environments, making rubber softballs perfect for heavy institutional play both indoors and out. Features molded rubber seams rather than stitched seams for an all-around durable and long-lasting ball! Non-marring and highly resilient to impact, there’s no fear of damage to the ball or its surroundings.

Perfect for Beginners

The rubber shell provides added grip when teaching players proper throwing form. It also offers extra bounce off hard surfaces to teach fielders the importance of anticipation and hone hand/eye coordination. 11” sizes are great for beginners and younger students, while the regulation-sized 12” option adds a true-to-game feel to any practice session.

15 Fundamental Movement Skill Activities Using Gopher Rubber Softballs

The Gopher Rubber Softballs are durable, all-weather training balls designed with a tacky, grippy rubber cover that makes them easier to catch, throw, and control than traditional leather softballs. Their softness and forgiving feel promote confidence and safety, making them ideal for students learning throwing and catching skills. Because these softballs are safer and easier to grip, they are perfect for teaching manipulative movement skills and introducing softball-style games without the fear of injury. Their enhanced grip and consistent performance make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in all levels of physical education.

Below are 15 unique and engaging activity ideas using Gopher Rubber Softballs to teach fundamental movement skills to students. These activities incorporate manipulative skills such as throwing, catching, striking, and rolling, while also developing locomotor and non-locomotor skills such as running, jumping, twisting, balancing, and coordination.

1. Softball Shuffle Toss: Students stand in lines and toss the rubber softball to a partner while shuffling side to side. Develops lateral sliding, tossing accuracy, and coordination.

2. Catch Me If You Can: Students pair up and practice catching while backpedaling slowly. Enhances catching skills and backward locomotion.

3. Rubber Run and Return: Students run to a line, throw the ball to a partner, and return for the next person to go. A fast-paced activity building endurance and throwing accuracy.

4. Spin & Sling Softball: Students spin in place once before throwing their softball at a target. Focuses on twisting, body control, and throwing skills.

5. Softball Statues: On cue, students freeze while balancing the softball on their open palm or head. Enhances balance, focus, and static control.

6. Toss Across the Circle: In a large circle, students toss softballs across to random peers, calling out names. Builds spatial awareness and underhand tossing.

7. Pass & Pivot Challenge: Students pass the ball to a partner, then pivot 90 degrees to face another partner and pass again. Teaches pivoting, coordination, and passing.

8. High-Low Catch Chaos: Teacher calls “high” or “low” and students must adjust their body position to catch the ball accordingly. Reinforces jumping and bending techniques.

9. Leap & Launch: Students leap over a line or rope, then immediately throw the softball to a partner. Combines leaping and throwing under pressure.

10. Bounce Baseball: Use the rubber softball and introduce a simplified baseball game where the ball must bounce before it’s caught. Softens the game while teaching basic catching and fielding.

11. One-Handed Wonder Throws: Practice throwing and catching with the non-dominant hand using rubber softballs. Enhances bilateral coordination and confidence in both hands.

12. Cone Zone Softball Strike: Set up zones marked by cones; students strike the rubber softball using bats. Reinforces hand-eye coordination and striking.

13. Partner Pop-Up Catch: Students toss the softball high into the air for their partner to catch. Reinforces catching, timing, and focus under pressure.

14. Reverse Roll Races: Students roll the ball backward between their legs to a partner behind them, who rolls it forward to the next person. Develops rolling accuracy and backward movement.

15. Rolling Road Trip: Students use their hands to continuously roll the rubber softball along a path (marked with tape or cones) without picking it up. Develops fine motor control and rolling dexterity.