Dodgeballs

Dodgeballs: the cornerstone of your PE closet

Dodgeballs are the central piece of equipment in countless PE games and activities. You can use them for throwing and catching practice, target games or activities, station work, cooperative challenges, recess games, and of course - dodgeball! The right ball gives your students the best experience throwing, catching, and absorbing hits in targeting games; while giving you the durability you need to preserve your budget for other needs.

Although dodgeballs are by all appearances a simple tool, choosing the right size, material, and brand can be challenging! Your best choice in a dodgeball depends on who will use the balls, how often they will be used, where they will be used, and what you want students to practice amongst other factors. This guide helps you successfully compare these factors so you can choose equipment that works for your students, your lessons, and your budget. 

What balls are used in dodgeball?

Most school and recreation programs choose between coated-foam and rubber dodgeballs, with coated-foam being the heavy favorite for its softer low-sting feel on impact. Each material gives you and your students separate benefits for indoor play, outdoor use, skill practice, and organized games. 

Coated-Foam Dodgeballs 

A coated-foam dodgeball uses a soft foam core protected by an outer coating. The foam compresses on contact, while the coating helps protect the inside of the ball and adds grip. This combination gives you a ball that feels comfortable in students' hands and works well for throwing, catching, target activities, and many PE games. 

The foam and coating both affect performance. Lower-density foam is typically softer and lighter which reduces sting on contact and carries less momentum. A thicker or more strongly bonded coating improves resistance to picking and wear, adds moisture resistance, and adds mass for a ball that will fly farther and faster. A tackier coating material helps students hold, throw, and catch the ball with more control. 

Compare Gopher Coating Levels 

Gopher coated-foam dodgeballs all feature an industry-leading low-density foam core that provides the perfect give to minimize sting, while maintaining enough mass for kids to see their throws fly long distances! However, coatings do vary and your choice should come down to durability and feel. As use becomes more frequent or intense, moving to a stronger coating helps you get more mileage from your purchase. The added coating can also change the ball's tack and feel, but the difference in weight should not be treated as the main reason to move between levels.

ClassicCoat: Soft, dependable performance 

ClassicCoat dodgeballs gives your students a soft, low-bounce ball with a slightly tacky surface for easier throwing and catching. It is a strong fit when younger students are learning to control the ball or when your dodgeballs are used on a lighter schedule. Its two-layer coating protects the foam interior and helps the ball hold its shape through consistent classroom use. 

DuraCoat: The best all-around dodgeball 

DuraCoat dodgeballs are an excellent choice for typical PE and recreation settings where equipment needs to last! Its three-layer coating includes 33% more coating than a typical two-layer coated-foam ball. That thicker, tackier surface helps resist picking and gives students more control when they throw and catch.  

UltraCoat: Our most durable dodgeball 

UltraCoat dodgeballs help you get the greatest possible mileage from your coated-foam ball purchase. Its coating is fused to the foam core instead of simply applied as separate protective layers. Gopher testing measured 65 N of force to pull the UltraCoat cover from the foam, compared with 25 N for a standard coated-foam ball. UltraCoat also completed 15,000 compression presses without cracks in the coating. That added strength makes it well suited to dodgeballs that move from class to class throughout the day. 

Check out our article Putting UltraCoat to the Test: The Unbeatable Coated-Foam Ball on the Gopher blog for more information about the testing behind our strongest dodgeballs!

Add variety to your classroom with Gopher's novel coated-foam ball options

Gopher offers a series of unique coated-foam offers that bring unique performance and fun into your classroom! Extra-soft and squeeze-style foam options help students who benefit from the softest feel. GripGalore designs add surface texture when control is the priority. High-visibility Screamin' colors add unique, vibrant colors to the mix. Firefly dodgeballs glow in the dark, providing a one-of-a-kind experience to your kids and making you their hero for the day! 

Rubber Dodgeballs 

Rubber dodgeballs use an air-filled construction with a durable rubber cover. They deliver a livelier bounce and a firmer feel than coated-foam balls. They are a strong choice for regular outdoor use, camps, recreation programs, or other games that benefit from a solid rubber construction and high-bounce. For indoor PE lessons where soft impact and broad participation matter most, coated foam is often the more comfortable starting point. 

If your equipment will regularly contact blacktop or other rough outdoor surfaces, rubber is generally the better long-term choice. Coated-foam balls may be used outdoors when a product is rated for it, but rough surfaces will shorten coating life. Keeping separate indoor and outdoor sets helps you protect your coated-foam inventory.

Looking to convert to the best dodgeballs in PE?

Gopher has developed the very best equipment for physical education, athletics, and fitness professionals for over 75 years. Every feature-rich, high-quality dodgeball is backed by an Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you'd like help sizing an order to your class count, grade levels, and schedule, a Gopher representative can walk through the options with you.

Choosing a Dodgeball: 7 Key Criteria 

With so many size, coating, and color options it can be challenging to determine wh at dodgeball is best for your needs! Work through these 7 questions to determine the right product for your budget, planned usage, and the students you serve.  

1. What ages are your students? 

Younger students usually benefit from smaller, softer balls they can wrap their hands around and control. Older, more physically-developed students generally throw harder and put more stress on equipment, so a stronger coating can help your set last longer. Use the following charts as a straightforward guide to choosing the right dodgeball for the age-level you serve!

What Size Dodgeball Should I Buy? 

Generally you want to choose a dodgeball diameter that lets your students grip the ball without fighting its size. If you're looking for a great all-around size that can be handled by most ages, a standard 6.3-inch coated-foam dodgeball will works many school-age activities. Larger balls can be easier to see and catch with two hands, but they may be harder for younger students to grip for an overhand throw.

Considering what dodgeball to purchase for a non-dodgeball activity? Check out this great blog article from the Gopher Community to see how each ball size 2.75" - 10" can serve your needs!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Coated-Foam Ball for PE Activities

2. How often will the balls be used? 

Frequency is one of the clearest ways to choose a coating. If your dodgeballs are used every day across several classes, DuraCoat gives you more protection against picking and wear. If they support a short unit or lighter schedule, ClassicCoat may give you the performance you need at an affordable price point. Are you working with groups that torture your equipment? Give UltraCoat a look! Be sure to reach for a product that aligns with your planned usage or you'll find yourself replacing your dodgeballs year after year!

For a deeper look at how the coatings compare, read A Comprehensive Guide to Gopher Dodgeballs on the Gopher blog.

3. What is your preferred softness and bounce? 

One of the most common questions we get is "What dodgeballs are safest for kids to use?". If comfort on contact is your priority, coated foam options like our DuraCoat, ClassicCoat, and UltraCoat lines all offer the most low-sting experience. However within those lines, Gopher carries a variety of models that vary in firmness and bounce - giving you a variety of age and activity-appropriate options. Super-squeeze and squeeze model options go further for younger students, beginners, or groups that may hesitate around a firmer ball. Dodgeball and Versa options are the most popular for traditional target games as their firmer feel is easier to throw and catch. They also carry more momentum than other models - so they'll fly further! Bounce balls are very firm for a high-bounce which can be preferred for certain games and activities. For a full breakdown of model options, take a look at the chart below. No ball removes all risk, so pair age-appropriate equipment with clear rules, active supervision, and the safety practices used by your school or program.

4. What feel and grip do you want? 

Beyond the diameter of your dodgeball, a tacky or textured surface helps students get a grip during throwing and catching games and activities. For coated-foam dodgeballs, typically a ball with a heavier coating like our UltraCoat will have greater tack than a lighter coated ball like ClassicCoat. If you really want to give your kids a tactile experience that levels-up their dodgeball experience, GripGalore Dodgeballs add a patterned surface for even more hand contact and control. 

5. How will you organize teams and activities? 

Color can do part of your class management for you. Luckily Gopher's famous rainbow sets help you create several groups, stations, point values, or rotations depending on your game or activity. Red-and-blue or black-and-white sets make two-team games easy to organize. Metallic EZTeam sets create strong visual contrast across a large space. Screamin' colors add vibrance and novelty to your dodgeball-based games and activities! Choose the color pattern that matches the way you want to group students and facilitate gameplay.

6. Where will the balls be used? 

Coated-foam dodgeballs are best suited to indoor activity areas and smooth surfaces such as gymnasium floors. Rubber dodgeballs are the better choice for use on blacktop, concrete, or other rough outdoor surfaces. If you occasionally take coated-foam balls outside, follow the product's use guidance and expect rough surfaces to increase wear. Separate indoor and outdoor sets can extend the life of your indoor equipment.  

7. Do you need to follow specific rules? 

The correct ball depends on the rules you are teaching. Some organized games specify a ball size, material, or number of balls. Gopher offers National Dodgeball League coated-foam options for programs that want equipment made for organized play. For everyday PE activities, you can select the size, material, bounce, and color system that best supports your learning goals.

What dodgeballs are safest for kids to use?

For the most comfortable play experience, soft coated-foam dodgeballs are typically the best choice for children. Models with a softer construction help reduce sting on impact and can make students more confident participating in throwing and catching activities. Younger students and beginners often benefit from extra-soft options like Gopher's Super-Squeeze and Squeeze dodgeballs, while older students may prefer slightly firmer balls that are easier to throw accurately and catch consistently. Keep in mind that firmer balls generally bounce more and travel farther, making them better suited for certain games and skill levels. The safest choice depends on the age of your participants, the activity you're leading, and the comfort level of your group. Use the chart below as a simple reference to help you determine the right firmness and bounce for your dodgeball-based activity. Regardless of the ball you choose, safe play should always include age-appropriate equipment, clearly communicated rules, active supervision, and adherence to your school's or organization's safety guidelines.

How many dodgeballs do I need for my class?

The right number depends on your class size and activity. Use the chart below as a starting point and adjust from there to make sure that you're minimizing the amount of time a student is standing idle in any activity!

What makes Gopher dodgeballs different? 

Industry-leading durability

You can choose from clear coating tiers that translate directly to the demands of your students and planned usage. ClassicCoat gives you dependable two-layer protection. DuraCoat adds a third layer and 33% more coating than typical two-layer balls. UltraCoat uses a fused cover-to-core bond that required 65 N of pull force in Gopher testing, compared with 25 N for a standard coated-foam ball. Every ball is built to serve large groups of kids across a wide-variety of activities.

Versatile options for every school and program

Gopher's wide assortment of dodgeballs allows you to select from the greatest variety of sizes, materials, coating thicknesses, bounce, grips, and colors. That makes it easier to outfit younger students, older students, indoor PE, outdoor recreation, team games, and skill practice without forcing one ball to serve every purpose. 

Backed by the best expertise and guarantee 

Your purchase is backed by Gopher's Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not satisfied at any time for any reason, Gopher will repair or replace the product, credit your account, or refund the purchase price. You can also work with an expert representative to compare options and plan quantities for your classes or program. 

For a deeper look at how the coatings compare, read A Comprehensive Guide to Gopher Dodgeballs and Putting UltraCoat to the Test on the Gopher blog.

How can I add more variety to my dodgeball activities? 

One set of dodgeballs can support much more than one traditional game. Change the space, scoring, ball size, or target and you can create new challenges without rebuilding your equipment list. 

Add Barriers 

Blockade Game Barriers give students places to move around, hide behind, and use as cover. You can also use them to define stations, tag-game boundaries, or target areas. BlockadePlus sets combine barriers, balls, and a mesh storage bag so you can create a ready-to-use activity setup. 

Use Color as Part of the Activity 

Assign each color to a team, station, movement, or point value. This gives you a simple way to change a familiar throwing activity while helping students identify where they belong. 

Change the Ball 

Use a smaller ball when you want students to practice grip and throwing control. Use a larger soft ball when you want a more visible catching target. Choose extra-soft foam for groups that benefit from more compression, or GripGalore when surface grip is the focus. 

Change the Target 

Use dodgeballs for target games, bowling-style challenges, cooperative catching, relays, and station work. These activities let you use the same equipment to develop accuracy, tracking, throwing, catching, teamwork, and movement skills. 

The Gopher blog has activity collections worth borrowing from, including 10 Favorite Coated-Foam Ball Ideas and Activities and Action-Packed Coated-Foam Ball Activities for PE.

How do I make my dodgeballs last longer? 

Beyond making the right selection at outset (see the "How to Choose the Right Dodgeball" tab in this guide), you can extend the life of your dodgeballs by performing a few simple best practices.

Store Balls Properly 

A ball cart, rack, or mesh bag keeps equipment contained, makes counting easier, and reduces the chance that balls will be stepped on or left loose around the equipment room. Dry equipment before storage and keep it away from sharp edges or objects that can damage the coating. 

Buy Enough for the Group 

A larger supply lets you spread use across more balls instead of relying on the same few pieces of equipment every period. It also gives you flexibility for stations, partner work, and individual practice. 

Check the Set Regularly 

Remove a ball from activity if the coating is damaged. Where possible, relegate balls that are showing wear to lower-abuse games and activities in order to extend their useful life.

Why are dodgeballs so expensive? 

Commercial-grade dodgeballs designed for use in schools and other institutions feature much higher-quality materials than budget-friendly options available in common marketplaces.

For example, Gopher's DuraCoat dodgeballs feature 33% more coating material than comparable two-layer coated foam balls. The additional coating increases the ball's useful life by resisting students' picking and keeping moisture from penetrating the inner foam core. Gopher's dodgeballs also feature high-quality polyurethane foam cores that retain their shape over time while maintaining the right degree of softness to reduce stinging on impact. 

Finally, Gopher dodgeball covers are latex-free, and the materials have been independently tested by accredited laboratories for applicable chemical safety requirements under major international toy safety regulations and standards, including ASTM chemical requirements, CPSIA requirements for lead and phthalates, and California Proposition 65 requirements for vinyl.

Ultimately you are paying for the materials that will make your dodgeballs withstand the abuse your students will put to it over many years. While the upfront cost may be higher, the total cost of ownership of your dodgeballs will be much lower than more budget-friendly alternatives you'll find yourself replacing every year.