Gopher Exclusive Product
Gopher Skills Cushion Mat
High-quality polyurethane foam construction delivers consistent performance and safety. Premium, 18 oz vinyl-coated polyester cover provides softness and durability, while the breathable mesh side panels all air to escape on landing and let the mat breathe. Customize the color of the cover and mesh sides to match school colors. It includes attached, reinforced 2"W nylon handles on all sides for enhanced portability.
Primarily for competition use, the mat can also be used as teaching aids for skill development during practice. Meets all USAG, NCAA, and NFHS competition specifications. Specify color when ordering. 10'L x 5'W x 8" thick; 75 lb.
15 Creative Activity Ideas Using the Skills Cushion Mat
The Skills Cushion Mat is a premium-quality, 4" thick mat with high-impact foam that offers an extra layer of safety and durability for physical education activities. Its standout feature is the ultra-dense Urethane foam core, designed to better absorb landings during jumping and tumbling activities, while the smooth, durable vinyl cover ensures longevity. Because of its superior cushioning and shock absorption, this mat is perfect for teaching body control, landing techniques, and stability-based movement skills safely across all age groups. Below are 15 unique and engaging activity ideas that leverage the Skills Cushion Mat to teach students fundamental movement skills in a fun and developmentally appropriate way.
1. Soft Spot Superhero Landings: Students leap from a low platform or obstacle (like the Gopher UltraFit Plyo Boxes) onto the Skills Cushion Mat and land in a superhero pose, focusing on safe and controlled landings. Teaches Landing and Body Control.
2. Roll & Rock Rodeo: Students perform forward rolls on the Skills Cushion Mat, then hold a balance position like a statue. Develops Rolling, Balancing, and Core Stability.
3. Jump Jet Pack: With arms “flying” backward, students jump off a mini-step or box onto the mat, pretending to activate jetpacks mid-air. Focuses on Jumping and Power Movements.
4. Mat Mission Twisters: Students perform controlled twists and turns on the Skills Cushion Mat while standing, then shift into a yoga-style balance pose. Teaches Twisting and Balancing.
5. Tumbling Trek: Create a tumbling run with the Skills Cushion Mats to safely practice log rolls, egg rolls, and side rolls. Develops Body Control and Core Stability.
6. King of the Cushion: Students compete in holding balance poses on the mat without moving or tipping over when bumped lightly by a foam noodle. Teaches Balancing and Stability.
7. Safety Stop Hop: Students run and stop suddenly on the mat, freezing in place as fast as possible. Develops Stopping and Agility Movements.
8. Mat Stack Attack: Stack multiple Skills Cushion Mats and have students climb and descend with control. Teaches Climbing, Core Stability, and Dynamic Balance.
9. Ninja Balance Bounce: Combine the Skills Cushion Mat with Gopher TumblePro Balance Beams and have students jump off the beam onto the mat with balance-focused landings. Teaches Dynamic Balance and Landing.
10. Cannonball Catch: In small groups, one student gently tosses a ball while jumping off the mat and trying to catch it mid-air. Teaches Catching, Jumping, and Coordination Sequences.
11. Pose & Pause Parade: Students perform a dance routine with intermittent balance poses on the mat. Teaches Coordination Sequences and Static Balance.
12. Flip Flop Fun Run: In relay fashion, students perform forward rolls or mini somersaults down the mat and tag the next runner. Teaches Rolling and Agility Movements.
13. Jump and Jam: Set music and have students jump rhythmically on and off the Skills Cushion Mat. Emphasizes Jumping, Timing, and Coordination.
14. Tuck Time Trials: Students perform tuck jumps onto the mat and freeze in a squat on landing. Focuses on Power Movements and Landing.
15. Pull & Plunge Challenge: Students pull themselves forward using a rope while lying on the mat, then jump up and perform a controlled plunge (squat) at the end. Teaches Pulling, Core Stability, and Landing.