Universal Volleyball Post Padding
Specialized volleyball post pads fit both round and oval-shaped uprights up to 5” dia. This allows for quick setup because there is no need to search for padding made for uprights in specific sizes. Three hook-and-loop straps securely attach the padding to uprights, while leaving openings for collars and net strings. 3/4” thick padding is covered in 16 oz impact vinyl for maximum safety and durability. Padding is 73”L x 6”W x 6”H; 2-1/2 lb.
15 Fun and Fundamental Activity Ideas Using Universal Volleyball Post Padding
The Universal Volleyball Post Padding is a heavy-duty foam cover designed to fit any volleyball post, transforming them into a safer and more visually engaging piece of equipment for your gym or outdoor space. While the primary purpose is safety, its durable construction, hook-and-loop closures, and colorful design make it an ideal object for imaginative, contact-safe physical education activities. These ideas creatively repurpose the padding as barriers, targets, tagging zones, balance challenges, and more—all to reinforce fundamental movement skills in dynamic, inclusive ways for all grade levels. Below are 15 engaging activities that make the most out of these versatile foam pads!
1. Pole Patrol Tag: Students play tag, but when they touch a padded post, they are “safe” for 5 seconds. Encourages sprinting, dodging, and stopping.
2. Padding Pendulum Push: Hang a ball from the pad using a rope. Students push it and try to dodge its swing—practicing pushing, dodging, and dynamic balance.
3. Safe Zone Slide: Place the padding on gym poles at intervals. Students must gallop or slide laterally from one padded pole to the next when their number is called.
4. Wrap-and-Race: Students race to a pole, wrap around the Universal Volleyball Post Padding, then sprint back—practicing turning, stopping, and running.
5. Jump & Tap Challenge: Challenge students to jump and tap the top of the pad with both hands. Teaches vertical jumping and landing skills.
6. Dash & Dodge Arena: Set up multiple padded poles in the gym. Students must dodge others while navigating around and between the padded posts—teaches agility and coordination.
7. Pad Target Throwdown: Use Volleyballs to throw at different colored zones taped on the pad. Reinforces throwing accuracy and eye-hand coordination.
8. Padding Maze Mission: Create a course of padded poles. Students must maneuver through without touching the ground markers—develops agility and spatial awareness.
9. Twister Pad Tag: Call out body parts (e.g., left hand on blue pad). Students twist and bend to reach the correct pad color. Encourages twisting, stretching, and balance.
10. Pad Tunnel Relay: Students run to a padded pole, crawl under the arm of a teammate holding the pad upright, then race back. Develops crawling, running, and coordination.
11. Target Kick & Run: Use Gopher Performer Soccer Balls. Students kick the ball to hit a padded post, then run to retrieve it. Teaches kicking, aiming, and retrieving.
12. Wall Work Knockdown: Stand the pad upright on a cone or base. Students roll balls to knock it over. Encourages rolling and spatial control.
13. Padding Protectors: In small groups, one student guards the pad from being touched or tagged by others using legal body movement. Teaches defensive agility and dodging.
14. Bump & Bounce Back: Students run and gently bump into the pad using shoulders, then bounce off and sprint. Builds body control and coordination.
15. Padding Post Puzzle Path: Assign a sequence of pads (red, blue, green). Students follow in order using specific movements (skip to red, hop to blue, etc.)—combines sequencing and multiple FMS.