Throw and catch with real intent — without worrying about a hard rebound coming back at your face, fingers, or wrists.
The TAP® Soft Medicine Ball is a 13″-diameter, pliable, controlled-rebound medicine ball built so athletes can throw, catch, and slam with real intent without worrying about a hard, violent return coming back at their face, fingers, or wrists. Instead of traditional rubber balls that rocket off the wall or bulky leather shells that are hard to grip, this ball softens impact, gives only a short, predictable rebound, and forces the hands and upper body to do the work. Upper-extremity here simply means the arm and shoulder — everything from the hand up through the elbow and into the shoulder complex.
- Soft, Impact-Absorbing Shell with Managed Rebound — A flexible vinyl shell over a padded inner core that stays fixed in place delivers only a small, controlled bounce — just enough to keep momentum moving without a wild ricochet. Athletes can drive throws into walls or run rapid-fire partner passes with less fear of an unpredictable deflection.
- Grip-Demanding Surface That Connects Hands to Shoulders — The compliant cover gives slightly under the fingers, so athletes cannot rely on a loose, passive catch. Every throw and catch demands active clawing and squeezing, recruiting the forearm flexors — the muscles along the inside of the forearm that close the fingers and help bend the wrist — and linking a strong grip to healthy shoulder mechanics.
- Built for Rapid-Fire Partner and Wall-Ball Volleys — The ball soaks up most impact energy and only returns modestly, reducing unpredictable spring off hands or surfaces. Strong option for high-frequency partner chest passes, rebounding core drills, and rotational wall throws where athletes stay close to the action.
- Rotational Power Without Riding a Big Bounce — The soft ball gives a short rebound and settles instead of springing back with free energy. The athlete must recreate rotational force from the ground up on every rep — reinforcing full-body turns driven by the legs, hips, and torso.
- Supports Shoulder Stability and Late-Stage Return-to-Throw — Catching a managed-rebound ball at speed puts a premium on scapular control — keeping the shoulder blade anchored and moving well on the ribcage — so the arm has a stable base. When programmed properly, gripping and controlled catching can help restore shoulder stability without the sharp, jarring forces of harder balls.
- Five Weights, One 13″ Soft Shell — Available in 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 lb. The 13″ diameter and pliable shell give a manageable, consistent target that smaller hands can still control during dynamic sequences — scalable from youth warm-ups to advanced core power work.
What Is It?
The TAP® Soft Medicine Ball is a 13″-diameter soft-shell training ball with a flexible vinyl outer skin and a dense, padded core that does not shift inside the shell, absorbing most of the impact while still providing a small, predictable rebound. It is designed for partner passing, rebounding, and rotational wall drills where you want a conditioning ball firm enough to throw hard but forgiving enough to catch repeatedly at close range.
Compared with rubber medicine balls, it has a much softer rebound — far less than the hard, high-velocity bounces that can ricochet toward the head or fingers. Compared with large leather wall balls, it presents a more compact, pliable surface that is easier to grip, especially for youth athletes or smaller hands.
How It Works
Three mechanisms behind soft-shell medicine ball training
Challenging Grip and Forearm Recruitment
Because the shell compresses slightly under pressure, the athlete must actively squeeze instead of letting the ball rest in the hands. This constant engagement recruits the forearm flexors and small hand muscles, connecting a strong grip to better control upstream at the wrist and shoulder.
Demanding Scapular and Upper-Back Deceleration
Catching a controlled-rebound ball in rapid sequences requires the muscles around the shoulder blade to fire quickly to slow the load. That repeated eccentric work — muscles lengthening under tension during the slowing-down phase — builds positional stability around the shoulder girdle and upper back.
Reinforcing Ground-Up Rotational Power
The soft shell and padded core absorb most impact energy, leaving only a short, predictable return. Because the ball offers no free bounce to ride, athletes must create force from the feet, through a braced front leg, and into the torso on every rep — encouraging complete, ground-driven turns instead of partial efforts.
Backed by Research
The Science of Soft-Shell Medicine Ball Training
Not studied as a stand-alone tool in controlled trials; supported by broader work on medicine-ball training, eccentric control, and grip-driven shoulder stability, showing that well-designed throwing and catching drills can improve power, control, and joint resilience when programmed appropriately.
Video Library
See It In Action
Click the thumbnail to play from the start — click any timestamp to jump to that exercise.
2020
TAP® Soft Medicine Ball — Grip, Wrist, and Shoulder Strength Training
| Rotational Soccer Throw (Facing Target) — ball held overhead, step forward, full-body trunk flexion to slam the ball directly into the wall. | |
| Side-Facing Rotational Wall Slams — rapid-fire explosive twisting throws sideways to the wall, catching off the wall and immediately firing back to challenge rotational speed. | |
| Shot-Put Linear Punch (Sideways Stance) — ball set against the rear shoulder, explosive linear arm punch straight forward into the wall, alternating sides. | |
| Underhand Rotational Scoop Toss — ball cradled low near the back hip, underhand scoop motion to launch it up and forward into the target wall. | |
| Overhead Wall Slams (Soccer-Style, No Step) — standing fixed facing the wall, continuous overhead drives downward into the base of the wall, absorbing impact on each catch. | |
| Chest Pass Volleys — rapid-fire chest passes facing the wall, quick catch-and-release rhythm to train upper-body speed. | |
| Conclusion — Select Conditioning Accessories, Khaos® Training, Chain Training, and Oates Specialties LLC logo screens. |
Product Details
How to Use It
Set up: Flat, sturdy wall panels or padded targets without sharp edges. For partner work, establish clear spacing so both athletes track the ball at all times.
Partner chest passes: Crisp chest-high passes with firm throws and active hand squeeze. Watch for catching against the chest or elbows flaring out — coach back toward strong hands and stable shoulders.
Rotational wall throws: Side-on to a wall, explosive throws driving from the legs and hips through the torso. Let the ball settle before retrieving — each rep demands a full rotational effort. Watch for spinning off the front side or losing balance at release.
Warm-ups and return-to-throw: Lighter balls early to wake up hands and shoulder blades. Under appropriate guidance, integrate controlled catching into late-stage return-to-play progressions where joint stress must be managed. Eccentric control means the muscles’ ability to lengthen under tension — especially during the slowing-down phase after catching.
Who This Is For
- Commonly used for baseball and softball athletes who want to build rotational power, grip strength, and shoulder stability without the rebound risk of hard medicine balls.
- Commonly used for strength and conditioning coaches who program partner passes and wall-ball drills as part of warm-ups or power blocks.
- Commonly used for facilities and academies running small-group sessions in tighter spaces that need a safer, controlled-rebound ball option.
- Commonly used for medical and performance staff supporting late-stage upper-extremity return-to-play work under professional supervision.
We are not coaches.
What This Implement Does NOT Do
- It does not replace a complete strength or throwing program; it is a training implement that must be integrated into a larger plan.
- It is not designed to be slammed on rough, sharp, or abrasive surfaces; doing so can damage the vinyl shell and seams.
- It does not make medicine-ball work risk-free; poor technique, excessive loading, or unsupervised drills can still lead to injury.
- It is not a substitute for medical treatment or rehab protocols; any use for injury recovery should be guided by qualified professionals.
Technical Specs
| Product Name | TAP® Soft Medicine Ball |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Wall balls, rebounding core balls, soft meds |
| Ball Diameter | ~13″ |
| Outer Shell | Flexible soft vinyl that compresses slightly under finger pressure |
| Internal Core | Dense padded filling — does not shift inside the shell; absorbs impact while providing a small, controlled rebound |
| Bounce Profile | Controlled, low-profile return — enough to maintain momentum without excessive ricochet |
| Weights / SKUs | 4 lb (SMB4), 6 lb (SMB6), 8 lb (SMB8), 12 lb (SMB12), 16 lb (SMB16) |
| UPCs | 4 lb – 608938931368; 6 lb – 608938931375; 8 lb – 608938929969; 12 lb – 608938929938; 16 lb – 608938929945 |
| Training Focus | Grip strength, wrist and shoulder stability, rotational core power, upper-body deceleration |
| Environment | Flat, sturdy walls or padded panels without sharp edges — indoor cage, bullpen, or training room |
Safety and Care
Not a toy — not intended for unsupervised play or games unrelated to structured training. Inspect before each session: check shell and seams for cuts, tears, or bulges; remove any damaged ball from use immediately. Only throw into walls or panels that can handle repeated impact without sharp edges or protrusions.
- Not a toy: Training implement only.
- Inspect regularly: Shell and seams before every session — remove from use if damaged.
- Use appropriate surfaces: No sharp edges, rough concrete, or abrasive targets.
- Progress gradually: Start with lighter weights and simple patterns under supervision; scale volume and intensity to age and training history.
- Not a medical device: Any use with injured athletes must be overseen by qualified medical or performance professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it different from a standard medicine ball?
It uses a soft vinyl shell and a non-shifting padded core to reduce rebound and soften impact, giving only a small, predictable return — more forgiving for close-range partner and wall-ball work than hard, highly rebounding balls.
What exercises is it best for?
Partner chest passes, rebounding core drills, rotational wall throws, and warm-up sequences that wake up grip, forearms, and shoulder stabilizers.
Which weight should I start with?
Youth athletes and those new to medicine-ball work usually start with 4 or 6 lb. More experienced or stronger athletes may use 8, 12, or 16 lb for heavier core and upper-body power work.
Can I use this for high-intensity wall slams?
Yes, provided the wall or panel is appropriate and free of sharp edges. The soft shell, managed rebound, and non-shifting core make it suitable for aggressive rotational and rebound drills when coached properly.
Is it appropriate for rehab or return-to-throw programs?
Under medical or professional guidance, the softer shell and controlled rebound can make it a good option for controlled, late-stage catching and deceleration work as athletes rebuild shoulder stability.
How should I care for the ball?
Keep away from sharp or abrasive surfaces; avoid extreme heat or cold; inspect seams and shell regularly for cuts or separation before continued use.
Questions before you buy? Call or Text Our Team at (936) 295-4459