The KwikGoal Medicine Ball ($56) is a weighted soccer ball used for training.  It is a standard 32 panel size 5 soccer ball in a bright “Warning Orange” color.  It should be a staple in any goal keeper/gk trainer’s training regimen.  It can also be used to build strength for throw-ins and core body training.

It is more soccer ball than medicine ball.  It is significantly heavier than a standard soccer ball and should never be used for kicking or heading.  However, at two pounds it is much lighter than a true medicine ball of 5-16 lbs.  The design is such that it can improve strength and reactions.  The ball bounces a bit unnaturally due to the amount of inertia.  By mixing up training with a weighted ball, a standard ball and reaction balls (unbalanced or odd shapes), the keeper learns to adjust to the movement of the ball and improves reactions.  For field players, it has an obvious benefit for strength training.  One of the best is throw-ins.  After tossing this around for 10-15 minutes, the player will be amazed at how much farther a regular ball will fly.

The cover material is a waterproof rubber that is very resilient.  It can be bounced and played as any other ball would be used.  The warnings against headers and kicking are to prevent injury and we would second that warning.  The extra stress on the spine or knee ligaments would be severe.  KwikGoal also has a few training suggestions for the ball, but we think there are many more uses than the basics.  Creative use of tools separates the exceptional player/coach from the average.