Which Sports Need Wall Padding?

Any sport where athletes could slam up against a wall or be slammed into a wall should employ the use of a protective sports wall padding system.

If sports wall padding isn’t in place, a dangerous, even fatal, injury could occur from forceful impact - not to mention damage that may be caused to the wall itself. But the concern for athletes’ safety should always top the list, so it is important to put all safety measures in place.

When and Why Do You Need Sports Wall Padding?

Athletic wall padding is essential when athletes could collide with a wall, post, beam, or other structure. This protective padding creates a cushion to help absorb the impact of a collision while cushioning athletes from the hard surface.


For example, sports hall padding can be used to line the walls in a multipurpose area, sport, or performance center to protect athletes who could be shoved or slammed into a wall. The wall mats can also extend the life of your wall subsurface, which could be scratched or damaged by equipment. You can read more about sports hall padding on our blog.

Pole padding is often used in addition to wall padding for indoor sports and in outdoor settings to maximize the safety of football stadium goalposts. These specialized pads can be easily wrapped around posts to help protect athletes during a collision. We’ve provided many more details in our pole padding blog.

To maximize the effectiveness of wall pads, it’s essential to choose pads of an appropriate thickness. Learn more in our blog about sports wall padding thickness. Then, review our blog on gym wall padding installation instructions to understand the different mounting options and decide which product is right for your sports facility.

Which Sports Activities Need Protective Wall Padding?

Most sports would benefit from protective wall padding. We’ve highlighted some of the top sports that need wall pads, as well as the resources we’ve created to help you learn more about each of them.

Basketball

Wall pads for an indoor basketball court can help maximize athlete safety. A basketball pole pad is also essential in protecting athletes from potential collisions with the pole.

Baseball

Baseball wall padding can help reduce injury along the fence railing, back wall, backstop, and scoreboards. Be sure to review the updated NCAA rules for softball and baseball field padding for stadiums to make sure your stadium meets them.

Batting Cages

Batting cage padding behind the batter helps protect the walls from the repeated impact they’ll sustain from balls.

Gymnastics

Gymnasium wall padding is important to gymnast safety, especially when athletes are practicing tumbling passes that could cause them to collide with a gym wall.

Wrestling

Wrestling wall mats help prevent athlete injuries if they’re slammed into a wall during a practice or a match. There are several great sources where you can find wrestling room wall mats.

Outdoor Sports

Outdoor sports, like soccer, football, and baseball, are typically held in outdoor sports fields surrounded by fences. Fence padding for outdoor sports fields offers extra cushion for safety.

Martial Arts

Martial arts wall pads help keep martial artists safe whether they’re training in karate, judo, jiu jitsu, MMA, or boxing. Not sure where to start? We’ve created a guide on the best MMA wall pads for your home or studio.

Pickleball

Paddle sports, including pickleball, volleyball, and badminton, can also benefit from wall padding. There are many options for wall padding for indoor pickleball courts.

Golf Simulator

Golf simulator wall padding helps protect the walls from repeated golf ball impacts.

Trampoline Parks

Trampoline parks are full of potential dangers, including poles and walls. Plan to invest in many types of extra padding for a trampoline park to help keep visitors safe.

Playgrounds

Indoor and outdoor playgrounds need plenty of padding to help keep kids safe. Outdoor playground wall padding can be used on fences and walls, while soft play area flooring and wall padding can be used to create a safe and forgiving indoor space. Be sure to read our blog on where to put playground padding for additional ideas.

Basement Soccer and Hockey Practice

Basements can be handy spaces for practicing soccer and hockey, but there are plenty of opportunities to collide with the walls, posts, or other objects. Basement wall padding can allow for safer indoor practice.

Home Gym

With gym wall padding for home use, you can create a safe gym space in the comfort of your home.

Reasons to Buy Sports Wall Padding from Greatmats

At Greatmats, we have an excellent selection of sports wall padding available for sale. Additionally, we’re experts in flooring and padding products, and our blogs and guides can help you explore your options. Contact the Greatmats customer service team today with any questions; we’re happy to help you determine which product is perfect for your needs.