Audible Balls

 

Sound Balls (Bell Balls) for Blind and Visually Impaired Sports

A sound ball — also called a bell ball, beeping ball, or audible ball — is built to be tracked by ear instead of, or alongside, sight. An internal bell, sound device, or rattling filler lets a player who is blind or visually impaired (VI) locate the ball by hearing it roll, bounce, or get thrown, in any setting.

General and multi-sport play

Most sound ball use isn’t match play; it’s adapted PE classes, family games, camps, and mixed sighted/VI groups where a bell or beeping ball lets everyone play together. A sound ball turns ordinary catching, rolling, and target games into something a VI player can join on equal terms, without needing a specific sport’s rules or gear.

Choosing a ball for general play

Foam is soft, light, and forgiving. Best for younger kids, beginners, or indoor use where a firmer ball would be too much impact. The gentler rattling sound suits smaller rooms and calmer sessions. It’s also a popular choice for senior activity and care settings, where a softer, quieter ball fits seated or lower-intensity games.

Inflatable is a step up in bounce and firmness, still soft-touch, good for basketball, volleyball, or small-sided games where the ball needs to hold its shape and roll predictably.

Size and sound — the same 13cm/5″ Bambino size works across foam and inflatable, so a class or family can move between the two without relearning the ball. A louder, more distinct sound suits a busy gym; a gentler rattle works better one-on-one or in a quiet room.

Indoor and outdoor use

Foam balls are built primarily for indoor play; the inflatable range holds up better outdoors in dry weather. Both are designed for repeated use across a season of classes or programming, not just a single session.

Balls for specific sports

We also stock regulation match balls for goalball and blind soccer, built to IBSA specification.

Session ideas for PE teachers and coaches

A bell ball is often the simplest single piece of equipment for including a VI student without splitting the class. It works well for: rolling and catching drills in pairs; guided passing across a marked-out area; target or bowling-style games using sound to locate the goal; and tag or “find the ball” games that build listening and orientation skills alongside movement. In a mixed-ability class, pairing a sighted student with a VI student on a sound-ball drill is often more inclusive than running a separate activity.

Helpful resources

The National Federation of the Blind’s Sports and Recreation for Young Blind Children guide offers structured play ideas by age. Perkins School for the Blind’s Beach Ball with Bell activity is a good starting point for introducing ball play to a first-time player.

 

Browse the full range

Bambino foam audible play ball – 13cm diameter soft spongy ball for visually impaired play and games. Easy to roll, throw, catch and hold.

Bambino inflatable audible sports ball – 13cm diameter ball ideal for basketball, volleyball or small sided games of football.

Blind soccer match balls for B1 5-a-side – Stryker96 official blind football sound ball with textured surface and the new IBSA approved Flyte ball with smooth surface.

Audible Basketball – Size 7 in orange rubber with a clear jingling sound.

Powerchair / Wheelchair Football match ball – 33cm oversize ball, exceptionally smooth to achieve optimum contact between chair and ball.

Goalball Match Ball – 25cm match ball with three metal bells inside.