Best Blocking Dummy Pads

Updated October 2020

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

Great price for a tough blocking dummy that will stand up to repeated use at practice.

Pros

Uses 2 reinforced handles on the back to ensure the partner can hold the pad securely. Uses a high density foam that will hold its shape nicely, even after repeated contact. Good size at about 18 inches by 26 inches. Works equally well for basketball layup drills and football blocking drills.

Cons

Corners are hard, which negates the padding in that area. Has an odd chemical smell.

Best Bang for the Buck

Low price for a versatile sports pad that offers extra handles, so you can hold it differently for each drill.

Pros

Pad that offers 5 different support handles so you can hold it in the most comfortable way to complete the current drill. Works well for all kinds of sports, including football. Foam pad will hold shape, even with repeated use. Composite leather cover will resist tears, even during tough practice sessions.

Cons

A little smaller pad than some others at 16 inches by 24 inches. Pad has a chemical odor.

Pro Down

Shield Blocking Dummy Pad

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Bottom Line

Decent size for the price, and it has a slight curvature to it that makes it more comfortable to hold.

Pros

Gives you coverage area of about 16 inches by 26 inches, which is perfect for one person to hold. 2 reinforced handle straps on the back, so the blocking partner can hold the pad securely. Cover consists of a heavy-duty vinyl that will stand up to repeated contacts at practice. Good quality of foam padding.

Cons

It's very stiff in the corners, which negates the padding there. Has a noticeable odor.

Pro Down

Round Blocking Dummy Pad

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Bottom Line

Tall blocking dummy pad with a round shape that makes it perfect for certain football drills.

Pros

Available in multiple lengths and weights so you can pick the right model for your team. Works nicely for other contact sports too. Because of the round shape, you can practice certain drills better than is possible with a rectangular shaped pad. Available in 38-inch or 50-inch lengths.

Cons

Heavier and larger than most blocking pads, so it may not work well for younger players.

Pro Down

Pro Shield Blocking Dummy Pad

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Bottom Line

Rectangular shaped blocking dummy pad that's longer than most for added protection.

Pros

With a size of 16 inches by 42 inches, you'll receive quite a bit more padding than a normal rectangular blocking dummy pad. Features 4 reinforced handles on the back, so you can hold the pad securely throughout the entire contact drill. Exterior consists of a heavy-duty vinyl that will stand up to rough treatment at practice.

Cons

Foam is only 4 inches thick, so it's thinner than some other blocking dummy pads. Corners are too stiff.

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How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

57 Models Considered

8 Hours Researched

2 Experts Interviewed

145 Consumers Consulted

Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

A blocking dummy pad can help football players perfect their blocking skills on both offense and defense. It may also be used to help basketball players improve their layup skills. A pad often includes 2 or more reinforced handles to ensure a partner can hold the pad securely at all times. Most pads are constructed from high-density foam, and as such, can be used season after season. Additionally, some pads are sold with a composite leather cover that won't rip or tear easily. Pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A pad can be used by athletes of all ages and skill levels.

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The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.

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