Partner drills can make strength and conditioning sessions more engaging, but the right medicine ball needs to be easy to catch, secure during passes, and durable enough for repeated training.
We compared 10 options across traditional weighted balls, soft wall balls, and slam balls to help you match your equipment to your space, exercises, and training partner.
Best 10 Medicine Balls for Partner Workouts Picks for 2026
Best Overall
Amazon Basics 12-Pound Medicine Ball
- 12-pound rubber construction
- Textured grip for secure handling
- Suitable for tosses and full-body drills
Best For: Strength-focused partner workouts with experienced users
Best Lightweight Option
CanDo 2-Pound Rubber Medicine Ball
- Easy-to-grip rubber surface
- Made for partner back-and-forth throws
- Uniform weight distribution
Best For: Beginners and high-repetition passing drills
Best Soft Wall Ball
- Soft vinyl-coated exterior
- Non-slip grip and balanced fill
- Designed for controlled functional training
Best For: Wall-ball exercises and stabilization-focused partner sessions
Best for Impact Training
Amazon Basics 15-Pound Slam Ball
- Sand-filled core absorbs slams
- Dead-weight design reduces bouncing
- Textured PVC surface improves grip
Best For: Experienced partners doing HIIT, CrossFit, and slam drills
Balanced Wall-Throw Pick
- Soft, easy-grip PU leather and cotton construction
- Evenly distributed 20-pound weight
- Built for wall throws, not slams
Best For: Partner wall-toss drills and full-body training
Impact-Training Choice
ProsourceFit Deadweight Slam Ball
- Non-slip tire-tread grip
- Sand-filled, low-bounce construction
- Available from 5 to 50 pounds
Best For: Partner conditioning circuits and slam training
Partner-Pass Specialist
- Designed for partner drills and wall throws
- 13-inch soft shell with cross-texture grip
- Dual side loops aid carrying and storage
Best For: Partner passes, wall throws, and core circuits
Best Grip Pick
Treas 10-Lb Textured Slam Ball
- Textured PVC shell supports a secure grip
- Sturdy design helps resist rolling
- Works for varied strength exercises
Best For: Partners seeking a grippy 10-pound training ball
Best Classic Option
Amazon Basics 10-Lb Rubber Medicine Ball
- Firm rubber construction for classic drills
- Lightly textured for grip
- Bounces off hard surfaces
Best For: Partners practicing tosses, twists, squats, and sit-ups
Best Conditioning Focus
- Supports functional fitness and conditioning
- Targets major muscle groups
- Suitable for circuits and home gyms
Best For: Partners adding dynamic slam-ball conditioning to workouts
Best Overall – Amazon Basics 12-Pound Medicine Ball
For partner workouts that call for controlled passes, tosses, and rotational exercises, this 12-pound Amazon Basics medicine ball offers a substantial challenge. Its rubber construction and textured surface make it a practical choice for strength-focused medicine balls for partner workouts.
Best For: Adults who want a heavier ball for partner tosses, weighted twists, squats, sit-ups, and full-body training.
Pros:
- 12-pound weight supports demanding strength and core exercises
- Lightly textured rubber surface provides a secure grip
- Weight is clearly labeled on both sides
- Can bounce off hard surfaces for toss-based drills
Cons:
- The 12-pound weight may be too demanding for beginners or rapid partner passing
- Its 9.3-inch diameter may feel large for some exercises
This is a strong all-around option when both partners are comfortable handling a heavier ball and want one tool for core, balance, coordination, and full-body work.
Best Lightweight Option – CanDo 2-Pound Rubber Medicine Ball
Lightweight and easy to pass, the 2-pound CanDo ball is a practical entry point for medicine balls for partner workouts. Its firm rubber shell and easy-grip surface suit back-and-forth drills, including work with a trampoline rebounder.
Best For: Beginners, rehabilitation-style training, and fast partner passing with a low-resistance ball.
Pros:
- Light 2-pound weight is approachable for repeated passes
- Designed for throwing back and forth with a partner
- Firm rubber exterior supports consistent handling
- Uniform weight distribution helps maintain predictable movement
Cons:
- Low weight offers less resistance for advanced strength training
- The supplied notes do not indicate that it is designed for slamming
Choose this CanDo model when ease of handling and repetition matter more than maximum loading. It is especially suitable for partners building confidence with passing drills.
Best Soft Wall Ball – JFIT 10-Pound Wall Ball
The JFIT Soft Wall Ball combines a 10-pound load with a vinyl-coated exterior and non-slip grip, making it a useful choice for controlled partner workouts and functional training. It is intended for strength and plyometric exercises rather than slamming.
Best For: Partners training with wall-ball movements, burpees, crunches, wall squats, and stabilization exercises.
Pros:
- Soft 10-pound design is suited to controlled functional movements
- Non-slip grip helps with sweaty training sessions
- Double-stitched vinyl shell is designed to maintain shape
- Even weight distribution supports predictable handling
Cons:
- Not intended for slamming exercises
- Its 14-inch diameter may require more space and handling control
- Less suitable for partners seeking a compact, hard rubber ball
This wall ball is a good fit when comfort and controlled movement are priorities. Its larger soft format can work well for partner drills that emphasize form, stabilization, and coordination.
Best for Impact Training – Amazon Basics 15-Pound Slam Ball
Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Slam Medicine Ball for Exercise, Weighted Design, 15lb, Black
Check Price On AmazonFor partner workouts built around powerful floor work, this 15-pound Amazon Basics slam ball is made to absorb impacts rather than bounce away. Its sand-filled PVC core and textured surface make it a specialized option among medicine balls for partner workouts.
Best For: Experienced adults doing slam-based conditioning, CrossFit, HIIT, and explosive power training.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty PVC construction is designed to absorb slams
- Sand-filled dead-weight design limits unwanted bouncing
- Textured surface supports a secure grip
- Balanced weight distribution suits controlled and dynamic exercises
Cons:
- Not designed for rebound-style partner passes
- 15 pounds may be too heavy for beginners or fast exchanges
- Requires a suitable impact-tolerant workout surface
This is the most specialized choice in the group. Select it when your partner training includes powerful slams and conditioning intervals, not traditional bouncing or toss-and-catch drills.
Balanced Wall-Throw Pick – Titan Soft Leather Wall Ball
For partner workouts using medicine balls, this 20-pound wall ball offers a large, soft PU-leather-and-cotton surface that is comfortable to hold during controlled throws, catches, and functional movements. Its even weight distribution and 14-inch diameter make it a substantial option for experienced adults, but it should be used for wall throws rather than slams.
Best For: Partner wall-toss drills, overhead throws, and full-body strength sessions.
Pros:
- Soft, smooth grip designed for throwing and catching.
- Evenly distributed 20-pound weight supports consistent partner drills.
- Double-stitched construction and reinforced seams add durability.
- Supports lunges, twists, squats, thrusters, sit-ups, and other full-body exercises.
Cons:
- Not designed for slam exercises.
- The 20-pound weight may be demanding for beginners.
- Its 14-inch size may feel large for smaller users.
This is a practical choice when your partner routine centers on wall passes and controlled catches. Choose another design if ground slams are part of your training plan.
Impact-Training Choice – ProsourceFit Deadweight Slam Ball
Among medicine balls for partner workouts, this ProsourceFit model stands out for impact-based conditioning and a secure tire-tread grip. Its sand-filled, non-bouncing construction can support controlled passes, throws, and strength drills, while the range of available weights makes it easier to match the ball to each training partner.
Best For: Partner conditioning circuits that combine throws, carries, strength work, and slam training.
Pros:
- Textured tire-tread surface helps maintain traction during sweaty workouts.
- Sand-filled deadweight design minimizes bouncing and rolling.
- Waterproof PVC rubber shell is made to absorb impact.
- Available in weights from 5 to 50 pounds for varied experience levels.
Cons:
- The deadweight design does not provide a traditional bounce.
- Heavier options can feel more demanding than conventional weights.
- The product notes recommend starting at 10 to 15 pounds for new slam-ball users.
For partners who want to mix passing and conditioning with legitimate slam work, this is the most impact-oriented option in the group. Select the weight carefully so both users can maintain control and sound mechanics.
Partner-Pass Specialist – Titan Soft Shell Wall Ball
This Titan soft-shell wall ball is purpose-built for partner drills, with a 13-inch profile, soft composite construction, and grip loops on both sides. It works well for controlled passes, wall throws, overhead tosses, and core movements, but its soft shell should not be used for ground slams.
Best For: Partner passes, wall throws, functional circuits, and core-focused medicine-ball work.
Pros:
- Product-specific design supports partner drills and wall throws.
- Soft shell and cross-texture surface provide a comfortable, grippable feel.
- Dual side loops make carrying, hanging, and station changes easier.
- Double stitching reinforces the composite shell.
Cons:
- Not designed for ground slams; slamming can damage the shell.
- The listed product weight is 25 pounds, which may be challenging for some partners.
- Its 13-inch size may require adjustment for users with smaller hands.
This is the most directly partner-focused wall ball of the three, particularly if your sessions include repeated passes and transitions between stations. Its main limitation is the need to keep impact work above the ground.
Best Grip Pick – Treas 10-Lb Textured Slam Ball
For medicine balls for partner workouts, this 10-pound Treas slam ball offers a grippy, grooved PVC shell designed to stay secure during demanding strength and conditioning drills. Its sturdy, non-rolling construction also makes it practical for floor-based exercises and multidirectional training.
Best For: Partners who want a versatile 10-pound ball for squats, sit-ups, overhead lunges, push-ups, and other strength-focused movements.
Pros:
- Grooved, textured PVC shell helps improve grip, including during sweaty workouts.
- Sturdy sphere is designed to resist bouncing or rolling.
- Supports varied training, including squats, sit-ups, push-ups, and overhead lunges.
- Suitable for beginners and experienced users.
Cons:
- Only the 10-pound version and one ball are specified here.
- Its slam-ball design may be less suitable when partners specifically want a soft, catch-focused ball.
This is a practical choice when secure handling and predictable placement matter more than a broad weight range. The textured surface and non-rolling design can help partners keep drills controlled.
Best Classic Option – Amazon Basics 10-Lb Rubber Medicine Ball
This Amazon Basics 10-pound rubber medicine ball is a straightforward option for medicine balls for partner workouts, especially classic tosses, weighted twists, squats, and sit-ups. Its lightly textured surface is intended to provide grip, while the ball can bounce off hard surfaces.
Best For: Partners building routines around ball tosses, core work, balance exercises, and full-body strength movements.
Pros:
- Firm rubber construction is suited to classic medicine-ball training.
- Lightly textured surface provides a more secure grip.
- Can bounce off hard surfaces for toss-based exercises.
- Weight is labeled on both sides for easy identification.
Cons:
- The 10-pound ball measures 9.3 inches in diameter, which may feel large for some users.
- Only one ball is included, so partner drills require sharing or separate equipment.
Choose this model if your partner sessions center on traditional throws and core exercises. Its rubber build and bounce capability make it more naturally suited to toss-and-catch routines than a non-bouncing slam ball.
Best Conditioning Focus – Spalding 10-Lb Slam Ball
The Spalding 10-pound slam ball is a focused pick for medicine balls for partner workouts involving conditioning circuits, functional fitness, and dynamic strength movements. It is designed to engage the core, arms, shoulders, legs, and other major muscle groups during repeated training sessions.
Best For: Partners adding slam-ball work to home-gym circuits, cross-training, athletic conditioning, and full-body workouts.
Pros:
- Designed for strength, conditioning, functional fitness, and full-body routines.
- Supports core, balance, and power-focused movements.
- Suitable for home gyms, circuit training, and cross-training.
- Built for repeated workout use.
Cons:
- Only a 10-pound size is specified.
- As a slam ball, it may not be the best fit for partner routines centered on bouncing or catching.
- Only one slam ball is included.
This Spalding model makes the most sense for partners who want a dedicated conditioning tool rather than a general-purpose bouncing medicine ball. Its 10-pound resistance is useful for adding challenge to dynamic, full-body movements.
How We Picked the Best Medicine Balls for Partner Workouts
We focused on the features that matter most during two-person training: predictable weight, a manageable diameter, reliable grip, impact resistance, and a surface that is comfortable to catch. The selection includes lighter balls for beginners and fast chest passes, heavier models for strength work, and soft-shell options that are better suited to partner throws.
We also considered how each style fits common exercises, including rotational passes, overhead throws, chest passes, wall-ball movements, and slams. A ball designed for slamming should not automatically be treated as a catching ball, so buyers should follow the manufacturer’s intended use.
Quick Comparison
| Ball Type | Best For | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional medicine ball | Partner passes, core work, and controlled strength exercises | Balanced construction and a secure, easy-to-catch surface |
| Soft wall ball | Chest-height throws, wall targets, and conditioning circuits | Soft shell, reinforced seams, and a size that suits both partners |
| Slam ball | Ground slams and high-intensity conditioning | Dead-weight fill, durable shell, and textured grip |
Key Buying Factors for Medicine Balls for Partner Workouts
Weight and Training Goal
Choose a weight that both partners can control without losing posture or slowing the movement excessively. Lighter balls generally work better for rapid passes, beginners, and rehabilitation-style training. Heavier balls are more appropriate for slow rotational exercises and strength-focused drills. If partners have different strength levels, a middle-weight option may be more practical than choosing the heaviest ball one person can manage.
Shell, Bounce, and Catching Comfort
For partner work, a soft or lightly padded shell can reduce the sting of imperfect catches. Traditional rubber balls may offer a more predictable rebound, while many slam balls are designed not to bounce. Confirm whether the product is intended for catching before using it for fast passes, and avoid substituting a hard slam ball in drills involving face-level throws.
Grip, Size, and Space
Textured surfaces are useful when hands become sweaty, but excessive texture can feel abrasive during repeated catches. Check the ball’s diameter as well as its weight, especially for younger users or people with smaller hands. Indoor users should also account for ceiling height, flooring, nearby furniture, and the distance needed to throw safely.
Who Should Buy Which Medicine Balls for Partner Workouts?
- Beginners and mixed-ability partners: Choose a lighter traditional medicine ball or soft wall ball that both users can catch comfortably.
- Strength-focused partners: Select a heavier, balanced medicine ball for controlled rotational passes and loaded core exercises.
- Conditioning enthusiasts: Look for a durable slam ball with a dead-weight design, but use it primarily for slams and ground-based movements.
- Home-gym users: Prioritize a forgiving shell, dependable grip, and a weight that works in a limited indoor space.
- Advanced training pairs: Consider owning two weights or a wider range so each partner can train at an appropriate intensity.
Whichever model you choose, begin with controlled throws, keep the receiving partner’s hands and face protected, and inspect the shell and seams regularly for damage.








