structure as described above is encapsulated between the outer flexible foam or sponge like pad 11 the fig2 embodiment includes a plurality of rigid elastomeric dome shaped members 14 combined with outer rings of flexible rubber like material 15 that together work as a spring fig5 further illustrates use of the improved protective padding 10 of the present invention by incorporating the same into a protective helmet the improved protective padding in the present invention can either be secured directly as a backing to hard shell guards thereof as disclosed in fig5 and or can be placed in clothing pockets provided for the purposes such as are knee pads and hip pads in a football pants the radial expanding and contracting structure encapsulated in foam like material creates a structure for absorbing the forces of a blow thereby reducing the adverse effects of impact in a manner previously unattained importantly the radial expanding and contracting structure like design and foam like material working in conjunction provides for complete memory which is instantaneous upon release of the force exerted in addition the structure functions to allow the radial expanding and contracting structure member 13 to receive the primary forces the foam or sponge 11 distributes forces to the user holds the structure together as such the assembly compresses in a unique manner to absorb the force and displace the energy of impact received fig2 illustrates the radial expanding and contracting structure separated from the foam component as force is applied the radial expanding and contracting structure will deform fig3 through deformation we have redirection of force the force.