a ball mat for the loading deck of an aircraft is a known device to support cargo and assist the movement thereof . the ball mat comprises a cover plate , a floor plate that extends substantially parallel to the cover plate , and a plurality of holders into which balls or ball elements can be inserted , wherein the cover plate comprises apertures through which the holders for the balls or ball elements can be inserted , and wherein between cover plate and floor plate there is defined an interior within which the holders are disposed . the remaining space within the interior is filled with foam to increase the stability of the ball mat and / or to prevent moisture from entering and / or from spreading therein .