Volleyball is a game that can be enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages. But whether you're a weekend player or a professional, or play indoors or outdoors, there are several pieces of equipment that you just can't do without ... as well as some equipment that you don't necessarily need, but may come in handy.
Required Equipment
Since you must have a court to play on, at the very least you need a net and posts to hold up your net. For outdoor courts, posts can be made of steel, PVC or wood. Most indoor posts are made of steel. As for the nets, they're primarily made of nylon and are 32 feet long and 3 feet tall. The cables used to attach the net to the posts are usually composed of steel cable or rope.
You'll also need a ball. Volleyballs are all the same size, which is 25.5 to 27 inches in circumference, with a weight of 9 to 10 oz. Twelve-and-under volleyballs are the same size, but weigh slightly less, or about 7 to 8 oz. Nearly all volleyballs are made with leather or composite leather and have a butyl bladder. There is no difference between an indoor or outdoor volleyball.
Optional Equipment
There are a few pieces of equipment that you don't necessarily need to get a game of volleyball going, but may help you have more fun and keep you safe while doing it. For instance, there are specially made pads that cover the posts for added safety. Another item is the antenna set. Because the net extends past the boundary lines, the antennas attach to the volleyball net and extend upward for 6 feet for better accuracy in determining when a ball is in or out.
If you have a basic net system that you'd like to use on the beach, there are adapter kits available that include augers to bury your posts as well as boundary plates and anchors that will make your net system safe and sturdy on the sand.
Apparel
When playing the indoor game, players will need volleyball shoes and knee pads. Shoes that are made specifically for volleyball are available, and are often made with special rubber outsoles to give maximum traction on indoor surfaces. Knee pads are a necessity for the indoor game, as players will find themselves hitting the floor with their knees quite a bit. Make sure you choose knee pads that fit around your knee comfortably and offer plenty of padding.
For the beach game, there is no apparel needed besides a bathing suit, sunscreen and maybe a pair of sunglasses. Shoes and knee pads are unnecessary in the sand.
Cost
Acquiring the necessary equipment to play a simple game of volleyball does not have to be expensive. If you're just looking for a basic system for your backyard, you can purchase a net system--complete with posts, net and accessories--for between $35 and $350. Institutional systems, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $6,000. Volleyballs are relatively cheap. According to a top volleyball equipment retailer's website, volleyballs range in price from around $12 to $60, which will buy you an official Olympic indoor volleyball. (Prices quoted as of April 2010.)
Considerations
Volleyball can be a physically rigorous activity. Injuries to the shoulders and legs are the most common in volleyball, due to the repetitive nature of the game. To ensure maximum safety from injury, make sure you stretch before playing. Also, there are various accessories available to help keep you safe from injury, including knee and ankle braces, sports shoulders and muscle sleeves.
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