Manufacturers make volleyballs from several materials. Indoor volleyballs commonly come in leather and synthetic leather. Purchase outdoor volleyballs made from neoprene or rubber. The specifications of the volleyball you play with depend on the league you play in, and whether you play the game indoors or outdoors. The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball governs volleyball specifications for international competitions including the Olympic Games. USA Volleyball has its own regulations for domestic competitions.
Indoor Volleyballs in Domestic Competition
USA Volleyball requires an indoor ball made of flexible leather or synthetic leather in a light uniform color or a combination of colors. The ball should measure 65 to 67 cm in circumference and weigh 260 to 280 g. The internal pressure should be between 4.26 and 4.61 psi.
Indoor Volleyballs in International Competition
Official FIVB indoor volleyballs are made of synthetic leather. An indoor volleyball features two or three colors and eight to 18 panels. Each indoor ball must weigh 270 g, plus or minus 10 g, and have a circumference measuring 67 cm, plus or minus 1 cm. The internal pressure is the same as for USA balls.
Beach Volleyballs in Domestic Competition
Volleyballs used in official domestic beach volleyball competitions are made of a flexible material -- including genuine and synthetic leather -- that does not absorb humidity. Bright colors such as orange, pink and white are required. Beach volleyballs should have a circumference of 64.8 cm to 68.6 cm, a weight of 269 to 280 g and internal pressure of between 2.5 and 3.2 psi.
Beach Volleyballs in International Competition
Official FIVB beach volleyballs have 10 to 18 panels and three colors. Each ball is made of leather or a leather-like material, weighs 270 g, plus or minus 10 g, and has a circumference of 67 cm, plus or minus 1 cm. The internal pressure should be 3.2 psi.
NCAA Competition
The National Collegiate Athletic Association governs the game of volleyball at the collegiate level in the United States. This sports organization publishes its own set of rules for official NCAA volleyball games. NCAA indoor volleyballs must measure between 65 and 67 cm in circumference and weigh between 260 and 289 g. The pressure is the same as other indoor volleyballs. Beach volleyball is not currently an NCAA sport.
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