Whether you're playing a pickup game on the beach or you're interested in a more official approach, one of the advantages to volleyball is that is uses little in the way of equipment. As long as you have a regulation net, you only need two or three items to play. This makes volleyball a fairly inexpensive sport when compared to pricier options like hockey or football. By having the right equipment on hand, you can set up a game quickly.
Net and Posts
Before you start bumping the ball around the court, you'll need a set of posts and a net. Gyms, beaches and other facilities often already have posts in place, so you only need to string the net across the posts. In regulation volleyball, the net is 2.43 meters, or about 7 feet 10 inches, from the ground for men and 2.24 meters, or about 7 feet 4 inches, for women. The net itself is 1 meter wide and the posts should accommodate the 9.5- to 10-meter-long net. The posts themselves are 2.55 meters high. It's best if the posts are covered in padding to protect the players from injuries.
Ball
A regulation volleyball is made from two layers of material, starting with a rubber core, then covered in leather or synthetic material. The volleyball is 65 cm to 67 cm and is slightly flexible when manipulated. If you're inflating the volleyball yourself before a game, inflate to a pressure of .300 to .325 kg/cm2 to meet Fédération Internationale de Volleyball regulation standards.
Uniform
Volleyball uniforms are fairly forgiving, since you can usually play in anything that is comfortable. The traditional uniform for indoor volleyball is shorts and a T-shirt. If you're playing beach volleyball, swimsuits are usually most appropriate. Pro females play in two-piece suits to avoid getting sand in a one-piece and to allow for maneuverability, while men play in board shorts and tank tops or go shirtless, making volleyball seem like a casual sport.
Knee Pads
If you're playing on an indoor court, knee pads are a must and the only protective equipment that most volleyball players wear. When sliding and diving onto hard floors, knee pads are essential for proficient volleyball players. Look for pads that fit snugly without inhibiting your movement on the court. When playing outside, the sand or grass will be enough to cushion your knees on impact, one of the benefits of a sand court.
References
- "Coaching Volleyball for Dummies"; National Alliance for Youth Sports; 2009
- USA Volleyball: Rules and Regulations
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