A sport enjoyed by competitors of both genders, volleyball involves two teams of players striking a ball back and forth over a tall net in an attempt to score points. The sport's lack of physicality allows for the same rules and regulations to govern male and female competitions. Yet women's volleyball games do feature a few subtle differences in equipment size.
Net Height
The only significant equipment difference between men and women's volleyball is the height of the net. USA Volleyball designates the regulation height for a men's volleyball net to be 7 feet 11 5/8 inches, as measured from the top of the net to the floor. A regulation women's volleyball net measures 7 feet 4 1/8 inches tall. The difference in net heights allows women, who tend to be shorter than men, to still execute spikes and blocks above the net. The same standard net heights apply to both indoor and beach volleyball.
Net Height Variations
Volleyball net heights may be altered to accommodate players of different ages. USA Volleyball states female players 45 years or older may use a net only 7 feet 2 1/8 inches in height. The height of a men's volleyball net doesn't lower until the players reach the age of 55, and then it drops to 7 feet 9 5/8 inches. Net height also lowers to allow younger players to participate. Boys 13 and 14 years of age use the standard women's net of 7 feet 4 1/8 inches, while boys 12 and younger may use nets 7 feet high. Girls 11 and 12 years of age may also use a 7-foot net, while girls 10 and younger play with a net 6 feet 6 inches tall.
Ball
A regulation volleyball must measure 25.6 inches to 26.4 inches in circumference and weigh 9 to 10 oz., regardless of whether it's used for men's or women's competition. However, children 12 and under compete using volleyballs weighing 7 to 8 oz.; the weight reduction applies to players of both genders.
Knee Pads
The only other potential size difference between men's and women's volleyball equipment may be in terms of knee pads. Men's volleyball tends to be an aggressive game with more spikes and an all-out attacking style. Women's volleyball, on the other hand, typically features more defensive play, with more digging. Due to the extensive digging, female players may opt for larger knee pads to protect against cuts and bruises while diving to the court.
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