Types of Volleyball Gear

Whether you're a player hitting the court, a coach managing a team, or a parent preparing your child for their first season, understanding the essentials of volleyball equipment is step one. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

• Volleyballs: Indoor volleyballs are typically smoother and lighter than outdoor ones, made for hardwood courts. Outdoor balls, used for beach play, are more durable and water-resistant.

• Nets & Poles: From portable setups to professional-grade systems, nets are vital for practice and gameplay.

• Protective Gear: Knee pads, ankle braces, and elbow sleeves help reduce injury and ensure longevity in the sport.

• Footwear: Specialized volleyball shoes offer traction, cushioning, and ankle support—key for quick lateral movements.

• Apparel: Moisture-wicking shorts, jerseys, and socks keep players dry and comfortable during intense play.

• Training Tools: Spike trainers, setting targets, and resistance bands help players develop their skills effectively.

Indoor vs Beach Volleyball Equipment

The type of game being played—indoor or beach—significantly influences the gear needed. Beach volleyball calls for sand-resistant balls, portable net systems, and looser clothing for heat management. Indoor play leans on firm-surface footwear, padded gear, and lightweight uniforms for agility.

The Benefits of Online Equipment Shopping

Convenience & Variety

One of the biggest perks of choosing to buy volleyball gear online is the unmatched convenience. Skip the drive, avoid store lines, and shop at any hour of the day or night. Real Volleyball offers a comprehensive selection across all categories—ensuring that coaches, parents, and players find exactly what they need in one place.

Price Comparison & Customer Reviews

Another advantage is easy price comparison and the ability to read customer reviews. Unlike physical stores, online platforms let you evaluate product ratings, customer feedback, and even check how gear holds up over time.

How to Choose the Right Volleyball Ball

Indoor vs Outdoor Material Differences

Indoor balls are generally made with a smoother, more consistent surface and are stitched or molded to offer a responsive feel on hardwood. Outdoor balls are tougher, often hand-stitched or glued with weatherproof materials.

Choosing by Skill Level

Beginners might benefit from softer balls that minimize sting. More advanced players or coaches buying for teams may prefer match-quality balls like the Mikasa V200W or Molten FLISTATEC, available on RealVolleyball.com.

Selecting Volleyball Nets & Net Systems

Net Height Regulations

Standard net height for women is 7 feet 4 1/8 inches, and for men, it's 7 feet 11 5/8 inches. Youth and co-ed leagues may use different measurements. Real Volleyball offers adjustable net systems that meet official regulations.

Portable vs In-Ground Systems

Portable nets are perfect for travel teams and beach setups, while in-ground nets are designed for school gyms and training facilities. Brands like Park & Sun and Baden provide reliable, tournament-grade systems available on the site.

Knee Pads, Ankle Braces & Protective Gear

Importance for Safety and Injury Prevention

Knee pads cushion impact during dives, while ankle braces stabilize joints—both crucial in a sport that demands quick movements and high jumps. Protective gear minimizes downtime and keeps athletes performing at their peak.

Volleyball Shoes & Court Footwear

Features of Good Volleyball Shoes

Great volleyball shoes have:

• Non-marking rubber soles for grip

• Cushioned midsoles for jump support

• Mesh uppers for breathability

• Reinforced ankle support for injury prevention

Brand Comparisons (ASICS, Mizuno, Nike)

• ASICS: Known for GEL cushioning and durability.

• Mizuno: Lightweight with excellent court traction.

• Nike: Trendy designs with performance-grade features.

You’ll find all these brands with various sizes and styles at RealVolleyball.com.

Must-Have Training Equipment for Coaches

Ball Carts, Spike Trainers, Rebound Nets

Time-saving and effective training tools include:

• Ball carts for easy access during drills.

• Spike trainers to perfect attack form.

• Rebound nets to simulate game situations.

Drill Aids for Passing, Jump Training

Jump boxes, resistance bands, and setter targets enhance muscle memory and conditioning. Real Volleyball’s training section curates the most effective gear for both novice and elite teams.

Bags, Accessories & Team Items

Equipment Bags, Hydration Gear, Tape

Every player needs a solid gear bag to keep things organized. Don’t forget the tape, wristbands, and water bottles that complete a volleyball kit.

Team Uniforms and Branding

Uniform customization with names and logos is also available. Ideal for schools, clubs, and travel teams looking to stand out on the court. Email us at info@realvolleyball.com to speak with our Team Specialist about the many options we offer!

Real Volleyball’s Top Products

Featured Gear Sets for Teams

Real Volleyball offers pre-bundled gear sets tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. These sets make bulk purchasing affordable and streamlined.

Best-Sellers for Coaches vs Players

Top picks include:

• For coaches: Training carts, nets, tactical boards.

• For players: Knee pads, shoes, volleyballs, duffle bags.

Testimonials from Coaches & Parents

"As a high school coach, Real Volleyball has been a game-changer for our team. Quality gear, fast delivery, and great customer service!" — Coach D. Lewis

"I bought my daughter’s first volleyball gear set from Real Volleyball—she loved everything. The sizing guide was spot-on!" — Tina M., Parent

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does shipping take when I buy volleyball gear online?
A: Most orders ship within 24–48 hours. Standard shipping takes 3–5 business days.

Q2: Can I return gear if it doesn't fit?
A: Yes. Real Volleyball offers hassle-free returns within 30 days of purchase.

Q3: Are there discounts for team or school orders?
A: Yes, bulk and school orders qualify for discounts. Contact our team for custom quotes. info@realvolleyball.com

Q4: Do you sell gear for beach volleyball too?
A: Yes! We carry both indoor and outdoor gear, including balls and nets for beach play.

Q5: Can I track my order online?
A: Yes. You'll receive tracking info as soon as your order ships.

How to Get Started — Order from Real Volleyball

Step‑by‑Step Purchase Process

1. Visit realvolleyball.com

2. Browse by category (balls, nets, shoes, etc.)

3. Add products to your cart

4. Use secure checkout

5. Get your gear shipped fast!

Discounts, Shipping, Customer Support

Look out for seasonal sales and special promo codes. Real Volleyball’s customer service team is available for sizing, order issues, or product advice. (info@realvolleyball.com)

Why Choose Real Volleyball

Our Experience, Authority, and Trustworthiness

With over 35 years in the volleyball world, Real Volleyball understands what athletes need. From beginner kits to pro-level gear, every product is vetted for performance, durability, and value.

If you're a coach gearing up your team, a player preparing for your next tournament, or a parent buying your child’s first kit, Real Volleyball is your one-stop shop to buy volleyball gear online with confidence.

Explore our curated collections, enjoy competitive pricing, and join thousands of satisfied customers who trust Real Volleyball for their game-day needs.

? Visit RealVolleyball.com and gear up today!

What They Do
Volleyball ankle braces are designed to assist in supporting the ankles during gameplay. Weak ankles tend to be a common problem among volleyball players, and these beneficial devices can provide the support necessary to prevent injury. Depending on which style of brace you choose, you may have the option to increase or decrease the amount of support provided. This will allow you to customize your experience to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency. Every player is different, which is why various styles are available.

Complete Comfort
Volleyball ankle braces are specially designed to work with you during gameplay, not against you. This means that you won’t be thinking about the brace, because chances are – you won’t even remember you’re wearing it! These braces are designed to allow complete free range of motion, meaning you won’t be restricted or limited in terms of how you can move. Additionally, many players report feeling lighter on their feet thanks to weight reducing elements that are built right in to the brace itself.

Perfect for All Players
Finally, these specialized braces are great for players of all levels and ages. Because volleyball is high-impact no matter how serious you are about the sport, all participants are prone to injuries like rolled ankles and sprains. If you want to ensure that you’re protecting yourself without inhibiting your game, these ankle braces are the perfect solution for you.

What’s the Difference?

The two major differences between volleyball shoes and basketball or running shoes are their soles and their weight. Volleyball shoes need to allow the player to move the way the game demands. The weight of the shoe is very lightweight. It’s pretty obvious why they should be that way - the lighter they are, the less energy you’re putting out to move. The difference in the soles of the shoe is a little more complex.

Soles

The soles of a volleyball shoe really are the main part of the entire shoe. When you talk about building from the ground up, starting at the sole is as basic as it gets. Most volleyball shoes have gum rubber soles. Why is this so important? Because as a volleyball player, you’re making a lot of quick cuts, you’re starting and stopping a lot and you’re playing on a smooth, shiny wooden floor. You need the best traction you can get and gum rubber soles will give it to you. Rubber gum doesn’t look like other rubber used in other athletic shoes. It is actually semi-transparent, but most of these soles are dyed to match the color of the shoe. Other shoes, like running shoes for example, don’t use the rubber gum because of the variety of surfaces athletes use them on. Regular rubber works best for them.

Cushioning

The inner cushioning of a volleyball shoe is also a little different than other athletic shoes. Whether you choose a shoe with a gel cushioning system or a wave technology shoe, one thing your shoe must do is absorb the shock you put your body through with hard landings, quick cuts and sudden stops. Make sure any shoe you buy gives you support, shock absorption and the traction you need to perform your best.

So What Do You Need?

Whether you’re a new or an experienced player, there are things you need to compete at the high level you demand of yourself and your teammates. Playing in a recreational league can be just as competitive and demanding on your body as playing in an Olympic setting. So here are some things you need before you hit the court.

• Socks: Simple as that may sound, you need socks with footstrike cushioning. You’ve got to do all you can to protect your feet from those hard and sometimes awkward landings. Your socks should also have some sort of moisture management. Keeping your feet cool and dry protects them.
• Kneepads: Ever dive and land knees first on hard wood? If you play volleyball, you have. That’s why good knee pads are so important. You also need them to fit like a second skin. You don’t want your mobility affected or your comfort level compromised. Some even use memory foam as their padding. They’ve come a long way.
• Braces: So your knees, ankles and elbows aren’t what they used to be. Through injury or age, they may need a little extra support and protection. Relieve pressure and provide support to the joints that need it so your game stays at the same high level you’ve grown accustomed to.

Accessories for Your Stuff

Volleyball accessories aren’t just for you to put on. They’re for getting your stuff where you’re going. You need a backpack that can carry more than your water bottle. You need one that will carry a ball too. And speaking of balls, if you have a lot of them, a ball bag is a necessity. What if a ball has deflated a little? That’s why you need an inflation pump. Need to draw up a play or two? A dry erase clipboard will do the trick. Don’t start your game without thinking about all the things you need besides a net and a ball!

Molded Indoor Balls

One of the main differences between the two types of balls is that outdoor balls are stitched and indoor balls are molded. This makes the volleyballs look different from one another. On an indoor volleyball, you can see that panels are glued to an inner lining. This gives the seams a smooth appearance. The smooth features makes the ball more consistent, which influences how the game as a whole is played. Indoor balls do not have to contend with the wind and other elements, so this method of production works well for them and does not lead to any major problems while on the court.

Stitched Outdoor Balls

Outdoor volleyballs, on the other hand, are sewn together. You can see the threads on the balls, which are there to hold the panels in place and give the ball its look. This stitching makes these balls more durable, which is necessary because they are exposed to the elements regularly. These balls are a little heavier than indoor balls as well, as this prevents them from blowing in the wind as much. A lighter ball would blow in the wind heavily, which could have a major influence on the outcome of a match.

Materials

Most indoor balls are made of leather, as this material stands up against the intense striking that the balls endure every time they are used on the court. Beach volleyballs, however, are usually made from a composite material which keeps them water resistant. It is possible to find leather balls that have been created to the outdoor standards, but you should always keep them away from the water if you go with one of these models.

Bruises and Scrapes

The first injury types to consider when playing are scrapes and bruises on your knees. While these are not overly serious, they can hinder your performance. For example, if you dive for a ball and it leaves a bruise on one of your knees, you could end up with some swelling. This can prevent you from bending your knees to their full potential when digging for a ball, which can affect your performance. In addition, if you already have a scrape on your knee, you might be less likely to dive for another ball, since you know it will hurt you even more. Wearing volleyball kneepads prevents these injuries from occurring in the first place, so you can perform at a high level.

Kneecap Injuries

While you can probably play through some scrapes and bruises, serious injuries to your kneecaps can put you out of action for a lengthy period. If you have experienced a significant impact to your knee, your kneecaps might feel unstable. Once this occurs, it can become difficult to put any weight on it, even to the point where your knee will give out if you try to play. Pads provide a layer of protection between your kneecaps and the floor, so you do not have to hesitate as you play, which can quickly take you away from your game.

Play Harder

The more confidence you have in your volleyball kneepads, the harder you can play and the better you will perform. Therefore, it is a good idea to look for some high end pads, as they provide shock absorption in addition to padding. The less you are thinking about your knees, the more success you will have on the court and the better your team will play as a whole.

Equipment Bags

Much like other sports, there are designated bags that can be used to carry and store volleyball equipment. When choosing between bags, consider how often you will use it and what you plan to store inside of it. If you will only be carrying shoes, kneepads, shorts, and your jersey inside of your bag, a small or medium version will probably be enough. Those who plan on carrying a few different changes of clothes, water, food, tape, clipboards and other equipment, might want to purchase larger volleyball bags. These bags have multiple compartments, which make it simple for you to keep things separate and organized as you travel.

Ball Bags

The coach or equipment manager is usually responsible for bringing balls to games and practices, so it makes sense that this individual would purchase a ball bag. These bags also come in a few different styles, depending on how far the balls must be transported and how often this occurs. For example, a traveling team that spends time on airplanes would want a heavy-duty bag in which to store the balls, since this will keep them protected. If the team only visits neighboring schools, a simple mesh bag is probably good enough, as it will keep all of the balls together.

Finding the Bag

It is a good idea to compare among different volleyball bags to find the right one that meets your needs. As you shop, you will find that these bags are available in a number of different colors and styles, so you are sure to find one that suits your personality perfectly.