What Volleyball Gear Does a Beginner Player Need?

Starting volleyball? Here is the gear a first-year player needs, and what each piece does.

What gear does a beginner volleyball player need?

The starter list is short, and none of it is expensive to begin with. Here is what a new player uses at a first practice or tryout:

• Knee pads. The one piece of protective gear nearly every indoor player wears, since diving and sliding on a hard court is part of the game.
• Court shoes. Indoor volleyball shoes with a gum-rubber sole grip the floor and cushion repeated jumping. Running shoes do not do the same job.
• Apparel. A fitted athletic tee and spandex shorts let a player move and stay out of the way of the ball. A team adds a matching uniform jersey and team apparel later.
• A ball. A regulation indoor volleyball for passing and serving reps at home or in the driveway.
• A bag and water. A backpack or ball bag to carry it all, plus a water bottle.

You can find each of these on the volleyball gear pages, or come into the New Berlin store and a staff member will walk a first-timer through the list.

Do I need volleyball knee pads?

For indoor volleyball, yes. Knee pads protect the kneecap when a player drops to dig a ball or slides across the court, which happens constantly in a real match. A good pair fits snugly without cutting off circulation and stays put through a rally. Beginners often wear a fuller, more padded knee pad while they learn to hit the floor, then move to a lower-profile pad as they get comfortable. Beach players usually skip knee pads because sand is forgiving, but on a hard indoor court they are standard. See current pairs on the volleyball protective gear page.

What shoes do you wear for indoor volleyball?

Indoor volleyball is played in court shoes built for lateral movement and jumping, with a gum-rubber outsole that grips a wood or synthetic floor and leaves no marks. The sole is the key difference from a running shoe, which is built for forward motion and does not hold on quick side-to-side cuts. A snug, secure fit matters, since a loose shoe rolls an ankle on a hard landing. Some players add a lace-up ankle brace, especially after a past sprain. Fitting shoes in person is worth the trip, because volleyball footwear runs differently by brand.

What size volleyball should a beginner use?

A regulation adult indoor volleyball measures 25.5 to 26.5 inches (65 to 67 cm) in circumference and weighs 9.2 to 9.9 ounces, the size used in NFHS high school play and by USA Volleyball. Younger players often start with a lightweight training ball, which is regulation size but around 25 percent lighter, so it does not sting the forearms while a beginner learns to pass. Beach volleyballs are slightly larger, softer, and set to a lower internal pressure. For a new indoor player, a standard size-5 indoor ball is the right choice. Browse options on the volleyballs page.

Indoor vs beach volleyball gear: what is different?

The two versions of the sport share a lot, but the gear splits in a few clear ways. This table covers what a beginner needs to know before buying.

What are the official volleyball net heights?

Net height is set by the level of play, not by whether the court is indoor or sand. For adult and high school competition the women's net sits at 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters) and the men's net at 7 feet 11 5/8 inches (2.43 meters), measured at the center. Youth and middle school divisions lower the net by age, so check your league's chart before setting up a net at home. In Wisconsin, high school volleyball follows NFHS rules through the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), and club and junior play runs through the Badger Region Volleyball Association, the state's chapter of USA Volleyball.

What should a new player bring to a first practice?

Keep it simple. Bring knee pads, court shoes, a fitted tee and shorts, a water bottle, and hair tied back if it is long. Leave jewelry at home, since most leagues do not allow it during play. A player does not need their own ball to join a practice, though having one for reps at home speeds up the learning curve on passing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get a beginner started in volleyball?

The core kit is knee pads, court shoes, apparel, and a ball. Knee pads, shorts, and a training ball are each modest, and shoes are the largest single cost. Many players borrow a team ball at first and buy their own gear as they stick with the sport. Live pricing is on the product pages.

Can I wear running shoes to play indoor volleyball?

You can start in running shoes, but court shoes are better and safer. Volleyball involves constant lateral movement and jumping, and a gum-rubber court sole grips the floor and supports those landings in a way a running shoe does not.

What is the difference between an indoor and a beach volleyball?

An indoor ball is firmer, has an 18-panel composite cover, and holds higher pressure for a faster game. A beach ball is a bit larger, softer, water-resistant, and set to lower pressure. For indoor play, use a regulation size-5 indoor ball.

Do beginners need ankle braces?

Not required, but common. Many players wear a lace-up ankle brace for support, especially after a past ankle sprain. Well-fitted court shoes are the first line of protection, and a brace adds to it.

Where can I buy volleyball gear near Milwaukee?

Burghardt Sporting Goods carries volleyballs, knee pads, apparel, and bags at 15333 W National Avenue in New Berlin, about 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. Staff can fit shoes and help a new player build a starter kit in the store.

Volleyball rules and equipment standards for high school play are set by the NFHS and administered in Wisconsin by the WIAA; club and junior play follows USA Volleyball through the Badger Region Volleyball Association. Confirm your league's current ball, net, and uniform rules before the season.