Explore the different types of volleyball balls available for beach, indoor, training, youth, and colored play. Choose the best volleyball for your playing style.

“Successful volleyball play partly depends on the right ball, even if we are talking about a professional athlete. However, the models on the market differ not only in material and weight, but also in purpose: for playing outdoors, indoors or on the beach, as well as for adults and children. It is easy to get lost in such a variety.”

A ball that suits your skills and playing conditions helps develop your technique and reduces the likelihood of mistakes on the field. But what if it is chosen incorrectly? Then there is a risk of not only a deterioration in the quality of the game, but also discomfort or even injury. Especially for beginners.

Thus, balls intended for indoor use wear out quickly if used for playing on open courts. Beach options, on the contrary, perform poorly on hard surfaces. Playing with a ball in conditions for which it is not suitable leads to rapid wear and deterioration of its qualities, affects the rebound, control and stability in flight.

What types of volleyballs are there?

To decide which ball is best suited to your needs, you need to understand what models are available in stores today and how they differ.

Size and weight

The standard size of an adult volleyball is 65–67 cm in circumference and weighs 260–280 g. Balls for children (junior) are usually slightly smaller and lighter to make the game easier and help develop technique.

1. A ball for playing classic volleyball has a circumference of about 65–67 cm and a weight of 260–280 g, which meets FIVB standards. Training balls are usually heavier: their weight can reach 450–500 g. This allows you to better practice your technique and strikes.
2. The beach volleyball ball is slightly larger – about 68–70 cm in circumference, but the weight remains the same – about 270 g.
3. For children under 16 years old, a junior volleyball is used, the size of which is slightly smaller – about 63-65 cm, with a reduced weight of about 250 g.

Materials

The material primarily affects the durability of the ball and the feel during play. Today, manufacturers use three main types of shell.

1. Polyurethane is the most popular choice for amateur and professional games. The high quality of the material provides wear resistance and good ball control.
2. PVC – Often used for entry level balls, PVC balls are cheaper but less durable and provide less grip.
3. Leather – balls made of genuine leather are used less often than the previous options, mainly as a souvenir, since the material requires special care and is subject to wear.

The chambers are made of two main materials: rubber and butyl. The first is cheaper, and therefore is used in low-priced balls. Butyl is used in amateur and professional models, and in competitions they use a projectile whose chamber is additionally reinforced with nylon. This design feature makes it more resistant to temperature changes and impacts.

Pressure

Correct pressure is an important parameter for a quality game. For classic volleyball, it should be about 0.3–0.325 kgf/cm². For beach volleyball, it is slightly less, about 0.2–0.225 kgf/cm². The parameter affects the rebound and control of the ball, so it should be checked regularly.

How to choose a volleyball

When choosing a ball, pay attention to the marking. Products that meet the standards of the FIVB – the International Volleyball Federation – are marked as “FIVB Approved” and are suitable for competition. It is also important to check the specified parameters of pressure and material.

Beginners will benefit from simpler and less expensive PVC balls, which are light enough and comfortable for initial practice. Amateurs and regular players are advised to choose polyurethane balls, as they are more wear-resistant and comfortable to use. Professionals prefer high-quality polyurethane balls with improved aerodynamics and a durable bladder.

Before you buy a ball, try it out. Check the bounce, the ease of grip, and the comfort of serving. The ball should fit well in your hand and not slip.

How to take care of the ball

To make the ball last longer, it is important to follow several care rules. After the game, the product should be wiped with a damp cloth or napkins. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents with abrasive particles, a weak soap solution or plain water is enough.

The ball should dry naturally at room temperature, away from sunlight and heating devices. Otherwise, the material will deform, and the glue and seams will become unusable.

Store the ball in a cool, dry place. It is recommended to slightly deflate the stitched versions to avoid deformation, and keep the glued ones inflated.

When pumping the ball, the needle should be moistened to prevent damage to the valve. In the process, rely on the pressure specified by the manufacturer: as a rule, the number is located on the valve.

The right choice of volleyball is the key to a successful game. Regardless of the level of training and training conditions. Do not forget about proper care to extend the life of the ball and maintain its playing qualities.