Volleyball Equipment Reviews and Buying Guide:

Volleyball is a game that most of us learn in grade school and it's a fun activity you can do well into your 70's (or older). The game of volleyball is fairly simple with one team serving and the other team returning. Most team volleyball has 6 players on each side and you can only score when you serve the ball. The basic concept of the game is to get the ball to drop into your opponents court before they can get to it. The ultimate hit is a "spike" wherein a player smashes the ball over the net with such velocity and downward trajectory that the ball hits the opponents court before they can save it back into play. You get 3 hits per team on each side to get the ball over the net. There are usually hitters and 1 setter on each side. Being tall certainly helps in volleyball, but even the shortest players can be setters and help the team win. Volleyball leagues and tournaments for adults have really taken off in recent years as the interest to play volleyball in a social environment has become popular. It's easy to join an adult volleyball league where you play with friends and adults at your level of play. What do you need to play volleyball? Keep reading down below to find out about volleyball equipment.

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Recreational volleyball players don't need to spend that much in order to get out on the volleyball court and play. Your choice for equipment will depend on what type of volleyball court you will be playing on. Sand volleyball courts are found near beaches and some volleyball leagues offer well groomed indoor sand courts to play on. Those playing on sand just need a good pair of gym shorts or a swimsuit and a shirt. The majority of sand volleyball players do not wear shoes since they get better traction and jumping playing in bare feet. Most volleyball leagues are played indoors with nicely finished floors for good traction and jumping. You will need to get a quality pair of tennis shoes or volleyball specific shoes (yes they do make them), some kneepads, elbow pads, and a volleyball to practice with. Volleyball.com is a complete site with rules, tips, training techniques, and all the volleyball gear you could ever want. Some of the top brand names in volleyball are Tachikara, Mizuno, Jansport, Mikasa, Wilson, and Adidas. Training is a crucial part of being successful in volleyball and you should always warm up by stretching since so much jumping and diving is required in competitive or even recreational play. There are skills drills you can do for your passing, bumping and spiking ability. Volleyball is a great teamwork game where players must learn to play together in order to have the most success. 2-man beach volleyball is exceptionally difficult since you must cover so much territory but also be adept in all skills of every position. We looked online for the best deals for volleyball gear at sites like Amazon.com, Volleyhut.com, Volleyball.com. You can find most volleyball gear and apparel in regular retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target and in sporting good stores like Sports Authority or Copelands. Down below we have provided pricing, descriptions, and sites where you can purchase the gear.

Best Volleyball Sets:

You don't need a complete team to play volleyball right in your backyard. Families can buy a volleyball set and be up and playing within a few minutes. The Classic Sport 788 Volleyball Set ($85) is a great starter volleyball set for families that includes telescoping poles with stakes, knotless net with mesh grid, and an official size volleyball. You also get a 4" inflation pump to always make sure the volleyball is ready to play with. If you want to take the set to the beach or park, just use the convenient drawstring carrying bag. Sports Authority carries a nice Park & Sun Volleyball Net System for about $200 and they also offer more inexpensive sets from Halex ($90) and Franklin ($70). Watch out for really cheap volleyball sets since poles can break easy if they are not made of solid material and nets can break apart due to exposure to harsh weather. AVP and Sportscraft also sell volleyball sets at most sports stores. For those with pools that want to have some volleyball fun, check out the basic Pool Volleyball Set ($39.99) at Target.com.

Volleyballs - Volley Balls:

Buying a volleyball is pretty simple once you understand the different types available. There are indoor volleyballs, outdoor volleyballs, and mini/novelty volleyballs. Indoor volleyballs are made with genuine leather and the top brands are Mikasa, Molten, Tachikara, and Wilson. We read a review online from About.com where they tested the best indoor volleyballs in a mens league to see which ones stood out. They say the top indoor volleyballs are from Tachikara and Wilson. The Tachikara SV5W GOLD White Premium Leather ($60) gives players great control and performance and it's designed for competitive play. The TX5 series from Tachikara is an excellent recreational volleyball that sells for less than $15. The Wilson Reaction Volleyball ($37) is another excellent choice for indoor play. You get softness, speed and the ultimate in control. Made with 18 panel premium Japanese full-grain leather cover. It's available on Volleyball.com. Outdoor volleyballs will need to hold up to the elements better than indoor models, so make sure you go with a quality ball. For a good beach volleyball, consider the Mikasa Sports Beach Champ Official Fivb Game Ball ($53) with a hand stiched composite cover. The Wilson AVP Composite ($50) is designed specifically for intermediate and recreational outdoor players. This ball is very soft and forgiving and it stays inflated for long periods of time.

Volleyball Shoes:

Mizuno volleyball shoes are recognized as the best in the industry, but you can wear a pair of tennis shoes or cross training shoes and still be just fine when playing indoors. If you want to get volleyball shoes, then we suggest checking out the selection at Volleyball.com. They carry mens volleyball shoes, womens volleyball shoes, and youth volleyball shoes. The top ladies volleyball shoes are the Kaepa Women's Attack Volleyball Shoes ($80) or the Mizuno Womens Wave Spike 9 ($64). Both are excellent indoor volleyball shoes and will provide plenty of comfort along with traction for quick stops and jumping. For men, we suggest the Mizuno Men's Wave Tornado Volleyball Shoes ($100) or the Adidas Mens Vuelo Climacool (White/Black) ($85). Support, flexibility, and comfort are the trademark of Mizuno and Adidas volleyball shoes and these 2 models are no different.

Building a Sand Volleyball Court:

Ever thought of putting in a volleyball court in your backyard. If you have a large size lawn it's rather easy. Just measure out the court, setup the poles, and put up the net to the standard height level of about 7' 11". Volleyball courts in yards are easy to put up and take down in just a few minutes. Building a sand volleyball court is a little trickier, but it is possible. You can get step by step instructions online HERE.

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