Details on types of volleyballs

Volleyball Tips

Portions compliments of fairwayvolleyball

There are many types of volleyballs available. The ball used for youth indoor volleyball is smalle, to make it easier for kids, than the standard volleyball. The ball used in beach volleyball is generally brightly colored, made of soft material, and is a bit larger in size than the indoor volleyballs. So as you can see the right volleyball for you is based on type of play, preference, skill and budget. Your selection process should be made easier with the tips below.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Volleyballs

The first major consideration is whether the volleyball is an indoor volleyball or an outdoor volleyball. Indoor volleyballs are molded whereas outdoor volleyballs are stitched. The seams between the panels on the volleyball will look different and are produced differently.

Indoor Volleyballs: On indoor volleyballs, the panels are glued to an inner lining so the seams look smooth on the volleyball. This production method gives the volleyball more consistent playability. Indoor volleyballs weigh just a little less than outdoor volleyballs because indoor volleyballs do not need to contend with blowing wind.

Outdoor Volleyballs: On outdoor volleyballs, it is obvious that the panels are sewn because you can see the holes and the threads holding the panels together. This stitching makes the volleyball more durable. Outdoor volleyballs also weigh just a little more than indoor volleyballs to prevent the volleyball from blowing in the wind as much.

Materials - Leather vs. Synthetic Composite

The next major difference among volleyballs is whether they are made of leather or some type of synthetic composite. Volleyballs also are made from rubber, but these are designed more for playground use than for real volleyball competition.

Leather Volleyballs: Leather volleyballs traditionally are the top quality volleyballs. Different grades of leather exist. Consequently, the highest priced leather volleyball will have the best feel and playability. Generally, as the price decreases, the leather volleyball becomes harder and will not be as easy to play with. However, not everyone wants the softest volleyball, so some top-of-the-line volleyballs are made harder than others for different tastes in playability. Typically, people who like to hit the ball hard (usually male volleyball players) prefer a harder volleyball. Backrow players, by contrast, usually prefer a softer volleyball.

Synthetic and Composite Volleyballs: Every company has its own ideas and inventions regarding composite fabrics used to produce synthetic and composite volleyballs. Most companies claim their volleyballs are the best. However, that is for the volleyball player to decide. Personal taste dictates whether you prefer the playability of one composite volleyball over another composite volleyball. As with leather volleyballs, composite volleyballs also lose playability as the price goes down. Composite volleyballs typically are regarded as practice balls, so most major volleyball leagues (school, club, pro) use leather volleyballs. However, a few leagues, such as the AVP, use a composite volleyball.

Volleyball Colors

The last and easiest difference among volleyballs is that they come in many colors. Check with your league regarding what color volleyball is allowed. Mostly a standard volleyball is made with color combinations that may be solid white or have three different colors which is easily distinguishable.

Official Manufacturers

Some of the major manufactureres involved in making competitive volleyballs are, Tachikara, Molten, Wilson, Mikasa, Baden ,Spalding. Usually, the official volleyballs of FIVB are made by Mikasa, Molten makes the official ball of USA volleyball (indoor). AVP is the maker of the official ball for the beach volleyball game.

Things to Consider...

What companies manufacture the best volleyball?

Which balls have the best performance?

Which balls have the highest quality?

Which balls have the best visibility?

Which balls good enough to practice with?

Which balls are used by professional volleyball leagues?

Which balls will last for years and years?

Which balls lose their roundness?