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Volleyball equipment list with all 19 items: ball, volleyball shoes, knee pads, jerseys, ankle braces and the water bottle players bring.

Six items belong to the player, six to coaches and teams such as whistles, a blocking net and a ball cart, and seven to the hall itself, from net and poles to scoreboard and team benches. The table below lists all nineteen with the purpose of each one and who is expected to bring it.

19items in total
6carried by the player
13supplied by club and coach
Quick answers
What equipment do you need for volleyball?
A ball, court shoes, knee pads and a jersey. The court, the net and the poles belong to the hall, so a beginner buys four things.
What equipment is used in volleyball?
The ball is the only piece of play equipment; everything else either protects the player (knee pads, ankle braces) or belongs to the venue (net, poles, antennae, scoreboard, referee stand).
What are the facilities in volleyball?
An indoor court of 59 by 29.5 feet with a free zone around it, a net at just under 8 feet for men and about 7 feet 4 inches for women, plus benches, a scoreboard and locker rooms.
What does a beginner need first?
Knee pads and non-marking court shoes. Clubs lend out balls, but nobody lends knee pads, and the floor contact starts on day one.
Volleyball

Volleyball Equipment at a Glance

Six items are the player's own, six belong to the coach or the team, and seven are part of the hall. Everything a beginner has to buy sits in the first block.

ItemWhat it doesWho supplies it
VolleyballSize 5, the only piece of play equipment in the sportPlayer
Volleyball shoesGum sole for the block jump and the sideways stop, non-marking for the hallPlayer
Knee padsTakes the floor contact on a dive, worn by every positionPlayer
JerseysMoisture-wicking shirt with the number, required in league playPlayer
Water bottleSets run long and time-outs are short, so drinking happens at the benchPlayer
Ankle bracesoptionalLace-up support after a sprain, the most common volleyball injuryPlayer
WhistlesStarts and stops every rally, both in the match and in drillsCoach
Training aidsball machine, blocking netsFixed blockers at the net for repeated hitting and coverage drillsCoach
First aid kitAnkle and finger injuries are treated at the benchCoach
Tactics boardShows rotation, serve receive and the switch after the serveCoach
Team uniformsMatching set with libero contrast, checked before league matchesCoach
Ball cartHolds the practice balls so a feeding drill never stopsCoach
Volleyball court59 feet by 29.5 feet, with a free zone around all four sidesFacility
Nets and polesJust under 8 feet for men, about 7 feet 4 inches for womenFacility
ScoreboardRally point score, set count and the time-outs takenFacility
Bench for teamsSubstitutes and staff sit on the side of the scorer's tableFacility
Bleachers or seating areaSet back behind the free zone so play is not blockedFacility
Locker roomsChanging, showers and storage, standard in every club hallFacility
Cleaning supplies for courtA mop run between sets, because sweat on the floor is what causes slipsFacility

Equipment for Volleyball Players

#1 Volleyball

At the heart of the game, a volleyball is designed for optimal handling, striking, and durability. Whether in practice or competition, it is critical for players to familiarize themselves with the ball's feel and responsiveness to master their skills.

Tachikara SV-18S Indoor

Official size 5 indoor ball
  • Sizeofficial size 5, 260 to 280 grams
  • Covercomposite leather, soft touch
  • Constructionsingle unit, bonded layers
  • Bladdernylon wound
  • Useindoor club and school play
This is the ball most American gyms hand out, which is the practical argument for learning on it. The composite cover takes the sting out of a hard forearm pass without going soft over a season.

#2 Volleyball Shoes

Volleyball shoes are engineered to support the unique movements of the sport, providing stability, shock absorption, and traction on the court. Specialized soles contribute to swift and safe directional changes, vital for player performance and injury prevention.

ASICS Upcourt 6

Entry level indoor court shoe
  • Upperbreathable mesh underlays
  • Solegum rubber court outsole
  • Weightlightweight build for flexibility
  • Socklinersolution dyed, lower water use in production
  • Fitruns small, order half a size up
A volleyball shoe is built for the landing after a block, not for running forward, so the sole is flat and grips sideways. The Upcourt is the cheapest ASICS model that still has the proper court outsole.

#3 Knee Pads

Knee pads are vital protection gear for volleyball players, cushioning the impact from dives and falls. Their use minimizes the risk of knee injuries and allows for more aggressive play when reaching for low balls or defending against spikes.

Mizuno T10 Plus Kneepad

One size, sold as a pair
  • Paddinghigh density foam over the kneecap
  • Sizingknee circumference 12 to 17.5 inches, one size
  • Fabric68 percent polyester, 20 percent rayon, 12 percent elastic
  • Contents2 pads per pack
  • Fitunisex, adult
The T10 is the pad you see on most high school benches, thin enough not to slide down and thick enough for a dig on hardwood. One size covers almost every adult leg, so buying by size is not an issue.

#4 Jerseys

Jerseys keep volleyball players cool and comfortable through a match. They are typically made of moisture-wicking fabric to handle sweat and allow for freedom of movement. Jerseys also display team colors and player numbers, an integral part of team identity.

Mizuno Balboa 6 Jersey

Short sleeve match jersey
  • Cutathlete specific pattern for arm movement
  • Hemcurved shirttail, hemmed bottom
  • Seamsflatlock, flat against the skin under a pad
  • Panelscontrast inserts at the sides
  • Sleeveshort
The flatlock seams are the detail that matters, because a raised seam under a shoulder strap rubs through a five set match. The shirttail hem stays tucked when the arms go overhead.

#5 Water Bottle

Hydration is key in volleyball, just as in any sport. A water bottle enables players to manage fluid intake, ensuring they stay hydrated before, during, and after matches to maintain energy levels and concentration.

#6 Ankle Braces (optional)

Ankle braces are recommended for players who need extra support or those with a history of ankle injuries. They offer additional stability during quick, multi-directional movements and can be a preventive measure during high-impact gameplay.

Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer

Lace up with figure-8 straps
  • Supportfigure-8 straps plus lace closure
  • PaddingCoolFlex tongue and padding
  • Shellballistic nylon boot
  • Fitbilateral, works on left or right
  • Wearsized to fit inside a court shoe
The ASO is the brace athletic trainers hand out after a rolled ankle, and it is the one most volleyball players keep wearing afterwards. The figure-8 straps do the work of a tape job that you would otherwise redo before every session.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Whistles

Whistles are crucial for volleyball coaches to conduct effective practices and oversee matches. They provide a clear and audible signal that can quickly capture attention, control drills, manage substitutions, and enforce game rules, being an indispensable tool for clear communication in noisy gym environments.

#2 Training Aids

Training aids such as volleyball machines and blocking nets are invaluable for developing players’ skills. These tools allow for repetitive and targeted practice, enhancing precision in serving, spiking, and blocking, ultimately elevating the team's performance during games.

Tandem Sport Quad Blocker

Four blocker units for the net
  • Contents4 separate blocker units
  • Mountingclamps anywhere along the net, no tools
  • Topfoam padded blocking surface
  • Usehitting placement, blocking and coverage drills
  • Setupcan be used singly or in pairs
A fixed blocker lets a coach set the same wall for every repetition, which no live pair of blockers manages for an hour. The four units move along the net, so the same device covers a line drill and a cross court drill.

#3 First Aid Kit

A comprehensive first aid kit is essential for every team to promptly address injuries and health emergencies. Stocked with items such as bandages, ice packs, and antiseptics, it ensures player well-being and minimizes game interruptions due to minor medical issues.

#4 Tactics Board

A tactics board is vital for coaches to outline strategies and review positioning. This visual aid helps in pre-game briefings and time-outs, allowing players to understand their roles and the team's game play, which can be pivotal for successful in-game execution.

#5 Team Uniforms

Team uniforms not only unify players visually but also comply with regulations. Uniforms promote team identity and spirit while ensuring players are dressed for high performance and safety, with proper fit and materials suitable for the sport's demands.

#6 Ball Cart

A ball cart is essential for organized and efficient practice sessions, ensuring a steady supply of volleyballs available at arm's reach. It eliminates delays in drills that can arise from chasing after balls, thereby maximizing practice time and focus for players and coaches alike.

Tachikara BIK-SP Ball Cart

Portable open frame cart
  • Frameopen design, balls stay visible and reachable
  • Assemblyno tools required
  • Mobilityrolls between courts and into storage
  • Capacityholds a full practice set of balls
  • Usevolleyball, basketball and other ball sports
A feeding drill lives or dies on how fast the coach gets the next ball, which is the entire point of a cart at the sideline. The open frame means a ball is grabbed from anywhere instead of dug out of a bag.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Volleyball Court

The volleyball court is where the heart of the game takes place. It's marked with lines defining the boundaries for in and out-of-play. Correct court dimensions ensure the game is played according to standardized rules, allowing players to execute strategies and maneuvers that are critical to competitive volleyball.

#2 Nets and Poles

Nets and poles are essential for dividing the court and creating a barrier that players must negotiate their shots over. The net's height and tension must be appropriate to the age and skill level of the players, which is crucial for fair play and to maintain the integrity of the sport.

Park and Sun Spectrum Classic

Portable regulation net system
  • Net32 feet long, 3 feet high, sleeved slip-on
  • Poles2 inch aircraft aluminum with push-button height locking
  • Heightsofficial men, women and coed settings
  • Guylines5/16 inch with pull-down handles, 4 steel ground stakes
  • Included30 by 60 foot boundary line on a cord winder, carry bag
A club hall has its poles set in floor sleeves, so this is what a school, a beach or a backyard uses instead. The sleeved net keeps tension along the whole top band, which is what stops a ball dying in a sagging net.

#3 Scoreboard

An easily visible scoreboard allows players, coaches, and spectators to keep track of the game's progress, scores, and remaining time. This provides a reference for strategies, rotations, and the pacing of the game, while enhancing the competitive atmosphere and spectator experience.

#4 Bench for Teams

Team benches provide a space for athletes to rest, confer with coaches, and prepare mentally for their rotation into the game. It's essential for team dynamics, as it serves as the hub for players to support their teammates and stay engaged during the match.

#5 Bleachers or Seating Area

Bleachers or seating areas accommodate spectators, allowing fans to comfortably watch and support their teams. These facilities are vital for fostering an enthusiastic and engaging environment, which can greatly enhance the atmosphere of a volleyball match.

#6 Locker Rooms

Locker rooms are an essential facility for teams to securely store personal items, change into uniforms, and hold private team discussions. They provide a space for athletes to focus and prepare before matches and decompress after competition.

#7 Cleaning Supplies for Court

Cleaning supplies like mops, sweepers, and disinfectants are necessary to maintain the safety and appearance of the court. A clean surface helps prevent slips and injuries, ensuring the wellbeing of players and the smooth operation of games and practices.

Knowing what equipment is essential, you might also be interested in the most important volleyball tournaments where this equipment is put to the test.

Volleyball

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Volleyball?

A volleyball, a net system, knee pads, and appropriate shoes are the equipment you need to play Volleyball. These items are essential for gameplay and player safety.

What is the most important equipment in Volleyball?

The volleyball itself is the most important equipment in Volleyball, as it is essential for all aspects of playing the game, from serving to scoring points.

What is a recommended list of Volleyball equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Volleyball equipment for beginners: an official size volleyball, comfortable court shoes, knee pads, athletic clothes, and a water bottle for hydration.

Kelly is a travel lover, and an adventure and sports enthusiast, and lover of all things wine. Kelly’s passion lies in exploring Canada and other parts of the world and sharing her experiences with others. As a senior traveller, Kelly aims to inspire others to live their best life and not be afraid to venture out into the world on their own. She encourages solo travel and offers tips and advice on how to do it safely and confidently. In sports, she was one of the MVP provincial champs in volleyball, have 4 years recreational experience in beach volleyball and was an MMA black belt and former instructor.

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