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Beach volleyball equipment list with all 16 items: the ball, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or visor, sand socks for hot sand and a water bottle.

Beach volleyball is played barefoot with almost nothing on the body, so half of what a player carries is protection against sun and hot sand rather than sports equipment. Four more items belong to coaches and teams, including matching tank tops and water coolers, and six describe the venue, from sand courts with boundary lines to nets, poles and shade structures. The table below lists all sixteen with what each one does and who supplies it.

16items in total
6carried by the player
10supplied by team and venue
Quick answers
What do beach volleyball players carry?
A ball, sunglasses, sunscreen, a visor and a water bottle, plus sand socks when the sand is too hot to stand on. Nothing else goes in the bag, because the game is played barefoot and in swimwear.
What equipment do you need to play beach volleyball?
A size 5 beach ball, a net between two poles and boundary lines on the sand. A doubles court measures 8 by 16 meters, half the width of the indoor game.
What is the difference between a beach volleyball and an indoor ball?
The beach ball is slightly larger, softer and kept at lower pressure, so it moves more slowly through the air and hurts less on the forearms. It also has a water resistant cover.
Do you need sand socks for beach volleyball?
Only when the sand gets hot enough to burn, usually midday in summer. They are neoprene socks with a grippy sole and they stay out of the bag the rest of the year.

Beach Volleyball Equipment at a Glance

A pair can turn up to a public court with a ball and nothing else. Everything from the net down the list belongs to the club or the beach operator.

ItemWhat it doesWho supplies it
Beach volleyballsize 5Softer and lower pressure than the indoor ball, water resistant coverPlayer
SunglassesCuts glare off the sand so a high ball stays visiblePlayer
SunscreenHours of exposed skin with no shade on the courtPlayer
Water bottleHeat plus sand running makes dehydration the first problemPlayer
Sand socksoptional, for hot sandNeoprene between the foot and sand hot enough to burnPlayer
Hat or visorShades the eyes without covering the head like a capPlayer
Training drills and strategiesSession plans for defense, blocking signals and serve receiveCoach
First aid kitAnkles, fingers and sunburn are the everyday beach injuriesCoach
Team uniformsmatching tank topsOne look for tournaments, light enough for the heatCoach
Water coolersRefills for a whole squad through a tournament dayCoach
Sand courtsDeep, sifted sand, the playing surface and the shock absorberFacility
Nets and polesDivides the court, height adjustable for men, women and youthFacility
Boundary linespermanent or portableMarks the court in sand that will not hold a painted lineFacility
Seating areaSomewhere for spectators to watch out of the playing areaFacility
Shade structuresCover between matches for players and spectatorsFacility
Water stationsDrinking water on site, since the nearest tap is rarely closeFacility

Equipment List for Beach Volleyball Players

#1 Beach Volleyball

The beach volleyball is the centerpiece of the game, specifically designed to withstand sandy surfaces and outdoor conditions. It allows players to serve, set, spike, and dig, making it an irreplaceable aspect of the sport.

  • Sizeofficial size 5
  • PanelsMikasa's 10-panel construction for a stable flight
  • Designbuilt on the look of the official FIVB match ball
  • Levelregulation size for competitive play
  • Noteships deflated, a pump is needed
The ten panel layout is what keeps a floater serve from wandering off line in wind. It arrives flat, so inflate it before the first session rather than at the court.

#2 Sunglasses

Sunglasses offer critical protection from the sun’s glare, which is especially intense by the beach. They help players maintain clear vision during play, ensuring they can react quickly and accurately to the ball.

  • LensTAC polarized, blocks 99.9 percent of UVA and UVB
  • Weight24 grams
  • FrameTR90, resists deformation
  • Fitnose pads adjustable across three heights
  • Shapecylindrical wrap lens for a wide field of view
  • Includedhard case with clip, pouch and cleaning cloth
Polarization is the point on sand, because the glare comes off the surface rather than out of the sky. A wrap shape matters when you are tracking a ball almost straight overhead.

#3 Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects players’ skin from harmful UV rays during long periods of outdoor play. It's essential for health and comfort, preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage.

#4 Water Bottle

Hydration is key in beach volleyball due to the hot, often strenuous conditions. A water bottle is crucial for players to maintain hydration levels, energy, and overall performance on the sand.

#5 Sand Socks (optional, for hot sand)

Sand socks are designed to protect players’ feet from hot sand and provide additional grip and support while moving across the court. They can be essential for comfort and injury prevention in especially scorching climates.

XUKER Neoprene Sand Socks

3mm neoprene, grip sole
  • Material90 percent neoprene and 10 percent nylon
  • Thickness3mm
  • Solecoated anti-slip sole, more abrasion resistant than the upper
  • Seamsflat seams and smooth skin openings to keep sand and water out
  • Fitergonomic cut that does not wrinkle over the instep
  • Notewater resistant rather than fully waterproof
Hot sand in midsummer is the reason these exist, and the second reason is the shell or stone you cannot see. A grippy sole also gives some push off, which bare feet lose in dry sand.

#6 Hat or Visor

A hat or visor provides shading for the face, reducing the risk of sunstroke and helping maintain focus by preventing direct sunlight from blinding the players during the game.

  • Brim3.15 inches, 8 centimeters
  • Weightapproximately 1.48 ounces, 42 grams
  • Fabricmoisture wicking, quick drying
  • Sidesbreathable mesh panels
  • Adjustmentdrawstring plus elastic mesh band, 21 to 23.6 inches
  • Caremachine washable, dries fast
A visor beats a cap on a beach court because the open top lets heat out while the brim still keeps the sun off the eyes. The drawstring is what holds it on through a dive.

Equipment For Coaches and Teams

#1 Training Drills and Strategies

Having a set of training drills and strategies is essential for team improvement and success. This equipment includes resources for planning practice sessions that develop skills, teamwork, and competitive tactics.

#2 First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a must-have at any sporting event. It ensures that minor injuries can be treated immediately on-site, which is crucial for beach volleyball teams to maintain players' health and safety.

#3 Team Uniforms (matching tank tops or shirts)

Team uniforms foster a sense of unity and professional appearance. They help players identify their teammates quickly on the court and contribute to the team's branding and spirit.

#4 Water Coolers

Water coolers are essential for teams, providing a ready supply of fresh water to keep players hydrated during practice sessions and matches, which is vital in beach environments where dehydration is a significant risk.

Equipment For Facilities

#1 Beach Volleyball Courts (sand courts with boundary lines)

Beach volleyball courts, marked clearly with boundary lines, provide a regulated space for play. They are fundamental to the sport, ensuring standardized game conditions and fair play.

#2 Nets and Poles

Nets held up by sturdy poles are central to a beach volleyball court setup. They define the playing area and are designed to endure outdoor elements, including wind and rain.

Olybeaka Portable Volleyball Net Set

Four heights, 20 or 32 feet
  • Widths20 feet or 32 feet
  • Heights4 settings, 6 feet for youth, 7 feet 4 inches for women and 7 feet 11 5/8 inches for men
  • Edge4 inch double layer 600D Oxford sleeve with double stitching
  • Polespowder coated iron, numbered sections
  • Includednet, PU ball, pump with 2 needles, guy ropes, ground stakes, score clips and a carry bag
  • Setupeye bolt tensioning with staked guy ropes
The four height settings are the reason one net covers a family game and a club session on the same weekend. Guy ropes and stakes are not optional in sand, since nothing else holds a pole upright there.

#3 Permanent or Portable Lines for Court Boundaries

Permanent or portable boundary lines are crucial for demarcating the court's edges. They provide clear reference points for in- and out-of-bounds plays, which is essential for fair and competitive matches.

SandVoll Beach Volleyball Lines

Official court size, 2 inch webbing
  • Width2 inch boundary webbing
  • Dimensionsofficial beach court size
  • Anchoringsand anchors included
  • Storagenet bag for carrying and drying
  • Setuplay the lines out and press the anchors into the sand
  • Surfacesand courts
Sand takes no paint and no chalk, so a portable line set is the only way to get a real court out of an open beach. The anchors are the part that decides whether the lines are still square after an hour of play.

#4 Seating Area for Spectators

Providing seating for spectators is important for their comfort and enjoyment of the game. It allows fans to support their teams and engage with the sport in a safe and designated viewing area.

#5 Shade Structures (for players and spectators)

Shade structures offer protection from the sun and elements for both players and spectators, making the beach volleyball experience more enjoyable and safer by reducing the risk of heat-related issues.

#6 Water Stations

Water stations are a necessity at beach volleyball facilities, ensuring players and spectators have access to water for hydration, especially during the warmer seasons or in particularly hot climates.

Once you're equipped with the right gear, learning about the specific beach volleyball court dimensions can help you better visualize and prepare for the game's spatial dynamics.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Beach Volleyball?

A beach volleyball, a net with antennae, boundary lines, and a proper size court are the equipment you need to play beach volleyball. These items are essential for an official game.

What is the most important equipment in Beach Volleyball?

The itself is the most important equipment in beach volleyball, as it is essential for serving, passing, setting, spiking, and overall gameplay.

What is a recommended list of Beach Volleyball equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of beach volleyball equipment for beginners: a durable beach volleyball, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and water. These items help protect from the elements and keep focus on learning the game.

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