Volleyball Balls: [Types, Size, Care & More Explained]

Often using a ball is essential for learning to play volleyball, as balls are a crucial part of the sport’s equipment.

Involving various types, sizes, and materials in their production, not all volleyballs are the same. 

Today, we’ll be focusing on the essential aspect of proper care to ensure the longevity of each volleyball.

Here’s the ultimate guide to volleyball balls and the key practices to make them last, making your life easier.

Volleyball Balls Dimensions and Weight

Comprising three-game sizes and a specialized training ball, volleyball sizes cater to different settings. 

The standard size for indoor volleyball, known as Size 5, falls between 25.5 and 26.5 inches in circumference, weighing 9.2 to 9.9 ounces. Mikasa’s V200W, the official ball of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, exemplifies this regulation size.

Beach volleyballs, slightly larger than their indoor counterparts, range between 26 and 27 inches in circumference while maintaining the same weight. 

Meanwhile, youth volleyballs, designed for younger players, are noticeably smaller, measuring between 25 and 26 inches in circumference and carrying the same weight.

Distinguishing itself from game volleyballs, the training ball, denoted as Size 4, serves a specific purpose. 

Measuring between 7 and 8 inches in diameter, training balls are used exclusively for practice, as opposed to the larger game volleyballs, which typically measure between 8 and 8.6 inches in diameter.

Notably lighter than game volleyballs, training balls prove to be an excellent choice for children entering the sport. Their lighter weight allows young players to adjust more easily as they learn and develop their volleyball skills.

Different Types of Volleyballs (4 Types of Volleyballs)

Comprising four distinct types, volleyball caters to diverse settings and training needs: indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, training volleyball, and weighted (setter) volleyball. 

Indoor volleyballs, such as Mikasa’s V200W, are designed for indoor use, featuring a smooth surface and a bouncy texture. 

Children’s indoor volleyballs are slightly smaller, and specifically tailored for young players, although using them for beach volleyball is not recommended.

Beach volleyballs, the largest among the types, boast a noticeable difference in texture with a coarse and rough surface to prevent sand from sticking. They are less inflated, resulting in reduced bounce, and offer a heavier feel during gameplay. 

Training volleyballs, designated solely for practice, are smaller in size, making them more challenging to play with compared to regular balls. Due to their size and difficulty, training balls are not suitable for official matches.

Lastly, weighted volleyballs, also known as setter volleyballs, maintain the size of a standard ball but are considerably heavier than other types. Primarily used for setter training, these balls are favored by professionals for their role in enhancing skills related to setting in the game.

How Are Volleyballs Made?

Comprising three integral components, a volleyball ball consists of the bladder, the protective shell around the bladder, and the exterior shell. 

The bladder, housing the air, plays a crucial role in determining the ball’s bounciness and weight. It is considered the most significant part, ensuring the ball’s balance between being light enough for bouncing and heavy enough to resist disturbance from wind during flight.

The protective shell surrounding the bladder is crafted from nylon threads and applied at high temperatures to adhere to the bladder, forming a resilient protective layer. This layer serves to enhance the durability and overall structural integrity of the ball.

Finally, the exterior shell encapsulating the protective layer is typically constructed from synthetic rubber, and subjected to high heat and pressure to ensure maximum adherence. This layer contributes to the ball’s overall feel and responsiveness during play.

Following the manufacturing process, the completed volleyball is allowed to cool down before being shipped to its destination, ready for use at your front door.

What Materials Are Used to Make Volleyballs?

Exclusively made from rubber, volleyball balls utilize different types of rubber for various components. 

In the early stages of the sport’s inception in 1895, Spalding pioneered the manufacturing of the first volleyball. This historic creation featured a rubber bladder paired with leather covers, resulting in a considerably heavier ball compared to modern iterations.

Best Volleyball Brands

In my opinion, the top-tier volleyball brands, comprising Mikasa, Molten, Wilson, and Tachikara, hold a prestigious status, and their order of mention bears no particular significance. These brands have consistently demonstrated their commitment to producing the highest-quality volleyballs. Presently, Mikasa and Molten stand out as the chosen providers for the majority of professional competitions, solidifying their reputation for excellence over time.

How to Care for Volleyballs (Volleyball Maintenance)

In maintaining volleyball equipment, focusing on two key aspects proves crucial: proper storage and cleanliness. 

When it comes to storage, it’s imperative to avoid placing the volleyball near heat sources or in excessively hot areas. While not as delicate as perishable items, exposure to high temperatures, such as proximity to a radiator, can damage the outer layers and potentially impact the bladder due to changes in air pressure.

Turning to cleanliness, the process is straightforward – a wet cloth is all that’s needed. Regardless of whether the volleyball is used indoors or on the beach, it is bound to accumulate dirt. Wiping it down after each game proves more than sufficient to keep it in a fresh and usable condition.

For beach volleyballs, cleaning can pose a bit more of a challenge, given the intrusion of sand into the ball’s surface irregularities. Extra pressure may be required to effectively clean these beach volleyballs and maintain their optimal condition.

Is It Okay to Get a Volleyball Wet?

Volleyballs and water don’t mix well, as Wilson from Cast Away can attest. Seriously, it’s crucial to avoid getting your volleyball wet. 

In the unfortunate event that it falls into a pool, promptly wipe it off with a dry rug. Failure to do so can lead to cracks in the rubber components of the ball.

It’s worth noting that there are specialized volleyballs designed for pool volleyball. These balls are specifically crafted to withstand exposure to water, ensuring their durability and performance in aquatic settings.

Is It Bad to Kick a Volleyball?

Kicking a volleyball is not recommended, as these balls are designed for volleyball play, not soccer. 

While an occasional kick may not immediately lead to adverse effects, repeated instances during a game, especially if played regularly, can result in significant damage. 

Volleyballs are not built to withstand the force generated by kicks, and the impact from legs tends to be more powerful than that from arms. 

In essence, kicking a volleyball can lead to serious consequences, including the potential for bursting the bladder and rendering the ball unusable.

Why Are Volleyballs So Hard?

As emphasized earlier, the weight of volleyballs plays a crucial role in preventing them from being affected by wind, particularly in beach volleyball where this becomes a significant concern. 

While the ball may feel soft to the touch compared to soccer or basketballs, the sensation of hardness is indicative of proper air pressure. 

A well-pumped volleyball should be hard, not soft, as softer balls, also known as dead balls, don’t transmit force as effectively and are challenging to play with. Attempting to manipulate air pressure to soften the ball is not advisable.

However, the firmness of hard volleyballs can present challenges for beginners and children entering the sport. 

The impact from a 9-ounce ball struck at high speeds, especially during blocking or digging, might initially be intimidating. While blocking and digging contribute positively to the team by preventing the opposing team from scoring, it’s important to acknowledge that these actions can cause temporary stinging pain in the arms. Despite this discomfort, the sensation is transient and does not pose any long-term damage.

How Do You Soften a Volleyball?

Honestly, the suggestion to let some air out of the volleyball to make it softer is not recommended. In reality, it tends to make the ball more challenging to play with rather than improving its feel. 

Volleyballs naturally soften through regular use, so it’s advisable to embrace the initial hardness and continue playing. Over time, the ball will naturally soften after a few hours of gameplay. 

Additionally, with more experience, players tend to get accustomed to the immediate pain that may accompany being hit by the ball.

Volleyball Air Pressure

Right from the start, an easy tip for maintaining your volleyball is to check the correct air pressure, and fortunately, this information is typically printed on the ball. If your volleyball lacks this feature, it’s likely one of the exceptions.

For regulation (size 5) indoor volleyballs, the appropriate air pressure falls between 4.3 and 4.6 PSI. Youth volleyballs should be kept at 4.3 PSI, while beach volleyballs are intentionally less inflated, ranging between 2.5 and 3.2 PSI. It’s essential to adhere to these recommended pressures to ensure optimal performance during play.

How to Measure Air Pressure in a Volleyball?

The most accurate method to measure pressure in a volleyball is by using the gauge that comes with the ball pump. 

Alternatively, air compressors, equipped with built-in gauges, provide a reliable means of measuring pressure. However, if your pump lacks a gauge, you can employ a practical approach by assessing the ball’s bounce.

When bouncing the ball with moderate force, it should reach a peak height of at least 6 feet. This simple test serves as a quick indicator of whether the ball has sufficient air pressure. 

A ball that is underinflated will exhibit reduced bounce, making it clear that adjustments are needed to achieve the optimal pressure for effective gameplay.

Why Is My Volleyball Deflating?

The primary cause for a deflating volleyball is often attributed to a puncture or some form of damage that compromises the integrity of the ball. 

Additionally, wear and tear over time can contribute to the rubber material of the volleyball breaking down, leading to gradual deflation.

In my experience, a well-maintained volleyball, actively used at least once a week, can typically last up to three years. 

However, expecting it to endure much beyond this timeframe might be unrealistic, given the natural deterioration that occurs with regular use. Regular inspection and timely replacement become essential to ensure a consistent and safe playing experience.

Final Thoughts

Summing up, size 5 volleyballs are regulation size, utilized in official games, while size 4 volleyballs are designated for training purposes. Notably, indoor volleyballs differ in size, weight, and design from beach volleyballs, all of which are crafted from synthetic rubber.

Opting for renowned manufacturers such as Mikasa, Wilson, Tachikara, and Molten ensures the longevity of your volleyball. Investing in products from these reputable brands is a prudent choice for those seeking durability.

To guarantee the longevity of your volleyball, adopt proper maintenance practices. Cleaning it after each use and storing it away from heat sources are crucial steps. Additionally, preventing exposure to water and avoiding kicking the ball will contribute to its sustained performance.

Accepting the inherent hardness of volleyballs during play is essential, as they naturally get softer over time. To optimize performance, ensuring proper inflation is key, allowing you to confidently engage in spiking maneuvers over the net.

Also Read: Can You Use a Baseball Rebounder for Volleyball? [Guide 2024]