Generally speaking, volleyballs can be divided into two types: volleyballs, also known as indoor volleyballs, and beach volleyballs. The main difference is their flight characteristics - beach volleyballs are larger and softer, while indoor volleyballs are smaller, harder, and faster. To choose the right ball, consider what you want to use it for, its material, size, weight, and manufacturing method.
Continue
Balls meant for professional use (sports matches etc.) are obligated to meet specific criteria. But if you are planning to play only recreationally, you can choose a ball that doesn’t entirely meet the official standards. The FIVB criteria are shown in the following chart:
| |
Material |
Size |
Weight |
Manufacturing method |
|---|
| Beach volleyball |
synthetic |
66-68 cm |
260-280 g |
stitched |
| Volleyball |
leather, synthetic |
65-67 cm |
260-280 g |
glued |
Leather or synthetic?
- Leather - high-quality balls are usually more durable. They tend to be harder to the touch and are only suitable for indoor use.
- Synthetic - are finer and softer to the touch; suitable for indoors and outdoors (clay courts).
- PU leather - a subcategory of synthetic balls, these are polyurethane balls with properties very similar to leather; unlike leather balls, however, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
If you are buying an indoor volleyball, you can choose between leather and synthetic. Beach volleyballs should be exclusively synthetic.
Stitched or glued?
- The official rules say that the beach volleyball must be stitched, which means that the bladder is inserted into a stitched cover.
- With indoor volleyballs, you choose between glued volleyballs. In this case, the panels are glued directly on the bladder.
How to choose the right size?
- According to the FIVB rules, beach volleyballs must be 66-68 cm in circumference and weigh 260-280 g.
- When choosing the volleyball size, refer to the following chart:
| Categories and age |
Ball size |
Circumference |
Weight |
|---|
| Yellow mini-volleyball (6-8 years) |
4 |
600-610 mm |
180-200 g |
| Orange mini-volleyball (7-9 years) |
5 |
650-670 mm |
180-210 g |
| Red mini-volleyball (8-10 years) |
5 |
650-670 mm |
210-230 g |
| Green mini-volleyball (9-11 years) |
5 |
650-670 mm |
260-280 g |
| Blue mini-volleyball (10-12 years) |
5 |
650-670 mm |
260-280 g |
| Adults |
5 |
650-670 mm |
260-280 g |
