Welcome back, athletes. Whether you spent the summer in the sand practicing your set, or your shin guards took a summer break at the bottom of (last year's) backpack, now is the time to start prepping for volleyball season.
That's because the high school season is long and your team is depending on you. Relying on after-school practice alone won't take your game to the next level. Whether your home has a tiny patch of grass out front or a sweeping backyard with endless playing space, there's nothing keeping you from bumping the ball or practicing those passes. That means gearing up for the season with the right gear to practice at home. Good thing you someone who knows a thing or ten about volleyball gear. (That's us.)
Summer may be over, but high school isn't so bad knowing there's a net, a ball and your crew waiting for you at the end of the day.
Nike
Essential knee pads are a reliable go-to that offer maximum comfort for
the entire game or practice. Practice diving for the ball with
confidence knowing your knees won't suffer in the process. These
low-profile ergonomic high-density protective foam pads are made of
Dri-FIT fabric that wicks away sweat.
BUY IT AT AMAZON: Nike Essentials Volleyball Knee Pads, $18
Volleyball Shoes: Adidas Crazyflight Mid Shoes
Players
looking to maximize those hops should look no further than Adidas
Crazyflight Mid Shoes. The mid-cut design offers extra ankle support,
while the breathable mesh upper has a stretchy, sock-like fit. The
three-quarter length Boost cushioning makes this the ultimate jump shoe,
with greater stability during sideways movements.
BUY IT AT ADIDAS: Adidas Crazyflight Mid Shoes, $150
Gear up with 4.7-star shorts: Adidas Compression Volleyball Shorts
Adidas
compression volleyball shorts are a reliable staple, both well made and
stylish. Available in navy, white and black, we suggest stocking up on
all three for the season. Its wide waistband and compression fit are
flattering and supportive. The stretch fabric is opaque, allowing you to
stay focused on the game.
BUY IT AT ADIDAS: Adidas Volleyball Shorts, $30
Practice
just got a whole lot easier thanks to GoSports freestanding practice
net. The 12 foot-wide size is suitable for one-on-one or double up for
two-on-two scrimmages right in your own backyard. It has a freestanding
design that assembles in minutes and requires no support ropes, and bags
or weights. It can be used on grass, sand and gym floors. Rated 4.6
stars at Amazon.
BUY IT AT AMAZON: GoSports Freestanding Volleyball Training Net, $130
What to look for in a practice volleyball
If
you buy just one thing to practice with at home, buy a good volleyball
that's soft enough to play with for extended practices and durable
enough that it gets close to regulation sizing. We like this Tachikara
practice ball, softer on the wrists while you get your game on at home.
Size
and weight: Official volleyball sizing for high school competition is
25.6-26.4 inches in circumference with a weight between 9.2-9.9 ounces.
Balls should be inflated to around 4.3 to 4.6 psi.
Construction:
We like practice volleyballs that are made from composite leather or
high-quality synthetic leather. Look for good durability, grip and
texture, even if that means spending a bit more for a quality
volleyball.
Look for well-made balls with panels that are
securely stitched together. Likewise, you'll want a ball that can be
easily inflated (most volleyballs come deflated so don't forget to press
"add to cart" on a pump a well). We've linked to one below. You're
welcome.
Our top ball choice: Tachikara Sensi-Tec Composite SV-5WSC Volleyball
A popular ball known for its performance, this ball is good for players of all levels and is both durable and water-resistant. It's constructed from Tachikara's proprietary composite leather material, which offers a soft and consistent feel similar to genuine leather. Nylon-wound construction offers enhanced durability and shape retention, while the composite leather material provides a good grip, giving players better control. It's a good versatile ball for indoor and outdoor use. Rated 4.6 stars at Amazon.
BUY IT AT AMAZON: Tachikara Sensi-Tec Composite SV-5WSC Volleyball, $38
Budget practice ball: Vetra Soft Touch Volleyball
This official size 5 outdoor/indoor volleyball is a popular practice ball for the beach, gym or backyard practice. The soft-touch technology makes for an easier practice, free of painful red forearms that come with tougher volleyballs. It's constructed with a high-quality PVC cover and durable stitching for a long-last volleyball that will stand the test of time. It's a terrific practice ball for indoor and outdoor use. Rated 4.2 stars at Amazon.
BUY IT AT AMAZON: Vetra Soft Touch Volleyball, $20 (reduced from $30)
