Handball / Volleyball on Black Friday

Indoor shoes: handball or volleyball, different support

Both sports are played on wooden floors, but they stress the foot in different ways. In handball, the changes in direction, contact and one-leg jumps require strong lateral support: the adidas Stabil, with an explicit name, or the Puma Eliminate Nitro, which is more responsive, are designed for this support. In volleyball, the repeated jumps at the net mainly load the forefoot during reception: the Nike Air Zoom Hyperace, with its air cushion, or the Mizuno Wave Momentum, with its wavy plate, absorb these impacts. In both cases, the non-marking rubber grips the floor without leaving a mark; these shoes are reserved for the gym to maintain their grip.

By type of product

The selection is organised by type:

• Shoes, handball and volleyball models.
• Protective gear, knee pads and elbow pads.
• Shirts.
• Shorts.
• Accessories, resin, pressure gauges and bags.

Indoor sports also include racquet sports, combat sports, on the indoor sports page.

Knee pads for volleyball and handball: what protection

In volleyball, knee pads protect the kneecap during dives and low receptions: the libero and receivers choose a thick foam at the front, like that of Mizuno knee pads sold by the pair. Attackers and middle players, who jump a lot, prefer a thinner model. In handball, knee pads are mainly for goalkeepers, who fall on the floor with their legs spread, and pivots exposed to falls. The Errea Tokyo provide good coverage of the knee without riding up the thigh. Size is measured around the knee, with the leg slightly bent: a knee pad that's too loose will spin around the leg at the first dive, and one that's too tight will restrict circulation.

Resin in handball, ball pressure in volleyball

In handball, the resin applied to the fingers improves grip on the ball and allows one-handed shots, quick passes, and feints. The Select Profcare, a white resin, comes in jars of different sizes, from small for the match bag to large for the club; some gyms ban it or require cleaning after use, hence the importance of a suitable cleaner. In volleyball, it's the pressure of the ball that changes everything: the international federation sets it between 0.30 and 0.325 kg/cm² indoors. A pressure gauge, like the one from Mikasa, checks this value at the beginning of each session: if overinflated, the ball hurts the forearms; if too soft, it won't perform well in attacks.

Shirts and shorts Hummel: players and referees

Hummel, a brand established in 1923 in Hamburg and now Danish, recognizable by its chevrons, has a historical link to handball, which is very popular in Denmark. It outfits the referees of the French Handball Federation: the official uniform shirt and shorts feature the fitted cut and breathable fabrics of players' kits. The hmlCORE women's shorts, with an elastic waist, allow for lateral movements without riding up. Under the shorts, the Select compression shorts with integrated padding cushion falls for goalkeepers and pivots on the hips. In volleyball, Mikasa completes the kit with short, lightweight shorts, allowing freedom for low receptions.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between handball and volleyball?

In handball, two teams of seven players, including the goalkeeper, pass the ball using their hands to score in a goal. In volleyball, two teams of six send the ball over a net in no more than three touches, without ever holding it.

What size handball according to age?

Size one generally suits children from eight to twelve years, size two is for girls from fourteen years and boys from twelve to sixteen years, and size three is for boys from sixteen years. Each size increases the circumference and weight of the ball.

What size indoor volleyball?

The official indoor ball measures 65 to 67 centimeters in circumference and weighs 260 to 280 grams, known as size five. Young players use a lighter ball that spares the forearms during learning of the bump.

How to remove resin from hands?

A specific cleaner or fatty soap dissolves the resin on hands in seconds when water alone is not enough. On the ball, a product designed for resin should be used, never a solvent that could damage the finish.

What shoes for a libero in volleyball?

The libero, a defensive specialist, doesn’t jump much but makes frequent low movements and dives: they're looking for a shoe that is low, stable, and grippy, with a sole that sticks during short sprints rather than heavy cushioning at the heel.