Handball protections and volley at Black Friday

Knee pads for volleyball: cushioning dives and receptions

In volleyball, the defender and libero dive to save a ball, and each player kneels on the floor for a low reception: the knee pad, with its foam placed over the kneecap, turns these impacts into simple supports. The Mizuno VS1, widely used in volleyball clubs, also comes in an Ultra version; the Mizuno Team, simpler, is available in child sizes for early practice years. The Errea Tokyo, adidas Elite, and Piu Adrenalina complete the selection. A good volleyball knee pad covers the kneecap and its sides without hindering bending, as the player spends the match in a low position, knees bent.

Other items

Handball and volleyball also feature during the Black Friday:

• Shoes.
• Shirts.
• Shorts.
• Accessories.

All handball and volleyball products can be found on the handball and volleyball page.

In handball: protecting goalkeepers and pivots

In handball, falls are more severe: the pivot lands on the floor after a shot in the zone, the winger dives to shoot in an extended position, and the goalkeeper jumps to the side for a save. Field players look for a slim knee pad that doesn't hinder running or support, like the Nike Streak or the Asics Gel, which has a gel insert that absorbs shocks. The goalkeeper protects the knees, hips, and elbows: the compression shorts Select, with its side pads, cushions falls onto the side, while the non-padded version simply supports the thighs. Select, a Danish brand, is a historical reference in handball.

Elbow pads and sleeves: arms can get hurt too

The elbow pads Mizuno protect the tip of the elbow during dives in defense and receptions on the floor, when the arm touches the floor before the body. The compression sleeves for arms cover the forearm, the contact area of the reception in volleyball: they reduce redness and small bruises caused by repeated powerful serves. The compression also supports muscles during exertion. The compression knee pad Select, without foam, holds the joint without the stiffness of a brace, for players who want light support. All these protections are worn under the match kit and go unnoticed.

Size, fit, and care of protections

A knee pad is selected based on the knee circumference, measured with the leg slightly bent at the center of the kneecap: if it's too tight, it compresses and leaves marks; if it's too loose, it slips down the shin during the first dive. The foam must be placed exactly on the kneecap. Child sizes, like the Mizuno Team junior, have dimensions and foam suitable for smaller builds, helping them learn to fall without fear. One should wash their protections after a few sessions, in a mesh bag, at a low temperature, and then air dry them, away from radiators that harden the foam and loosen the elastic. The Black Friday falls right in the middle of the championship season when the knee pads from the start of the season begin to wear out.

Frequently asked questions

Should you wear knee pads from the start in volleyball?

Yes, that's actually when they are most useful: beginners often fall badly and fear the ground. Protected, they dare dive and bend for the reception, which speeds up their progress.

Is a knee pad for volleyball suitable for handball?

For a goalkeeper, yes: its thick foam cushions landings on the floor. A field player might find it cumbersome for running and jumping; they would prefer a thinner model that protects without hindering bending.

Does the libero need to wear elbow pads?

Nothing requires it, but the libero, a defense specialist, dives more often than teammates. Elbow pads help prevent burns and impacts on the elbow tip when sliding on the floor.

How long does a pair of knee pads last?

For a player training two or three times a week, generally one to two seasons. When the foam flattens, the elastic relaxes, or the knee pad turns on the leg, it no longer provides adequate protection.

Sport knee pad or brace after a knee sprain?

A sport knee pad protects from impacts but does not stabilize an injured joint. After a sprain, only a health professional can advise on the appropriate support and when to resume playing.