Indoor: Christmas gifts

Handball balls for fans, players, and beginners

A handball is chosen based on its use. The official balls from major competitions, in the colours of the Champions League, the LNH, or the Women's League, delight supporters and are also used for training. Club players will appreciate a match ball with a secure grip, such as the Molten models or the Kempa Spectrum Synergy, named after Bernhard Kempa, a German champion who gave his name to the famous "Kempa", the airborne pass caught and volleyed. For beginners and children, the Kempa Leo, with its soft touch, and the Erima balls make catching less daunting.

Other sports

The Christmas selection is available by sport:

• Football.
• Running.
• Winter Sports.
• Outdoor.
• Fitness and Strength Training.
• Bicycle / Motorcycle.

The entire selection is gathered on the sports page.

Volleyball and three-on-three basketballs

In volley-ball, the Mikasa ball with double micro-cells is the official ball for international competitions and the Olympic Games: its thousands of small cavities stabilise the trajectory and improve grip when passing. The Flistatec range from Molten, identifiable by the raised hexagons that regulate the air around the ball, is used in the National Volleyball League. In three-on-three basketball, an Olympic discipline played on half a court, the official ball from the international federation is the size of a size six ball but weighs the same as a size seven: it fits well in the hand while maintaining the feel of adult play.

Kneepads, resin, and shoes: the wear-and-tear equipment

Diligent players quickly wear out their gear, and replacing it makes for a welcome gift. The kneepads Errea Tokyo or Mizuno, padded at the front, absorb the dives of the volleyball player and the slides of the handball goalkeeper. The resin Select Profcare enhances one-handed ball grip for passes and shots; the Select compression shorts with pads protect the hips during falls. Indoor shoes, like the adidas Stabil, designed for handball with good lateral support, or the Puma Eliminate Nitro, rest on a rubber sole that grips the court without leaving marks.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The year's highlights follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

What size of handball should I give as a gift?

Size zero is for beginners under eight, size one is for children up to around twelve years old, size two is for teenagers and women, size three is for adult men. Check the player's category in their club.

What shape of padel racket should I choose?

The round racket, with the impact point centered, forgives mistakes and is suitable for beginners. The teardrop shape balances control and power; the diamond shape, heavy at the head, is aimed at experienced offensive players.

When should you replace your padel balls?

Padel balls are pressurised and lose their bounce over time, even in an open tube. A regular player changes their tube every two to four matches; thus, a tube of three Dunlop balls makes a small but useful gift.

What size of volley ball is suitable for a child?

Adults and teenagers play with size five. For children, a lighter and softer ball is chosen, often in size four, which doesn't hurt the forearms during passing and makes learning easier.

Padel shoes or tennis shoes: what's the difference?

The padel shoe, such as the Head Motion Pro, has a herringbone sole that grips the sanded synthetic grass of the courts. It also enhances lateral support for the numerous sideways moves and sudden stops near the walls.