Volleyball Equipment
The Volleyball page brings together indoor and beach volleyballs, indoor shoes, knee pads, clothing, and the French team jerseys, from Mikasa, Molten, Wilson, Asics, Mizuno, Errea, or Nike. It caters to both the club player who juggles training and matches, and the beach enthusiast who plays on the sand in the summer.
Indoor volleyball, from the Olympic champions the Blues to friendly matches.
Indoor or beach volleyball: different rules
The indoor volleyball measures between 65 and 67 centimetres in circumference and weighs 260 to 280 grams. Since the 2019 World Cup, the international federation uses a Mikasa model with eighteen panels, the surface of which is covered in small dimples that stabilise the trajectory and improve grip. Molten, with its Flistatec technology featuring a honeycomb texture, supplies many European championships, including that of France. The beach volleyball, slightly larger and less inflated, floats more in the wind: the Beach Pro by Mikasa is the official ball of the international federation, while the Wilson OPTX is used in the American AVP circuit.
The selection
Volleyball is organised by type:
- Balls.
- Shoes.
- Protective gear, knee pads.
- Textiles.
- Equipment.
- Supporters, France team.
Volleyball shoes: cushioning for jumps and grip on court
A volleyball shoe takes on hundreds of jumps per match: it primarily protects the forefoot, which takes the impact on receiving a spike or block. Its rubber sole grips the court for lateral movements in defence. The Asics Metarise, very lightweight, is aimed at attackers and centres looking for responsiveness. At Mizuno, the Wave plate, a wavy blade embedded in the sole, absorbs shocks and stabilises footing: the Wave Momentum and Wave Mirage are two versions for indoor use. Nike offers the Air Zoom Hyperace, featuring an air cushion under the forefoot. These shoes are reserved for indoor use to maintain the grip of the rubber.
Other sports
The other sports on the site, swimming, padel, badminton, handball, basketball, golf, fitness, climbing, camping, fishing, motorcycling, gymnastics, athletics, are gathered on the other sports page.
Knee pads: which protection for each position
Knee pads protect the kneecap during low receptions, dives, and falls. Their thickness depends on the position: the libero and receivers, often on the floor, choose thick foam like that of Mizuno Team or VS1, while centres and attackers prefer thinner protection, such as the Nike Streak, which does not hinder jumping. The Errea Tokyo, also available in the colours of the France team, provides good coverage of the knee without riding up. The correct size is measured around the knee with the leg slightly bent: a knee pad that is too loose will slide down the tibia on the first dive. Some players add elbow pads for spectacular defences.
Bargain deals
Good deals can also be found in the bargain deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, and then the summer sales and back-to-school events.
Frequently asked questions
How to perform a forearm pass in volleyball?
Join your hands one on top of the other, thumbs parallel, with arms extended to form a flat surface, then bend your legs to position yourself under the ball. The strike is made with the forearms, directing the flat surface towards the target rather than swinging your arms.
What are the positions in volleyball?
The setter directs the play, the outside hitter attacks primarily, the receivers-attackers receive and attack, the middle blockers defend and attack at the net. The libero focuses on receiving and defending in the back row.
At what age to start playing volleyball?
Many clubs offer baby volleyball from four or five years old, then mini-volleyball with two, three, or four players on a smaller court. The six-player game comes around twelve or thirteen once the forearm pass and set are mastered.
What is the height of the volleyball net?
The net is set at 2.43 metres for men and 2.24 metres for women in the senior category. The younger categories play with a lowered net, suited to the height of the players.
What is the difference between indoor volleyball and beach volleyball?
Beach volleyball is played two against two on a sand court of 16 metres by 8, with no substitutes. In indoor volleyball, two teams of six players compete on a court of 18 metres by 9, with rotations and a libero.
