Volleyball and beach-volley balls

Indoor or beach

The indoor volleyball and the beach-volleyball look similar but are different. The indoor ball, heavier and more inflated, travels quickly and reacts exactly to hits. The beach-volleyball, slightly larger, less inflated and with a softer surface, floats more in the air and withstands sand, sun, and humidity. Playing indoors with a beach ball, or vice versa, completely changes the sensations.

By type of ball

The balls are organized by use and brand:

• Competition.
• Training.
• Beach Volley.
• Foot Volley.
• Lots.
• Accessories.
• Mikasa.
• Molten.
• Wilson.

Volleyball also includes shoes, clothing, protective gear, equipment, on the volleyball page.

Competition balls

The Mikasa V200W, with its yellow and blue panels, is the official ball for international indoor competitions: its micro-cellular surface and grooved panels stabilize its trajectory, even on float serves. The Molten V5M, like the V5M5000 used by the national volleyball league in France, is another major reference in championships. In beach-volley, the Mikasa BV550C is approved by the international federation, and the Wilson AVP is the ball for the American circuit. Competition balls offer the best touch but wear out faster during training.

Training, youth and clubs

For training, balls like the Mikasa V330W or V360W and the Molten V5M2000, which are more durable, handle repeated hits. Light balls, such as the L or SL versions of the Mikasa or the Wilson Nova Light, which are lighter at the same size, are suitable for young players and beginners, whose forearms suffer less during reception. Clubs equip themselves with lots of five or ten Mikasa or Molten balls. Inflate the ball to the pressure indicated near the valve, to be checked with a pressure gauge.

Good deals

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

Frequently asked questions

What size volleyball for which age?

The size 5 ball is the official size, 65 to 67 cm in circumference, used starting from youth categories. The younger players use lighter balls that are softer on the forearms, making it easier to learn the underhand pass.

What pressure to inflate a volleyball?

An indoor ball is inflated between 0.30 and 0.325 kg/cm², which is about 4.3 to 4.6 psi; a beach-volley ball requires much less. Use a pressure gauge and a moistened needle to avoid damaging the valve.

Can you play beach-volley with an indoor ball?

It is not recommended: being heavier and more inflated, it travels too fast in the wind and hurts the hands. The beach ball, being larger and softer, floats more and withstands sand and humidity.

Why is Mikasa the reference in competition?

Mikasa provides the official ball for competitions of the international volleyball federation and the Olympic Games. Its textured surface offers a stable trajectory and a good grip on contact.

How many balls to plan for a club?

The ideal is to have at least one ball for every two players during training, to increase ball touches. Sets of five or ten balls and a storage trolley make managing the equipment easier.