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Volleyball
Tips
Portions compliments of
fairwayvolleyball
There are many types of volleyballs
available.
The ball used for youth
indoor volleyball is smalle, to make it easier for kids, than the
standard volleyball. The ball used in beach volleyball is
generally brightly colored, made of soft material, and is a bit larger
in size than the indoor volleyballs.
So as you can see the right volleyball for you is based on type of play,
preference, skill and budget. Your selection process should be made
easier with the tips below.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Volleyballs
The first major consideration is whether the
volleyball is an
indoor volleyball or an
outdoor volleyball. Indoor
volleyballs are molded whereas outdoor volleyballs are stitched. The
seams between the panels on the volleyball
will look different and are
produced differently.
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Indoor Volleyballs:
On indoor volleyballs,
the panels are glued to an inner lining so the seams look smooth on the
volleyball. This production method gives the volleyball more consistent
playability. Indoor volleyballs weigh just a little less than outdoor
volleyballs because indoor volleyballs do not need to contend with
blowing wind.
Outdoor Volleyballs:
On outdoor volleyballs, it is obvious that the panels are sewn because
you can see the holes and the threads holding the panels together. This
stitching makes the volleyball more durable. Outdoor volleyballs also
weigh just a little more than indoor volleyballs to prevent the
volleyball from blowing in the wind as much.
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Materials - Leather vs. Synthetic Composite
 The
next major difference among volleyballs is whether they are made of
leather
or some type of
synthetic composite.
Volleyballs also are made from
rubber,
but these are designed more for playground use than for real volleyball
competition.
Leather Volleyballs:
Leather volleyballs traditionally are the top quality volleyballs.
Different grades of leather exist. Consequently, the highest priced
leather volleyball will have the best feel and playability. Generally,
as the price decreases, the leather volleyball becomes harder and will
not be as easy to play with. However, not everyone wants the softest
volleyball, so some top-of-the-line volleyballs are made harder than
others for different tastes in playability. Typically, people who like
to hit the ball hard (usually male volleyball players) prefer a harder
volleyball. Backrow players, by contrast, usually prefer a softer
volleyball.
Synthetic and Composite
Volleyballs:
Every company has its own ideas and inventions regarding composite
fabrics used to produce synthetic and composite volleyballs. Most
companies claim their volleyballs are the best. However, that is for the
volleyball player to decide. Personal taste dictates whether you prefer
the playability of one composite volleyball over another composite
volleyball. As with leather volleyballs, composite volleyballs also lose
playability as the price goes down. Composite volleyballs typically are
regarded as practice balls, so most major volleyball leagues (school,
club, pro) use leather volleyballs. However, a few leagues, such as the
AVP, use a composite volleyball.
Volleyball Colors
The last and
easiest difference among volleyballs is that they come in many
colors.
Check with your league regarding what color volleyball is allowed.
Mostly a
standard volleyball is made with color combinations that may be solid
white or have three different colors which is easily distinguishable.
Official Manufacturers
Some of
the major manufactureres involved in making competitive volleyballs are,
Tachikara, Molten, Wilson, Mikasa, Baden ,Spalding. Usually,
the official volleyballs of FIVB are made by Mikasa, Molten makes the
official ball of USA volleyball (indoor). AVP is the maker of the
official ball for the beach volleyball game.
Things
to Consider...
What companies manufacture
the best volleyball?
Which balls have the best performance?
Which balls have the highest quality?
Which balls have the best visibility?
Which balls good enough to practice with?
Which balls are used by professional volleyball leagues?
Which balls will last for years and years?
Which balls lose their roundness?
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