Volleyball is an exhilarating sport that not only promotes physical fitness but also enhances teamwork and coordination. For beginners, selecting the right volleyball is crucial to ensure a positive learning experience and foster skill development. With various types and brands available in the market, finding the best volleyball for beginners can be overwhelming. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to assist aspiring volleyball players in making an informed decision.
Factors to Consider
1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Volleyballs
The first decision to make is whether the beginner will primarily play indoors or outdoors. Indoor volleyball balls are typically made of leather or synthetic materials, offering superior control and precision. Outdoor volleyballs, on the other hand, are more durable, designed to withstand rougher surfaces, and have a stronger resistance to wear and tear. For beginners, indoor volleyballs are generally recommended due to their consistent flight and better handling, particularly in controlled environments like gyms.
2. Size and Weight
Volleyballs come in various sizes, primarily categorized as standard (official) size and youth size. Official size volleyballs have a circumference of around 25.6 to 26.4 inches (65-67 cm) and are suitable for players above the age of 14. Youth volleyballs are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for younger players aged 8 to 12 years old. For beginners, it is advisable to start with the appropriate size, as it helps develop proper technique and minimizes the risk of injury.
3. Material and Construction
The material and construction of the volleyball significantly influence its performance and durability. Leather volleyballs are widely considered the best for indoor play, offering a soft touch and excellent control. Synthetic volleyballs, made of composite materials, are more affordable and durable, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor play. Beginners often opt for synthetic volleyballs due to their budget-friendly nature and versatility.
4. Brand and Quality
Choosing a reputable brand is essential, as it ensures the quality and consistency of the volleyball. Some well-known brands, such as Mikasa, Molten, Wilson, and Tachikara, have a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality volleyballs. While reputable brands may come at a slightly higher cost, they provide peace of mind and a better overall experience for beginners.
5. Grip and Texture
A volleyball’s surface texture impacts its grip and feel during gameplay. Smooth-surfaced volleyballs offer minimal resistance and are generally easier to handle for beginners. As skills progress, players might transition to volleyballs with more prominent textures, providing better grip and control, especially during intense matches.
6. Inflation and Air Pressure
Proper inflation is critical to the performance and longevity of a volleyball. Under-inflated volleyballs can be challenging to control, while over-inflated ones may cause discomfort during play. Beginners should maintain the recommended air pressure, typically ranging from 4.3 to 4.6 psi, as specified by the manufacturer.
Top Volleyballs for Beginners
1. Mikasa MVA200
The Mikasa MVA200 is a top-rated indoor volleyball, known for its exceptional quality and performance. Used in professional competitions, it features a unique eight-panel design that provides better stability and flight control. Its microfiber cover offers a soft touch, making it ideal for beginners seeking improved ball handling skills.
2. Tachikara SV5W Gold
The Tachikara SV5W Gold is another popular indoor volleyball renowned for its durability and consistent flight. With a premium composite leather cover, this ball delivers a balance of softness and sturdiness. It is a favorite among beginner and intermediate players alike.
3. Molten Recreational Volleyball (V5M5000)
The Molten V5M5000 is an excellent option for beginners, particularly those interested in outdoor play. Its synthetic leather cover ensures durability and resistance to outdoor conditions. With a soft feel and enhanced grip, this ball facilitates better control and accuracy during gameplay.
4. Wilson Soft Play Volleyball
The Wilson Soft Play Volleyball is an affordable option for beginners, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its synthetic leather cover is designed for durability, making it ideal for recreational play. Additionally, its sponge-backed cover offers a comfortable touch and reduces the sting during intense gameplay.
Tips for Beginner Volleyball Players
1. Proper Training and Coaching
Enrolling in a beginners’ volleyball program or seeking guidance from experienced coaches is essential to learning the fundamentals correctly. Trained instructors can teach proper techniques, rules, and strategies while providing valuable feedback to improve skills.
2. Consistent Practice
Like any sport, volleyball proficiency requires regular practice. Beginners should devote time to individual training, focusing on passing, setting, hitting, and serving skills. Repetition and consistency are key to honing these essential abilities.
3. Teamwork and Communication
Volleyball is a team sport that relies heavily on communication and coordination. Encourage beginners to communicate effectively with teammates, calling out plays and offering support during matches. Understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses fosters a cohesive team dynamic.
4. Warm-up and Cool Down
Prioritize warm-up exercises to prevent injuries and cool down to aid in muscle recovery after each practice or match. Incorporate stretching routines to maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of strains and sprains.
Are there different types of volleyballs?
Yes, there are different types of volleyballs designed for various levels of play, different playing surfaces, and specific purposes. Here are some of the most common types of volleyballs:
1. Indoor Volleyball:
This is the standard volleyball used in professional and amateur indoor volleyball competitions. It is made of leather or synthetic leather, and its circumference, weight, and pressure are regulated by official volleyball organizations like FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball).
2. Beach Volleyball:
Beach volleyball is a popular variation of the sport played on sand courts. Beach volleyballs are typically softer and slightly larger than indoor volleyballs. The softer material helps reduce the impact on players’ wrists and forearms when hitting the ball, considering the harder surface of sand.
3. Mini Volleyball:
Mini volleyballs are smaller and lighter than standard volleyballs, designed for younger players, beginners, or recreational play. They are easier to handle and control for children and help develop their skills without the challenge of using a full-size ball.
4. Training Volleyball:
Training volleyballs are specifically designed to assist players in improving their skills. They often have unique color patterns or markings to aid in hand placement and setting drills. These volleyballs are commonly used by coaches and players during practice sessions.
5. Water Volleyball:
Water volleyball is played in swimming pools or shallow water. Water volleyballs are constructed to be waterproof and float on the water’s surface. They are typically larger and lighter than standard volleyballs, making them easier to handle in the water.
6. Lighted Volleyball:
Lighted volleyballs have built-in LED lights that allow them to glow in the dark. These balls are commonly used for evening or night beach volleyball games, providing better visibility for players and spectators.
7. Composite Volleyball:
Composite volleyballs are made from a combination of materials, such as synthetic leather and microfiber. These balls aim to offer a more affordable alternative to genuine leather volleyballs while still providing good durability and performance.
8. Official Game Volleyball:
Official game volleyballs are used in competitive matches and comply with international regulations and standards. They usually bear the logos and markings of the official governing bodies, such as FIVB, NCAA, or AVP.
9. Replica Volleyball:
Replica volleyballs are often produced for fans and enthusiasts of a particular team, event, or player. They may feature team logos, colors, or custom designs but are not typically used in official matches.
Each type of volleyball is designed with specific features to cater to different playing conditions and skill levels, ensuring that players can enjoy the sport and improve their game based on their needs and preferences.
See Also: Diagnosing the Deflating Volleyball: The Causes and Solutions
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal volleyball for beginners is a crucial step towards fostering a positive and rewarding volleyball journey. Considering factors such as indoor vs. outdoor play, size and weight, material and construction, brand and quality, grip and texture, and inflation is essential in making an informed decision. With the right equipment and a commitment to practice and training, beginners can develop their skills, enjoy the sport, and potentially pursue volleyball at a more advanced level. Remember, patience and perseverance are key to success, and with dedication, aspiring players can elevate their game and revel in the excitement of volleyball.
