How to Choose a volleyball

1. Detailed explanation of volleyball size

Classification of standard sizes:

● Indoor volleyball (No. 5 ball)

Circumference: 65-67 cm

Weight: 260-280 g

Applicable people: Adults (over 13 years old) and professional competitions.

International standard: Official match balls certified by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) must strictly comply with this specification

● Beach volleyball (No. 5 ball)

Circumference: 66-68 cm (slightly larger than indoor balls)

Weight: 260-280 g (similar to indoor balls, but with lower air pressure)

Features: slightly larger volume and softer surface, adapted to sand cushioning needs.

● Youth/children's volleyball (No. 4 ball)

Circumference: 61-64 cm

Weight: 230-250 g

Applicable people: Children aged 8-12 or novices with less strength, lightweight design for easy ball control

● Air volleyball

Circumference: 78-80 cm (20% larger than a standard ball)

Weight: 120-150 g (extremely light)

Features: Designed for entertainment and middle-aged and elderly people, slow flight speed, high safety.

2. Material analysis

Different materials directly affect the feel, durability and applicable venues:

● Genuine leather (high-end competition ball)

Features:

Natural leather, delicate and soft touch, sweat-absorbent and non-slip.

Precise elasticity, suitable for high-level ball control and smash.

Disadvantages:

Expensive, requires regular maintenance (avoid water and exposure to the sun).

Easily deformed by moisture, only for indoor use.

● PU synthetic leather (mainstream choice)

Features:

Artificial leather, strong wear resistance, waterproof and moisture-proof, suitable for multiple indoor and outdoor scenes.

Feel close to genuine leather, affordable price

Subdivided types:

Leather PU: The surface has a granular feel and better anti-slip properties

Smooth PU: Suitable for competition, more stable bounce

Applicable people: amateurs, student training, daily practice.

● Rubber/PVC (entry-level or outdoor use)

Features:

Durable, wear-resistant, low price

Hard feel, poor elasticity, long-term use can easily cause hand discomfort.

Applicable scenarios:

Rough venues such as beaches and cement floors.

Children's beginners or low-intensity entertainment.

● Microfiber leather (high-end alternative)

Features:

Artificial microfiber, with the softness of genuine leather and the durability of PU.

No maintenance required, suitable for advanced players

3. Types and design details

● Indoor volleyball

Core design:

18 pieces of splicing: traditional hexagonal + rectangular splicing to ensure the roundness of the ball and flight stability.

Inner liner material: butyl rubber liner, high air tightness, accurate bounce.

Applicable scenarios: wooden floors, plastic venues, regular inspection of air pressure (recommended 0.3-0.325kg/cm²).

● Beach volleyball

Core design:

Waterproof surface: sand and moisture proof, sealed at seams.

Low pressure design: about 0.175kg/cm², reduces sand bounce height, protects wrists.

Visual design: bright colors (such as yellow and blue) enhance sand visibility.

● Air volleyball

Core design:

Large size + lightweight: reduces the impact of hitting the ball, suitable for entertainment and low-intensity sports.

Soft material: common rubber or foam filling, high safety.

4. Purchase tips and precautions

● Test method

Bounce test: free fall from a height of 2 meters, the rebound height should be 1.2-1.4 meters (indoor ball).

Hand feel test: press the ball with both hands, it should rebound evenly, without obvious dents or deformation.

● Detail inspection

Seam process: stitching or thermal bonding needs to be flat, without burrs or debonding.

Air nozzle design: concealed air nozzle can reduce interference with the hand.

Certification mark: Balls certified by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) or domestic volleyball associations are more reliable.

● Scene matching table

5. Summary

Recommendation for beginners: Give priority to standard size indoor volleyballs made of PU material, balancing price and performance.

Outdoor/beach: Choose waterproof PU or rubber material, pay attention to low air pressure design.

Long-term investment: If you plan to train systematically, buy FIVB certified balls directly to avoid repeated replacement.

Remember: The right volleyball can help you master the technique faster, while the wrong choice may cause deformation or injury. Make a comprehensive decision based on the frequency of use, budget and venue characteristics, and consult a coach or senior player if necessary!