Introduction
When it comes to playing volleyball, it's essential to wear the right clothing and proper gear, whether boys volleyball or girls. Not only does it help you perform at your best, but it can also protect you from injuries and ensure you're comfortable throughout the game.
Besides, the equipment you choose plays a crucial role in your ability to execute plays and move with agility. From volleyball kneepads and ankle braces to sleeves and elbow pads, every piece of equipment serves a crucial purpose.
Let's explore the various types of volleyball equipment and training tools that can help improve both men and women’s games!
Up Your Game: Essential Gear for Volleyball Players
Whether you’re a seasoned male or female volleyball player or just starting out, selecting the appropriate equipment is crucial to enhancing your volleyball skills and overall experience. Not to mention, wearing proper clothes while playing can make it easier to play while helping you stay cool. Read on to find out the important volleyball gear that all players—from male/female rookies to seasoned veterans—should include in their volleyball gear checklist.
Volleyball Apparel
- Jersey: When it comes to playing volleyball, the jersey is not just a uniform but a key component of the game’s strategy and a tool for performance. Not only do jerseys play a crucial role in building team identity, but they also help players feel comfortable and enjoy free movement during the game. Different players have different preferences when it comes to jersey material. While some prefer a lightweight material that allows them to move more freely, others prefer a heavier fabric that will provide more protection from impacts. One of the most popular brands that offers jerseys with unbelievable fit, comfort, and style is CustomFuze! Although there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right volleyball jersey, make sure you look for comfort, easy movement, and durability, whether you are looking for a women’s jersey or a men’s jersey.
- Shorts: In addition to jerseys, shorts are also an important part of volleyball gear. Volleyball shorts are to provide a full range of motion and are manufactured with moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry during intense play. If your priority is easy movement and nearly unlimited customization, CustomFuze shorts will be your best although there are plenty of solid men’s volleyball short options available. For women’s volleyball shorts, there are tons of great products from the big brands like ASICS, adidas, Mizuno, Nike, and Under Armor. Inseam length is generally the biggest determining factor with 4” being the most popular.
- Socks: Without a doubt, Investing in supportive, blister-free socks that wick away moisture is essential when playing volleyball. Both men and women players now prefer moisture management technologies such as ASICS Coolmax and Under Armour HeatGear, a cushioning sole for helping absorb shock, or a sock with a flat toe seam. Not only do modern socks come with these new technologies, but they also keep your ankles, heels, and toes moisture-free.
Volleyball Shoes
Whether you’re a hitter, setter, or libero, wearing the right volleyball shoes is essential. While women and men’s shoes differ in terms of the width at the forefoot and heels, factors remain the same, such as lightweight and traction. Men's shoes are wider at heels and narrower at the forefoot, while women’s shoes are vice verse. The best volleyball shoes should provide excellent traction, cushioning, stability, support, lockdown, and heel-toe transition. These features will help you quickly move around the court, jump at full speed, and protect your feet and joints from injury.
Protective Gear
In the game of volleyball, it is essential to protect yourself from injuries. Knees, ankles, and elbows are most prone to injuries, which are protected by crucial protective gear, as mentioned below.
- Volleyball Knee Pads: One of the most important pieces of protective gear in volleyball, knee pads are designed to safeguard athletes from the impact and friction that occur during dives, falls, and slides on the court. Generally, the biggest determining factors are if the athlete prefers more cushioning and a longer sleeve (mainly found in younger athletes or players new to the sports) versus lower profile kneepads that have less padding and a shorter sleeve (often used by more advanced players). Some top brands players can opt for when buying kneepads are ASICS, adidas, Mizuno, and Under Armour.
- Elbow Pads and Arm Sleeves: Players dive a lot which can lead to serious elbow injuries. Wearing volleyball arm sleeves or elbow pads are highly recommended for both men and women players adding a layer of production and cushioning the shock when they dive or slide to keep the ball in play. They are particularly essential for players in positions that require frequent diving, such as the libero or defensive specialists.
- Ankle Braces: Safe, strong, and protected ankles are critical in volleyball. The small joint allows the movements essential for jumping, running, turning, and pushing off. This lets you move around the court quickly and efficiently. Needless to say, the ankle joints are particularly susceptible to injury due to their position and movements during play. By wearing ankle braces, it will help prevent ankle injuries and also reduce swelling after an injury may occur. Not to mention ankle braces can also help reduce strain, tension, and pressure on the ankle joint.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, investing in the right volleyball gear is not just about enhancing performance; it's about ensuring that the gear that’s selected offers comfort and easy movement, be it for men or women. From jerseys and shorts to kneepads and knee braces, every piece of volleyball equipment and gear plays a role in a player’s development, training, and on-court performance. Whether you're gearing up for a competitive match or a fun drop-in game, choosing the right gear can elevate your game experience and take your performance to the next level.