Volleyball Equipment Checklist

To start indoor volleyball you need court shoes with non-marking rubber soles, knee pads, comfortable athletic clothes and a water bottle. A ball of your own helps you practice at home. Beach volleyball needs even less: most players play barefoot, so focus on sun protection and a proper beach ball.

Units
Indoor must-haves
Court shoes, knee pads
Beach must-haves
Sun protection, water
Your own ball
Size 5 (65–67 cm)
Skip at first
Pro-level gear

Indoor checklist

  • Court shoes: indoor court shoes with gum-rubber, non-marking soles. Volleyball rules require light, flexible shoes with rubber or composite soles and no heels. See Men's shoes · Women's shoes.
  • Knee pads: you'll land on your knees while you learn to dig. See Knee pads.
  • Clothes: a breathable shirt and shorts or leggings you can squat and dive in.
  • Socks: crew or higher socks keep knee pads from rubbing your shins.
  • Water bottle.
  • Optional: a size-5 indoor ball for home practice (Volleyballs); ankle braces, especially if you've sprained an ankle before (Ankle braces); arm sleeves for passing comfort; finger tape for jammed fingers.

Coaches: see Coaching Equipment.

Beach checklist

  • Bare feet. Beach rules say players play barefoot unless the referee allows otherwise. Sand socks help on very hot or cold sand; in sanctioned events, ask the referee first.
  • Sunglasses and a visor or hat: both are allowed in beach play.
  • Sunscreen: broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant, reapplied about every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming.
  • A beach ball: water-resistant, slightly bigger and softer than an indoor ball. See Volleyballs.
  • Plenty of water.

What not to buy yet

  • Expensive pro-level shoes before you know you'll keep playing. A good budget court shoe is enough for your first season.
  • Very thick, bulky knee pads “just in case”, unless you're a defender who's on the floor a lot.
  • A toy or plastic “volleyball”. Get a real size-5 ball (a light ball for kids 12 and under).
  • Running shoes for indoor play. They aren't built for side-to-side moves and their soles grip polished floors poorly.

What the rules say about gear

  • International (FIVB) rules: players wear a jersey, shorts, socks and sport shoes. Objects that could cause injury or give an advantage are forbidden. Glasses are allowed at your own risk, and padded protection (like knee pads) is allowed. Most national federations follow these rules.
  • In the US: USA Volleyball allows jewelry unless it's a safety concern and braces unless they could hurt someone, and doesn't allow hard casts. US high-school (NFHS) rules are stricter: all jewelry must come off except small studs above the chin.
  • When in doubt, ask your coach or the referee before the match.
Deep dive: building your kit over a season

Start with shoes and knee pads; they matter from your first practice. Add a ball of your own once you're practicing between sessions. Upgrade shoes when the tread wears smooth or you start playing three or more times a week. If you sprain an ankle, talk to a doctor or physiotherapist (physical therapist) about bracing before you return.

Videos

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need to start volleyball?

For indoor volleyball: court shoes with non-marking rubber soles, knee pads, athletic clothes and water. A ball of your own is useful for practice but not required at first.

Can I play volleyball in running shoes?

It's not recommended. Running shoes are built for forward motion and their soles don't grip polished courts as well, so court or volleyball shoes are safer for quick side-to-side moves.

Do I need knee pads for volleyball?

Indoors, yes for most beginners: you'll land on your knees while learning to dig. On the beach players don't wear them.

What do beach volleyball players wear on their feet?

Usually nothing. The rules say barefoot unless the referee allows otherwise. Sand socks can help on very hot or cold sand.

Can you wear jewelry in volleyball?

It depends on the competition. Under FIVB rules, players may not wear objects that could cause injury, so referees usually ask for jewelry to come off or be taped. Rules in the US are stricter at high-school level (NFHS), where almost all jewelry must be removed. When in doubt, take it off or ask the referee.