Volleyballs: How to Choose

Which ball should you buy?

Choose for the game you actually play. A ball's colour doesn't tell you what it's for, and two balls that look almost identical can have different model codes.

• Mostly in a sports hall: start with the indoor picks, and check your league's ball rules in the official-ball tables before choosing a match ball.
• Mostly on sand: go to the beach picks.
• A player 12 or under: check the coach's recommended ball weight and age-group rules before ordering a standard adult ball. The adult indoor picks are not automatic choices for juniors, so see the light balls first.
• Both indoor and beach: use a separate ball for each. The two are pumped to different pressures, so follow the care and inflation steps for each one rather than assuming one setup suits both.

Next, ask your coach which ball the team uses. Practising with the same model makes sessions more familiar, but there's no need to buy a premium match ball just because you're starting, and your club may already provide balls for team sessions.

Indoor vs beach balls

Beach balls aren't lighter. They're the same weight, but bigger and softer. Don't use an indoor ball on sand or grass: it soaks up water and wears quickly.

Before checkout

1. Exact model: compare the code in the listing with the code your coach gave you.
2. Size and weight: make sure they suit the player and the competition.
3. Quantity: check whether the price is for one ball or a pack.
4. Inflation equipment: check what's included and whether you already have a pump and a gauge (see care and inflation).

When the ball arrives, follow the maker's inflation and care instructions, and keep your order details until you've checked the model you received. A low price doesn't help if it's the wrong version for your sessions.

Buying for a beginner? Our equipment checklist covers what to bring first and what can wait.

Which “official” ball does my league use?

Leagues and tournaments set the ball; check yours before buying. Outside the US, your national federation or league names its match ball; many use FIVB-approved models.

Our picks

Indoor balls

Light balls for players 12 and under

Light balls are full size but lighter, so they sting less and make overhand passing and serving easier to learn. Many national federations publish youth net heights and ball recommendations, for example USA Volleyball, Volleyball England and Volleyball Canada, so check your own national federation. In the US, USA Volleyball's rulebook calls for a 198–227 g ball in 12-and-under play at its Junior National Championships, compared with 260–280 g for a standard ball. Examples: Molten VB-U12 Light, Tachikara Volley-Lite, Mikasa VUL500.

Playing with kids? See What Age to Start and Drills for Kids.

For PE classes: plan on at least one ball for every two students. Lightweight trainer balls or soft volleyballs work best for first lessons. See the class equipment list in PE Lesson Plans.

Beach balls

Care and inflation

• Pump to the pressure printed near the valve and check it with a gauge; squeezing isn't accurate.
• Moisten the needle before inserting it, and push it in slowly and straight to protect the valve.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Dry a wet ball with a towel and let it air-dry away from heaters and direct sun. Don't leave balls in a hot car.
• Rotate several balls in practice so one doesn't take all the wear.

Deep dive: leather, composite or rubber?

• Genuine leather: classic soft touch after break-in. Indoor only; keep it dry.
• Composite (microfiber synthetic): consistent from day one and easier to care for. Most current game balls are composite.
• Soft PU or rubber recreational balls: cheap and tough, fine for parks, but they feel different from match balls.

How we choose and price tiers

We compare product specifications and, for products with an Amazon link, their Amazon rating and Amazon’s summary of customer reviews to help you choose equipment. We have not personally tested these products.

Last checked: October 2026. Models change every year or two, and older versions are often discounted and still good.

Price tiers compare models within this page: Budget = among the cheapest real volleyballs, Mid-range = typical school or club price, Premium = top-of-range models. Actual prices vary a lot by country and retailer. Level shows who a ball suits, from recreational to competitive.

How we choose: we compare makers' specs and the balls leagues actually use with independent reviews, such as the review videos on this page. No brand pays to be listed, and commissions don't decide which products we pick or their order.

Frequently asked questions

Pressure gauges, ball bags and carts: Coaching Equipment