You may have gone looking and realized that the volleyball selection available at your local big-box store has very few choices and there’s no reason to limit yourself to just a handful of cheap options!
All volleyballs are NOT created equal, and these models that we recommend really will make a difference. You’re buying quality and durability with these brands. Quality in a volleyball often means the texture of the surface of the ball is going to be firm while still having that flexible feel when it hits your hands and arms. The durability you will find here is a volleyball that should last you years if you take care of it, because these balls are made to last.
Best Ball For Beginners
For young and new players, it’s fun to start with a “Lite” version volleyball. These are designed to be softer to the touch and slightly lighter so that newcomers to the sport can enjoy learning as they get used to the challenge of volleyball. If your young player is 12 or less, this is exactly the kind of ball they should be using! This particular Tachikara Volley Lite is our go-to choice. It’s available in quite a few different colors.
Best Indoor Volleyballs
When you look them up online, there are tons of different volleyballs. But how do you know which one is the best? Well of course if you don’t mind buying the most expensive, you’re probably going to get a very good ball. But what’s the ball for the money? Personally, I like the Molten ball that’s rated as the official High School level, it’s the best bang for your buck.
Best Beach Volleyballs
You don’t want to use your indoor volleyball to play outside on the sand, that’s not what it’s made for! But how do you decide which beach volleyball is the right one for you? This is our favorite because of the high-quality design that makes it durable, yet soft on the arms.
Weighted Setter’s Ball
The weighted setter’s ball is a great tool for building your setting strength and control in a natural way. This is the ball my daughter Heidie began using a few years ago and saw very quick results in her ability to control her sets. If you would like more details, I talk all about it in this video.
Don’t Forget A Pump!
Just a reminder that if you’re ordering a new volleyball, consider picking up a handy, small hand pump. Most of the time when you buy a new ball it’s going to be at least partially flat. If you order them online, many of them come completely deflated. This pump is small enough to fit in your gym bag and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Ultimately, you’re going to find your own favorites if you play long enough, but these are the best volleyballs I would recommend to start with for each category. You want to be able to balance fun and performance with cost and each of these does just that. Good luck on the courts!
