Shopping for a volleyball sounds simple until you start comparing balls that all look pretty similar. The right one comes down to where you play, what you want the ball to feel like in your hands, and how much punishment it needs to handle.

How to Choose a Volleyball (Indoor vs Beach, Feel, Size)

If you are playing week to week at the same venue, a good ball is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. Serve receive feels cleaner, sets come off your hands more predictably, and you spend less time chasing a slippery ball around the court. Here is a practical way to narrow it down.

Indoor or beach volleyball?

This is the first filter, because indoor and beach balls are built for different jobs.

• Indoor volleyballs are designed for a firm, consistent rebound off a hard court and controlled handling for setting. The cover is usually smoother, and the ball shape stays stable through faster rallies.
• Beach volleyballs are typically a touch larger and a bit softer, with a cover designed to handle sand, moisture, and outdoor conditions. They can feel easier on the hands for longer sessions, but they will not feel quite the same as an indoor match ball.

If you mostly play indoors, stick to an indoor ball even if you also kick around at the park. If you are genuinely playing on sand most weekends, go straight to a beach-specific ball.

What size volleyball do most players use?

A common question we hear in-store is whether juniors need a different size. For most organised indoor volleyball, the standard match ball size is what you will see used across teens and adults. The bigger difference for younger players is often weight and feel, not the printed size label.

Lightweight options can be worth considering for school programs, beginners, and anyone building confidence with serving and overhead skills. A slightly lighter ball can reduce hand sting and help players focus on technique.

How should a volleyball feel in your hands?

Two balls can be the same size and pressure but feel completely different to set and pass. The differences usually come from the cover material and the surface texture.

• More tacky grip: easier to control for setting and serving when your hands are cold or a bit sweaty. This feel is popular with club players who want a confident touch.
• Smoother feel: can feel faster off the hands and may suit players who prefer a clean release on float serves and quick sets.

Melbourne winter is a real factor. Cold hands and damp air can make a smooth ball feel a bit slippery, especially early in a session. If you train in colder gyms or you are the designated setter, a grippier cover is often a nicer experience.

Training ball or match ball?

Think about how often you play and how hard the ball is going to be used.

• Training balls are great for schools, backyard rallies, and teams that need multiple balls for drills. They are usually more budget-friendly, and you will not stress if one gets scuffed in the bag.
• Match balls are the pick if you want the most consistent flight and touch. If you are playing competitively, bringing your own match-quality ball to training can also help your reps feel more game-like.

If you are buying for a team, a smart setup is one match-quality ball for game-like drills, plus a couple of training balls for serving and pepper work.

Do you need a volleyball net for backyard practice?

If you have the space, a net changes everything. It gives you a real target height for serving, it forces better control on your sets, and it makes warm-ups more fun for mixed skill levels.

For casual backyard play, a portable net set is usually enough. For more regular training sessions, look for sturdier uprights and a set-up that stays tensioned once the rally gets going. If you are practicing outdoors, choose a spot out of the wind where possible, because even a light breeze can make float serves unpredictable.

How to look after a volleyball (so it lasts longer)

A volleyball will last much longer with a few simple habits.

• Keep it dry: wipe it down after use, especially if you play in a humid gym or you are switching between indoor and outdoor.
• Store it out of heat: do not leave it in a hot car boot. Heat can soften the cover and stress the seams over time.
• Check inflation regularly: a ball that is under-inflated feels heavy and can be harder on your wrists when setting. Over-inflation can make it feel harsh and can shorten its life.
• Use the right surface: indoor balls do not love rough concrete. If you want driveway rallies, choose a ball you are happy to scuff.

Popular right now at Sportsmart

If you are comparing options, these are a few volleyballs and nets customers often look at for club sessions, school sport, and backyard sets:

• MIKASA V360W Volleyball for a solid all-round indoor feel that suits training and regular play.
• MIKASA V330W Competition Volleyball if you want a more match-style touch for club sessions.
• Mikasa V390W Volleyball worth considering if you like a confident grip on contacts and a predictable rebound.
• MIKASA V355W Training Volleyball as a dependable training ball for schools, drills, and extra reps.
• Molten V5M2200 Lightweight Volleyball for beginners, juniors, and anyone who wants a lighter feel for skill work.
• Mikasa VXS Beach Star Volleyball if your main game is on sand and you want a beach-specific cover.
• Ringmaster Match Volleyball Net for home practice setups where you want a proper net for serving and setting drills.

Common mistakes when buying a volleyball

• Buying an indoor ball for sand (or the other way around): the feel and durability are different, and it is usually obvious after the first session.
• Going too cheap for club play: a budget ball is fine for casual hits, but regular passing and setting can feel inconsistent.
• Ignoring hand feel: if you set a lot, the cover texture matters more than most people expect.
• Leaving it in the car: heat and temperature swings shorten a ball’s life faster than actual play does.

FAQ

Can I use a beach volleyball indoors?

You can, but it will not feel quite like a standard indoor match ball. Beach balls are often a bit softer and can float differently, which can throw off timing for quick sets and faster attacks. If your season is indoors, an indoor ball is the better match for training.

Is a lightweight volleyball only for kids?

No. Lightweight volleyballs can suit beginners of any age, social players, and anyone working on serving and overhead technique without hand sting. They can also be handy for schools or mixed groups where skill levels vary.

How do I know if the ball is inflated properly?

The simplest check is feel. A properly inflated ball should rebound cleanly off a firm surface and feel lively on a forearm pass without feeling rock hard. If it feels heavy and dead, it is probably under-inflated. If it stings on contact, you may have gone too far.

Do I need a net at home to get better at volleyball?

A net is not essential, but it helps a lot once you start practicing serve targets and consistent sets. Even a portable net gives you a true height reference, which makes your reps more transferable to game play.

Always check your equipment before use and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Still deciding? Drop into our Moorabbin, Kilsyth or Preston stores to compare a few balls in hand. If you want a hand narrowing it down, our team can talk through what suits where you play.