Volleyball (ball) facts for kids
A volleyball is a special ball used to play the exciting sport of volleyball. You might see it used for indoor games, on the sandy beach, or in other fun types of volleyball.
Volleyballs are round. They used to be made from 18 rectangular panels of leather or fake leather, all stitched together in six sections. These panels wrapped around an inner air bag, called a bladder. A small valve lets you add or remove air to get the right pressure.
However, things changed! In 2008, the FIVB, which is the main group for volleyball around the world, chose a new official indoor ball. This new ball, made by Mikasa, has cool dimples (like a golf ball!) and only eight panels. This design makes the ball feel softer when you hit it and helps it fly straighter through the air.
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Different Kinds of Volleyballs
There are two main types of volleyballs: those made for indoor games and those made for beach volleyball. Each type is designed to work best for its specific game.
Indoor Volleyballs
Indoor volleyballs are usually solid white or a very bright yellow color. They come in a few versions:
- Standard Indoor Ball: This is the regular ball used by adults and older players.
- Youth Version: For younger players, there's a slightly smaller and much lighter ball. This makes it easier for kids to learn and play.
- Medicine Ball Type: Some players use a heavier "medicine ball" version. This isn't for playing a game, but for training. It helps setters (players who set the ball for spikes) make their fingers stronger.
Beach Volleyballs
Beach volleyballs are a bit different from indoor balls. They are usually a little larger and have a rougher feel on the outside. This rough texture helps players grip the ball better, especially when it's sandy or wet. Beach balls also have less air inside, meaning they are softer. They can be brightly colored or solid white.
The very first volleyballs ever made were crafted from leather panels wrapped over a rubber inner tube.
Volleyball Specifications
Here's a quick look at how different volleyballs measure up:
| Circumference cm (inches) |
Mass grams (ounces) |
Internal pressure kgf/cm² (psi) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard indoor | 65-67 (25.5-26.5) | 260-280 (9.2-9.9) | 0.3-0.325 (4.3-4.6) |
| Youth indoor | 63-65 (25-26) | 260-280 (9.2-9.9) | 0.3 (4.3) |
| Beach | 66-68 (26-27) | 260-280 (9.2-9.9) | 0.175-0.225 (2.5-3.2) |
Who Makes Volleyballs?
Many companies make volleyballs for both competitive games and just for fun. Some of the most well-known brands include:
- Tachikara
- Molten
- Allsix
- Copaya
- Wilson
- Mikasa
- Mizuno
- Nike
- Spalding
- Beta
Most of these brands also create cheaper versions of their balls. These are perfect for playing with friends or just practicing, rather than for official competitions.
Official Volleyballs in Sports
Different sports organizations choose specific brands to be their official ball. This means that ball is used in all their official games and tournaments.
- Mikasa makes the official balls for the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the CEV - European Volleyball Confederation. This includes both beach and indoor volleyballs.
- Molten makes the official ball for USA Volleyball, which is the national governing body for volleyball in the United States.
- Molten also makes the official ball for NCAA Volleyball, which is for college sports in the USA.
- Wilson makes the official ball for the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), a professional beach volleyball tour.
