JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most accessible team sports around. Whether you're joining a rec league, playing pickup on the beach, or setting up a backyard net, the gear list is genuinely short. Here's what you actually need and what you can skip for now.

By Colin B. · Published June 15, 2026 · Last reviewed June 15, 2026
Volleyball players competing at the net during an indoor match

Photo by th.mdz_ on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. Mikasa V300W Official Volleyball — The Mikasa V300W is what every indoor rec league uses. Tournament quality at a beginner-friendly price.
  2. Mizuno LR6 Volleyball Knee Pads — Mizuno LR6 knee pads are the volleyball standard. Every serious indoor player owns a pair.
  3. ASICS Gel-Rocket 10 Indoor Volleyball Shoes — ASICS Gel-Rocket shoes are built for volleyball's lateral cuts. Running shoes invite ankle injuries.
Budget total
$75
Typical total
$150
A regulation ball, knee pads, and court shoes gets you onto any court for around $150. Add a portable net only if backyard play is the goal.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
VolleyballsMikasaMikasa V300W Official Volleyball$$ See on Amazon →
Knee PadsMizunoMizuno LR6 Volleyball Knee Pads$$ See on Amazon →
Court ShoesASICSASICS Gel-Rocket 10 Indoor Volleyball Shoes$$ See on Amazon →
Net SystemsPark & Sun SportsPark & Sun Sports Spectrum Classic Volleyball Set$$$ See on Amazon →
AccessoriesMikasaMikasa DAP Dual Action Hand Pump$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Decide where you'll mostly play before buying a ball. Indoor balls are harder with a different construction than beach balls, and using the wrong type in your environment will feel off and train your passes incorrectly.

Knee pads are non-negotiable for indoor play on hardwood or gym floors. A single diving attempt on bare knees will convince you. Buy them before your first session, not after.

Skip the portable net for now if you're joining a league or playing at parks. Courts are everywhere, and spending $150 on a backyard setup before you know the sport will stick is a lot.

The gear

What you actually need

Volleyballs

Your ball determines your experience more than any other purchase. Indoor volleyballs are harder with an 18-panel composite leather cover designed for gym floors. Beach volleyballs are softer, water-resistant, and slightly larger to compensate for wind. For rec leagues and gym play, buy indoor. For beach-only play, buy a beach ball. Recreational balls are lighter and gentler on beginners' forearms, worth considering if passing hurts after your first few sessions.

Volleyballs — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Indoor

Harder 18-panel composite. The standard for gym, rec league, and club play.

Panels
18
Weight
260-280g
Cover
Composite leather

Best for Gym floors, rec leagues, club and school teams

Tradeoff Wrong feel for beach; wears fast on rough outdoor surfaces

↓ See our pick
Beach

Softer, water-resistant. Slightly larger to handle wind and outdoor sand play.

Panels
18
Weight
260-280g
Cover
Water-resistant

Best for Sand courts, outdoor beach tournaments

Tradeoff Soft feel makes indoor passing feel inconsistent afterward

↓ See our pick
Recreational

Lighter and softer. Easier on forearms for players still learning to pass.

Weight
~230g
Feel
Softer impact
Use case
Casual/backyard

Best for Casual backyard play, beginners with tender forearms

Tradeoff Not regulation spec; won't fly like a real game ball

↓ See our pick
Best starter
Mikasa

V300W Official Volleyball

$$

Our rating

The V300W is the ball you'll see at indoor rec leagues and club courts everywhere. Its 18-panel dimple construction mirrors the MVA200 Olympic ball at a fraction of the price. The composite leather holds air reliably and flies predictably, which matters when you're developing passing and serving muscle memory.

What we like

  • Same 18-panel dimple design as the Olympic MVA200, less the price
  • Consistent flight builds proper passing and serving muscle memory
  • Holds air reliably between sessions

What to know

  • Indoor only; wears faster on sand or rough outdoor surfaces
  • Harder impact than training balls; forearms may bruise early on
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Wilson

Super Soft Play Volleyball

$

Our rating

Wilson's soft-touch rec ball is the right move if passing hurts at the start. The lighter, softer feel reduces forearm sting while you're building technique. Not what you'll use in a league, but a good way in if you're not sure the sport will stick.

What we like

  • Softer impact is forgiving for beginners still learning to pass
  • Holds up to casual outdoor use on grass, driveway, or sand

What to know

  • Not regulation spec; upgrade to a real ball before joining a league
  • Lighter flight won't train your arm swing for actual game balls
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Wilson

AVP Official Beach Volleyball

$$

Our rating

If you're playing on sand, this is your ball. The AVP is the official ball of the AVP beach tour: water-resistant cover, softer touch, and sized for outdoor conditions. Don't bring this to a gym. The softer feel will throw off your indoor passes.

What we like

  • Official AVP Tour ball used at professional beach competitions
  • Water-resistant cover handles sand, sweat, and outdoor play

What to know

  • Softer feel doesn't translate to indoor play
  • Pricier for a ball you'll only use outdoors
See on Amazon →

Knee Pads

Knee pads are non-negotiable for indoor volleyball. The sport involves dropping to the floor and diving on hardwood gym surfaces, and bare kneecaps at speed is genuinely painful. Quality volleyball knee pads are not expensive and last for years. What matters: padding thickness (7-10mm is the sweet spot), a sleeve that grips the leg without cutting off circulation, and a profile low enough not to restrict your squat. Thicker is not always better; bulky pads reduce mobility noticeably.

Best starter
Mizuno

LR6 Volleyball Knee Pads

$$

Our rating

The LR6 is the knee pad you'll see on every experienced indoor volleyball player. Mizuno has made this pad essentially unchanged for years because it works: the sleeve holds position through two-hour practices, the padding is thick enough to dive on hardwood without hesitation, and the profile doesn't restrict range of motion.

What we like

  • The most common knee pad on indoor volleyball courts worldwide
  • Sleeve holds position through full two-hour practices without sliding
  • Low profile doesn't restrict squatting or lateral movement

What to know

  • Size by knee circumference, not clothing size; measure first
  • Less cushion than bulkier pads; not ideal if you dive constantly
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
McDavid

6440 HexPad Knee Pad

$

Our rating

McDavid's hex-pattern foam is surprisingly effective for the price, and the athletic sleeve fits a wide range of leg sizes. A solid first pair before you know your preference for padding thickness and sleeve tightness.

What we like

  • Hex-pattern foam provides real impact protection at a budget price
  • Wider size range than most volleyball-specific pads

What to know

  • Foam compresses with heavy use; may need replacing mid-season
  • Sleeve material collects lint and pet hair aggressively
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
ASICS

Gel-Conform II Volleyball Kneepad

$$

Our rating

The gel insert adds real impact absorption for players who dive frequently. Liberos and players on teams training on older, unforgiving gym floors will notice the difference. Overkill for casual rec play, but the right call for practice-heavy club teams.

What we like

  • Gel insert absorbs impact better than foam-only pads on hard floors
  • Worth the upgrade for liberos or players who dive every practice

What to know

  • Bulkier than Mizuno LR6, which restricts range of motion slightly
  • More than most rec players need at the beginner stage
Find on Amazon →

Court Shoes

The argument for court shoes is the same as it is for pickleball and tennis: volleyball involves explosive lateral movement, and running shoes have tall, soft heels that roll ankles when you cut sideways. Volleyball court shoes have flatter soles, stiffer lateral support, and forefoot cushioning for landing from jumps. Tennis shoes work as a substitute. What you should not wear: running shoes, cross-trainers, or anything with a tall heel.

Best starter
ASICS

Gel-Rocket 10 Indoor Volleyball Shoes

$$

Our rating

The Gel-Rocket is the most recommended beginner volleyball shoe for good reason. Lateral support, forefoot Gel cushioning for jump landings, and a non-marking outsole for gym floors. Under $75, it's the best combination of performance and value in the category.

What we like

  • Gel forefoot cushion absorbs jump landings better than flat court shoes
  • Non-marking outsole grips gym floors without scuffing
  • True to size across most foot types; fewer return hassles

What to know

  • Runs narrow; wide-foot players should size up or try wide option
  • Not durable for outdoor concrete; strictly for indoor gym use
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
ASICS

Upcourt 5 Volleyball Shoes

$

Our rating

ASICS makes the best budget volleyball shoe with the Upcourt. You give up some cushioning versus the Gel-Rocket but keep the lateral support and non-marking sole. The right pick if you're not sure the sport will stick.

What we like

  • ASICS quality at a price that makes sense before you're committed
  • Same non-marking sole and lateral support as higher-end ASICS

What to know

  • Less cushioning; you'll feel the difference in long practice sessions
  • Uppers wear faster; may need replacing after one heavy-use season
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Mizuno

Wave Lightning Z7 Volleyball Shoes

$$$

Our rating

When you're playing three or more times a week, the Wave Lightning Z7 is where most serious players land. Mizuno's Wave cushioning handles repeated jump landings noticeably better, and the lateral stability beats any general court shoe. The brand coaches and club players trust.

What we like

  • Wave cushioning is noticeably better for repeated jump landings
  • The shoe club-level and coached players reach for

What to know

  • Hard to justify before you're playing 3+ times per week
  • Firmer court feel than Gel alternatives; personal preference matters
See on Amazon →

Net Systems

A portable net is only worth buying if you plan to play in a backyard or park without permanent courts. Rec centers, schools, and parks with volleyball facilities already have nets. If you do want to set up your own, the key factors are pole thickness (thicker means less wobble), base stability, and height adjustability (men's indoor is 7'11.69", women's indoor is 7'4.15", beach is 7'11.69"). Budget systems under $80 use thin poles that sway noticeably mid-game.

Best starter
Park & Sun Sports

Spectrum Classic Volleyball Set

$$$

Our rating

Park & Sun has made outdoor net sets for decades and the Spectrum Classic is the reliable middle option. Steel poles, adjustable height for men's and women's regulation, ground stakes that hold on moderate turf, and a net that doesn't sag after a few games. The right buy for serious backyard volleyball.

What we like

  • Steel poles stay upright during real games, not just casual hits
  • Adjustable height covers men's and women's regulation specs
  • Net tensioning keeps it taut without constant readjustment

What to know

  • Stakes designed for grass; won't hold in sand or hard-packed dirt
  • 20-minute setup the first time; gets faster with practice
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Patiassy

Portable Volleyball Net Set

$$$

Our rating

If you need a multi-surface setup that works on concrete, grass, or sand without stakes, the Patiassy uses adjustable aluminum poles and anchors that adapt to different surfaces. Clean look, adjustable regulation height, and sets up without tools. Good option for parks, beach days, and backyard play.

What we like

  • Sand or water bases work on concrete, grass, or beach without stakes
  • Sets up without tools in under 15 minutes once you know the system

What to know

  • Filled bases add serious weight; not a light carry over any distance
  • Base bags are prone to slow leaks over multiple seasons
See on Amazon →

Accessories

Two things genuinely worth buying: a ball pump and a gear bag. Volleyballs lose pressure over time, and a flat ball behaves completely differently from a properly inflated one. Any hand pump with a needle works. A bag matters once you have knee pads, shoes, a ball, and a water bottle to carry. A volleyball-specific backpack keeps everything organized and keeps sweaty gear separate. That's it. Nothing else is necessary for your first few months.

Best starter
Mikasa

DAP Dual Action Hand Pump

$

Our rating

Inflates on both the push and pull stroke, cutting pump time in half. Comes with multiple needles. A properly inflated volleyball matters more than people expect; flat balls fly unpredictably. Keep a pressure gauge on hand separately to confirm you're at 4.3-4.6 PSI.

What we like

  • Dual-action inflates on push and pull, cutting pump time in half
  • Includes multiple needles; works on volleyballs, soccer balls, and bikes

What to know

  • Shorter handle than some competitors; harder for smaller hands
  • Needles can loosen in the valve port if you pump too fast
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Tachikara

TV6 Nylon Volleyball Carry Bag

$$

Our rating

Tachikara's TV6 is a simple, durable nylon carry bag sized for volleyball gear. Fits a ball, knee pads, shoes, and accessories in one bag. The brand has been making volleyball equipment for decades and this bag is a practical, no-frills solution for getting your gear to and from the gym.

What we like

  • Separate shoe/knee pad pocket keeps sweaty gear from clean items
  • Volleyball-sized ball compartment fits a full-size ball comfortably

What to know

  • Smaller than a standard backpack; not a good everyday carry
  • Limited colorways compared to general sport bags
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your First Month of Volleyball

Volleyball has a learning curve that clicks faster than you'd expect. Here's how to get from day-one confusion to holding your own in a rec game within your first month.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A ball machine — Useful for drilling specific shots, but you'll learn faster in actual games. Wait until you've played 50+ hours and have a specific technique gap to address.
  • Ankle braces — Court shoes with proper lateral support are your ankle protection at the beginner level. Lace-up braces are for players returning from injury, not for prevention from day one.
  • Arm sleeves — If passing bruises your forearms early on, technique is the issue, not your gear. Arm sleeves mask the symptom without fixing the cause.
  • A libero jersey — The libero is a coach-assigned position designation. You don't choose it; a coach assigns it. Not a purchase decision.
  • Volleyball-specific compression shorts — Any athletic shorts that let you move freely work. The volleyball-branded versions are mostly a markup.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find a rec league or open gym near you. Most community centers and YMCAs run volleyball nights; look for 'open gym' or 'recreational volleyball.' · Action
  2. Order a regulation indoor ball so it arrives before your first session. · Buy
  3. Order knee pads. Buy them before your first session on hardwood floors, not after. · Buy
  4. Order court shoes. Running shoes put your ankles at real risk on lateral cuts. · Buy
  5. Learn the three core skills: the forearm pass (bump), the overhead set, and the underhand serve. You don't need to spike on day one. · Learn
  6. Play at least two sessions in your first week. Volleyball is physical memory and sessions spaced too far apart slow the learning curve significantly. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

How much does it cost to start playing volleyball?

Around $150 for everything you need: a regulation ball ($30-50), knee pads ($25-40), and court shoes ($60-80). Skip the portable net unless backyard play is the actual goal.

Can I use running shoes for volleyball?

We strongly recommend against it. Running shoes have soft, tall heels designed for forward motion that roll your ankle when you cut sideways. Court shoes with flat, supportive soles are the single most important injury-prevention purchase in volleyball.

What's the difference between indoor and beach volleyball gear?

Balls are different: indoor balls are harder with a composite leather cover; beach balls are softer and water-resistant. Court shoes are for indoor only; beach players use bare feet or sand socks. Knee pads aren't needed on sand. The skills transfer, but the gear is specific to each format.

Do I need to join a league, or can I play pickup?

Pickup is fine and often the fastest way to learn. Look for 'open gym' nights at community centers, YMCAs, and recreation centers. Many cities have outdoor sand courts with informal pickup in summer. No league required to start.

How long does it take to get good at volleyball?

The three core skills (passing, setting, serving) are learnable in a few weeks of regular play. Consistent serve-receive takes months. Spiking reliably can take a year. Volleyball rewards patience, but you can be genuinely useful on a rec team within your first month.

Do I need knee pads for beach volleyball?

No. Sand is soft enough that diving doesn't require pad protection. Knee pads are specifically for indoor play on hardwood gym floors. On the beach, bare knees are standard.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • USA Volleyball — The national governing body. Official rules, sanctioned events, club and league directory.
  • FIVB (volleyball.world) — International volleyball federation. Full match archives, player profiles, event schedules.
  • The Art of Coaching Volleyball — Player-facing technique guides. Great for fundamentals after a few sessions.
  • Elevate Yourself (YouTube) — Top beginner-through-intermediate YouTube channel. Patient instruction, good fundamental drills.
  • r/volleyball — Active community for all levels. Good for gear questions, finding local leagues, and technique advice.
women playing volleyball inside court

Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash

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