Choosing the right Volleyball

Volleyballs are inflatable balls made of leather or synthetic materials. When filled with air, they weigh nine to 10 ounces and measure 25.5 to 27 inches in circumference. Volleyballs are made with three layers. The first layer is a bladder made of the same rubber material basketballs, tennis balls, and soccer balls are made of. The second layer is a cloth layer that surrounds the rubber bladder, which is either attached or floats inside the second layer. The third and outermost layer is the shell. It is composed of 18 panels made of a leather or synthetic material.

Kinds of Volleyballs include the following:

Indoor volleyballs
Indoor volleyballs are made for indoor use. They are usually made of leather or leather composites. They feature a molded construction. Their panels are attached to the nylon wound core or fabric center, the valve core, and the valve housing, making them aerodynamic. The more expensive models usually have premium leather outer coverings and free-suspended bladders made of rubber or polyurethane that allow air circulation. However, they easily wear away. Their appearance quickly degrades because of the porous quality of leather. Most models are susceptible to wind, water, and other outdoor elements.

Outdoor volleyballs
Outdoor volleyballs are made for use in fields, backyards, and beaches. They are usually made of synthetic leather that does not grow heavy with age and water exposure. Their panels are hand-stitched together to form the bladder and the cover. Their valve cores and valve housings are assembled and inserted inside the balls before closing the stitches. The have textures and compositions that make them react more favorably to wind, sand, water, and moisture. They are very forgiving. They also attack much faster than indoor volleyballs. Most models feature smooth panels with a soft, spongy feel.

Air pressure:
For excellent performance, make sure your volleyball has the correct amount of air pressure before using it in a practice or an actual game. Choose a volleyball with an air pressure of four to five pounds per square inch (psi).