Every sport comes with a set of basic or minimal equipment that you should have to be able to practice properly. Beach volleyball is obviously no exception to that …
The beauty of this sport is that you don’t need too much gear to practice. However, I’ve preferred to share all possible equipment (buying all of them is definitely not necessary) so you can have a nice idea about that.
I address equipment used by players, those used in the court and even gear used by the referee.
Let’s dive in!
Player Equipment
1. Beach Ball
Obviously that’s the most important piece of equipment you should have. There are mainly 2 types of balls that you will find in the market. Those made out of plastic and others made out of soft leather.
To be honest, I prefer beach balls much more than indoor balls, mainly because of their look. They come with attractive colors.
The ball is generally lightweight, 295 grams or even less.
If you are looking for beach ball, then you definitely need to make sure it is waterproof, in case it gets in contact with salt water. For example this quality beach ball can perfectly resist to salt water.
2. Sand Socks
I am very surprise this gear in not very popular amongst beach volleyball practitioners given its importance (at least in my humble opinion).
Indeed, they play a crucial role when it comes to protecting your beloved feet from the heat as well as sharp objects that can hurt you.
Sand socks have nothing to do with regular socks (check this quality example Here at Amazon). They are usually waterproof, or at least water resistant and can be used for things like swimming.
You learn more on how to protect your feet in beach volleyball …
3. Knee Pads
I have to admit that knee pads (Check this example Here at Amazon) are not that common in beach volleyball, unlike indoor volley when almost every single player wears knee pads …
However, I still would suggest to you to use them if you are a beginner or even an amateur simply because it adds that extra layer of protection that would promote your beloved knees safety.
For people who have had an old knee injury (even if they’ve fully recovered from it), I highly recommend using knee pads.
You can learn more about the importance of knee pads for sand volleyball …
4. Hat
Hat is often necessary for a pleasant playing experience. When playing on the beach, the sun often shines all day long…
5. Sunglasses
Sun light can make it hard for your vision, especially if the sun is on the opposite side. Sunglasses are a great tool to help correct that and give you a cleaner vision of the ball as well as the players.
Keep in mind that the sun effect in the sand is much higher than regular places, as the sun light is reflect from the sand on you, which make the sun even worse.
6. Sun Protection
Again, because of the same reasons I’ve explained above, it is very important to protect your body from the sunlight.
Sunscreen is extremely important to give you such protection. This is, by the way, one of the main reasons why most beach volleyball players look shiny!
7. Bottle of water
Do I have to mention that?! Anyway, I guess I have to because there are some people who make the ig mistake of not having a bottle of water with them while playing …
Sweating makes the body loses a ton of water, and without proper hydration you will definitely suffer and affect your performance and body as well!
8. Proper Clothing
Players from the same team or country are dressed the same. Players usually prefer to wear a swimsuit when playing beach volleyball.
If you are reading this article in the winter season, then you probably should learn about things to wear for sand volleyball when it’s cold …
9. Backpack
A beach volleyball backpack must contain all the personal equipment needed for a beach match. The backpack should be light and easy to carry.
Beach volleyball backpacks (Check this quality example Here at Amazon) are water repellent and need to protect the interior from sand.
Some beach volleyball backpacks may also include cooling to keep your snacks and drinks cool.
10. Ball pump
Ball pumps are compact, powerful and reliable equipment. It can be operated manually or mechanically to quickly inflate volleyball, basketball and other new or used sporting goods.
Court Equipment
11. Net
Obviously the net is what gives the game of the sense it has. The latter needs have a height between 6”4 and 8 feet depending on whether it is men or women volleyball. This could be lower for the youth under 18 years old!
Keep in mind that there are some foldable volleyball nets (Check this example) that you can stick to the sand and start practicing immediately.
12. Court Boundary lines
If it’s not enough to just put your foot in the sand and draw a line, gameplay requires a set of beach volleyball court borders.
The boundaries are often made of durable material that can be easily rolled up and unfolded to set up as a stadium.
Lines often have stakes to slide the corner rings to stabilize the line. The dimensions of the official course should be 8 meters long and 16 meters wide.
13. Ball Bag
Volleyball bag is a rectangular nylon bag designed to hold up to 6 official size inflated volleyball. With an adjustable shoulder strap and a place to write your team name, this bag is perfect for traveling.
You can also learn about how much it generally cost to build a beach volleyball court from A to Z …
Referee Equipment
14. Referee Stand
Beach volleyball referees have the same functionality as indoor volleyball referees, with the main difference being that they can withstand weather conditions.
A beach volleyball referee’s stand is required when entering the official competition area, allowing the referee to observe the entire court in a highly visible and vantage point.
Beach volleyball referee stands are often easy to move to different locations and locations on the beach or sandy beach.
15. Whistle
At all official beach volleyball competitions with referees, the official must be properly equipped with the referee’s whistle.
The whistle must be assertive and destructive so that players, fans and other officials can hear his whistle. The referee’s whistle is used to stop the game or make a call to resolve a controversial foul, point, or outbound call.
16. Scoring Material
A volleyball match comprises five games, which are called sets. Each set goes until one team scores 25 points, and the match consists of up to five sets. A team needs to win three sets to win the match, and if there’s a tie after the fourth, the last set will only require 15 points.
However, a beach volleyball match only has three sets, and the sets only go to 21 points. But like with regular volleyball, the third match will only go until a team scores 15 points
Final Thoughts …
Again, you don’t have to but all those equipment to start playing beach volleyball. In my humble opinion, you a ball, with a net and socks are more than enough to get started, especially if there are other partners around you that you can practice with …
Hope you’ve found this short post helpful!
