Volleyball (ball)

A volleyball is a ball used to play indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, or other less common variations of the sport. Volleyballs are spherical in shape and typically comprise eighteen nearly rectangular panels made from synthetic or genuine leather. These panels are organized into six identical sections, each consisting of three panels. They are carefully wrapped around a bladder to form the complete volleyball. A valve permits the internal air pressure to be adjusted. In a break from the traditional construction, in 2008, the FIVB adopted as its official indoor ball a new Mikasa with dimples and only eight panels for a softer touch and truer flight.[1]

A Molten indoor volleyball
Mikasa VLS300 official beach volleyball FIVB beach events (2017)

Volleyball characteristics

Indoor volleyballs are specifically designed for the indoor version of the sport, while beach volleyballs are tailored for the beach game.

Indoor volleyballs come in either a solid white color or the brightest shade of yellow. They are produced in two variations: a youth version, slightly smaller and lighter than adult volleyballs, and a heavier "medicine ball" type designed for setters to enhance finger strength.

Beach volleyballs are slightly larger than standard indoor balls, featuring a coarser external texture and lower internal pressure. They come in vibrant colors or a solid white option. The earliest volleyballs were crafted using leather panels over a rubber carcass.

Volleyball characteristics[2][3]
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)

Major brands

There are several brands of competitive volleyballs in use, including, but not limited to:

Most of these brands also make cheaper variations for recreational (non-competitive) use.

Adopted use

History

In 1895, the initial development of the Volleyball ball was made of a basket bladder according to William G. Morgan, the inventor of Volleyball.[4]

See also

References
  1. "New Volleyball Set For Olympics". Archived from the original on 2007-11-28. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  2. FIVB official indoor volleyball rules
  3. FIVB official beach volleyball rules
  4. "William G. Morgan" (PDF). Holyoke YMCA. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
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