Ball & Net Specification in Volleyball

Volleyball was invented by William G. Morgan in 1895. It is governed by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball, an organization with 220 affiliated national federations. The ball and the net are the most important pieces of equipment in the sport and must meet the requirements set forth by the FIVB.

  1. Net Standards

    • The height of the net should be set at 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women. It is measured from the center of the court and must be exactly the same height over the two sidelines. The net is typically 1 meter wide and ranges between 9 1/2 and 10 meters in length. It is made of 10-centimeter black mesh squares.

    Ball Requirements

    • FIVB rules mandate that the ball should be made of a flexible or synthetic leather case with a rubber bladder inside. It may be one single light color or a mixture of colors. The circumference of the ball is required to be between 65 centimeters and 67 centimeters, and it must weigh between 260 grams and 280 grams. The inside pressure should be at least 0.3 kilograms per square centimeter and no more than 0.325.

    Beach Volleyball Nets

    • Given the smaller dimensions of a beach volleyball court, the net is only 8 1/2 meters in length. It is approximately 1 meter wide and is made of 10-centimeter mesh squares. The height of the net is 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women, but it varies for younger age groups. For players in the 16 and under category, the net is set a 2.24 meters. For players in the 14 and under age group, it is set at 2.12 meters, and for 12 and under competitions, the height of the net should be 2 meters.

    Beach Volleyball Ball Standards

    • The balls used in beach volleyball matches are made from the same materials as regular volleyballs but are designed to be water-resistant. They must be suitable for outdoor conditions, particularly in the case of rain. Balls tend to be bright colors such as orange, yellow and pink and must have a circumference between 66 centimeters and 68 centimeters for FIVB competitions. The ball should weigh between 260 grams and 280 grams and have an inside pressure that is no less than 0.175 kilograms per centimeter but no more than 0.225.