DIY Volleyball Net

Volleyball is a fun backyard sport, and one that really requires only one piece of equipment besides the ball---a net. Volleyball nets can easily be purchased at most sports stores or online, but they tend to be fairly expensive. If you want to save money, and are up for a do-it-yourself project, you can try creating your own net entirely from scratch. With the right materials, you can make a net that is just as sturdy as those used by professional volleyball players.

Things You'll Need

  • #42 nylon string
  • 2 32' steel cables
  • 2 39"x1-1/8" wood dowels
  • 22oz 4" vinyl tape
  • 6 grommets
  • Netting needle
  • Grommet-setting kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a length of string approximately eight feet long and lay it on a flat surface. Load the netting needle with another eight-foot reserve of string and begin weaving the two together. This is done by knotting the two strands together in a sheet bend every six inches along their length. Leave a few inches of loose string at the end of each strand.

    • 2

      Repeat the process with a third length of string, this time knotting it with one of the previous two strings at the midpoint of each loop. When pulled taut, this will form a netting of three-inch by three-inch squares. Continue until the netting forms a parallelogram at least 36 feet along the wide ends. Trim off the excess loops until the net is in a rectangular shape approximately 32 x 3 feet.

    • 3

      Tie the loose strands extending off the long ends to the steel cables---the upper strands to one, and the lower to the other. Tie the loose strands on the short ends to the two dowels, the same way. This will form a sturdy edge all the way around the net.

    • 4

      Cover the perimeter of the net in vinyl tape, to further protect the edges. Follow your grommet-setting kit's instructions to punch grommets through the corners of the net, and at regular intervals along the short ends. You can now run rope through the grommets to attach your new net to upright volleyball-net poles, and begin playing.