How to Set Up a Women's College Volleyball Net

College volleyball players follow the standards set by the USA Volleyball governing body. It requires an exact net height and length, antennae placement and protective pads for the posts. Although men and women play on the same courts and use the same nets, the net height for women is 7 1/2 inches lower than for men.

Things You'll Need

  • Volleyball net
  • Antennae
  • Volleyball posts with crank
  • Protective pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the posts into the floor at a minimum of 20 inches and a maximum of 31 inches outside the sidelines, which are the lines drawn along the sides of the court. Indoor gymnasium floors typically are fitted with holes to match the circumference of the posts. Ceiling-mounted nets do not use poles but are uncommon; wire-supported posts are not allowed.

    • 2

      Attach the net to the posts by linking the cable that runs through the top of the net and extends out each end to the hook on each post. Attach the bottom cable in the same manner.

    • 3

      Tighten the net by inserting the crank into the hole on the outside of each post and turning until the desired tightness is reached. The right tension will allow the ball to bounce back off the net and be playable.

    • 4

      Attach the antennae. These are flexible rods that are fastened to the outside of both sides of the net, usually with Velcro strips. Place the antennae so that they line up on the outer edges of the sidelines. Antennae should rise 2 1/2 feet above the net. The antennae identify the outside boundaries of the court. If a ball hits an antenna or goes outside of it, it is out of bounds.

    • 5

      Raise the net to 7 feet, 4 1/8 inch--measured from the center top of the net to the floor--by inserting the crank into the hole in the lower, inside section of each post and turning it until the right height is achieved. The net may be 3/4 of an inch higher as it climbs to the poles, but no more.

    • 6

      Attach the protective pads. The pads wrap around the poles and connect with Velcro straps. A pad is about 6 feet in length and wraps around most of a pole.