Types of Volleyballs

Volleyballs come in different styles, including indoor and outdoor varieties. Volleyball manufacturers create balls specific to the age of the group participating in the sport. Rubber or butyl bladders are used inside the ball to create bounce. A butyl bladder is standard in the more expensive varieties of volleyballs, particularly the leather indoor balls.

  1. Volleyballs for Youth

    • Volleyball Lite balls are designed for youth games and school gym classes. These types of balls are softer and remove the sting created by contact with the balls for younger players. Preschool and younger elementary school gym classes can opt for a balloon-covered volleyball for beginners. Volleyball manufacturers produce a cloth sleeve, which covers a balloon, creating a ball for use with young children, physically impaired or senior citizens participating in the sport.

    Outdoor Volleyballs

    • Outdoor balls are created with synthetic leather and rubber varieties. The rubber balls are used in recreational or backyard settings and are inexpensive. This type of volleyball causes a sting to the arms when hitting it during standard play.

    Synthetic Volleyballs

    • Synthetic leather balls are durable enough for repeated outdoor play, and they are commonly used in beach and sand volleyball leagues, and tournaments.

    Leather Volleyballs

    • Leather indoor balls are the most expensive, and feature a soft leather cover and durable stitching around the ball for repeated use. This type of volleyball also comes in a setter version, which is soft leather, but weighs less than a standard ball.

    Volleyballs for Setters

    • A setter ball is used for skill enhancement of young or novice setters. Repeated hitting of the fingertips on the softer ball does not cause bruising or stinging of the setter's fingers. School and college teams in regular and tournament play use indoor leather balls. The junior Olympic club leagues also use leather indoor balls. The soft leather indoor balls feature a butyl bladder.