Volleyball is a highly popular sport enjoyed by participants of all ages, both male and female. It is offered in almost all high schools and colleges. Starting your volleyball journey is a thrilling experience, and having the right equipment is an essential first step.
Beginners often struggle to select the right volleyball due to factors such as ball touch, durability, bounce quality, size, weight, and air stability. The grip of the ball can also make a significant difference, especially for the setting. Moreover, beginners might find softer balls problematic due to their different behavior during the game.
Our expert team has thoroughly researched and identified the top-rated volleyballs in the market for beginners. We conducted tests on various models, evaluating factors such as construction, and composite cover materials. Based on our in-depth analysis and testing, we have compiled a list of the 10 best volleyballs for beginners, along with their respective pros and cons.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Perfect For Beginners And Kids
Provides The Best Control During The Match
Attractive Design With Durability
Double-Dimpled Microfiber Composite Cover
Provides Excellent Control And Balance
Specially Designed For Beginners
Ideal Weight that Is Perfect for Recreational
Attractive Colors Combination
Superior Rubber Bladder for Softness
Best Volleyball For Beginners Reviews!
WILSON K1 Volleyball
Best Power Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Perfect For Beginners And Kids
✓ Provides The Best Control During The Match
✓ Attractive Design With Durability
✓ Internal Command Lining For More Power
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ It Is More Suitable For Indoor Games (But Amazing For Starting)
The Wilson K1 Volleyball is our top pick due to its perfect size and weight. It allows for easy handling and provides beginners with an excellent platform to learn and practice their skills. Our team observed that its high quality, reasonable serve control, and comfortable feel make it an exceptional choice for those new to the game.
During our rigorous testing, the Wilson K1 Volleyball showcased exceptional durability and versatility, thanks to its robust leather cover. It is designed for indoor play, this ball maintains optimal performance even with repeated use. Its responsive nature allows for quick adaptation during matches. Built to last and support players as they improve their skills over time, this versatile ball is a top choice.
The Wilson K1 Volleyball stands out with its exceptional internal command lining. This innovative feature enables players to generate more power and velocity by efficiently transferring kinetic energy. As a result, players can achieve more impactful kills while experiencing a softer feel. This feature provides beginners with an optimal balance between power and control, allowing them to effectively enhance their game.
MIKASA V200W Volleyball
Best Quality Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Double-Dimpled Microfiber Composite Cover
✓ Provides Excellent Control And Balance
✓ Specially Designed For Beginners
✓ Can Be Used For A Long Time
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ A Little Bit Expensive
The Mikasa Volleyball is an excellent choice for newcomers because of its impressive durability and premium build quality. It provides exceptional comfort, practical anti-sweat function, and creates a user-friendly experience for those trying volleyball for the first time.
The Mikasa Volleyball is built with a unique 18-panel configuration and double-dimpled Microfiber composite cover. These characteristics and the ball’s aerodynamic design offer beginners a streamlined path to learning and honing their skills. This ball gives a reassuring, solid feel during play, an essential confidence booster for those new to the sport.
Although the Mikasa V200W Volleyball has a higher price tag than other options, its durability and high-quality construction justify the investment. But, if you still want a friendly ball with the lowest price, we recommend Molten Recreational Volleyball, which is number six on our list.
When comparing Molten and Mikasa Volleyball, both options are great for recreational players. However, because of its higher durability and longevity, the Mikasa volleyball stands out. It is a solid, durable ball that offers long-term value for your money.
Runleaps Volleyball
Best Attractive Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Ideal Weight that Is Perfect for Recreational
✓ Attractive Colors Combination
✓ Superior Rubber Bladder for Softness
✓ Perfect for Beach and Indoor Play
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No Pump Included
The Runleaps Volleyball is an excellent choice for beginners due to its great feel and lightweight design, which makes it particularly suitable for novice players. It doesn’t lose air and offers excellent quality for its price point, making this ball an outstanding choice for those just starting.
Our testing team found that the Runleaps Volleyball is durable and comes in a variety of appealing colors. Its construction incorporates a superior rubber bladder, enhancing softness and airtightness for improved control.
With its suitable size and weight, it is ideal for both beach and indoor play. Additionally, its high power facilitates beginners in learning and mastering their skills.
The Runleaps Volleyball has one flaw - it doesn’t come with a pump. But, given its affordable price, you can easily purchase a pump separately without a significant impact on the total cost. Despite being lightweight and perfect for beach play, it is also durable enough for indoor use, making it a versatile choice, especially for beginners.
The Miramar King Volleyball
Best Affordable Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Can Hold The Air For A Long Time
✓ The Best Option For Novice Players
✓ Not Get Dirty Too Early
✓ High Performance At An Affordable Price
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ The Valve Is Of Average Quality (But Still Does Not Lose Air)
The Miramar King Beach Volleyball is on our list because of its ability to hold air well and its grippy surface, which significantly aids in controlling the ball. Its excellent quality, fantastic serve, and lightweight design make it especially suitable for beginners, who can use it for practice without feeling intimidated.
During our trials, the testing team observed that the Miramar King Beach Volleyball maintains its attractive look and white color even after extensive use. Not only does it resist dirt, but it also provides a comfortable feel, making it a preferred option for novice players. Its versatility extends to being suitable for kids, making it an excellent choice for family beach outings.
One fantastic feature we found was its ability to deliver high performance at a low price. Despite its affordability, the Miramar King Beach Volleyball doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality. Its softer feel makes it comfortable for continuous play, and its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, especially for beginners and kids.
Tachikara Institutional Leather Volleyball
Best Durable Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ It Provides An Excellent Feel And Softness
✓ Single-Unit Construction For Durability
✓ Attractive Color Pattern
✓ Best Ball For Beginner
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ It Does Not Come With An Air Pump
The Tachikara Leather Volleyball provides a good feel and softness due to the woven-fiber ‘V100’ composite and cotton reinforcement. Its durability and excellent quality, coupled with its official size, make it an ideal choice for those learning the ropes of the game.
The Tachikara Leather Volleyball’s single-unit construction contributes to its durability and precise shape. This construction allows for consistent performance and benefits beginners by developing their skills. The ball’s attractive colors add to its appeal and make it a visually pleasing sports equipment.
Our team greatly appreciated this feature’s excellent balance between quality and price. Despite its high-quality construction and features, the Tachikara Leather Volleyball comes at a decent cost, making it a worthwhile investment for beginners.
Molten Recreational Volleyball
Best Lightweight Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Ultra-Soft Pu Cover For Less Pressure On Arms
✓ Light In Weight For Easy Handling
✓ Available In Different Color Options
✓ Moderate Quality With The Best Price
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not Suitable For Windy Areas
The Molten Recreational Volleyball is ideal for beginners, particularly younger kids. Its ultra-soft PU cover ensures a gentle impact on the arms, making the learning process more comfortable for novices. This feature significantly reduces the intimidation factor for beginners. Additionally, the lightweight nature of the ball aids in easy handling and provides optimum performance, giving the young players a confidence boost as they practice their serves and volleys.
On the design front, the Molten Recreational Volleyball doesn’t disappoint. It’s available in a variety of colors, adding an element of fun to the game. The durability of this volleyball is another significant plus due to its machine-stitched construction. Despite offering such high-quality features, the ball is priced reasonably, providing excellent value for your investment.
However, our testing team observed a minor hiccup in the product’s performance. When the volleyball was tested in windy outdoor conditions, it was challenging to control due to its lightweight nature. This might affect its performance in such environments. But if you are a beginner and want average volleyball for indoor practice, it will be your best budget-friendly choice
Baden Volleyball Set
Best Price Volleyball Set
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Easy To Set Up
✓ It Comes With A High-Quality Ball
✓ Metal Poles For Best Support
✓ Available At Best Price Point
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Boundary Ropes Are Of Average Quality
The Baden Volleyball set is not only sturdy but also carries an attractive look, making it a fitting addition to any backyard or beach setting. This ease of setup is a perfect feature that stands out, allowing novices to start their game without any hassles. The set also comes with a high-quality ball, providing a complete package for beginners to jump-start their volleyball journey.
In terms of construction, the Baden Volleyball Set boasts high-quality material, ensuring durability and longevity. The vast net is high, providing a realistic and challenging playing environment for those developing skills. Additionally, the metal poles offer stable support to the net, ensuring consistent play without any sagging. These features combine to provide a robust and reliable volleyball setup.
This set also features clear and defined boundary lines that are essential for beginners to comprehend and uphold court limits. This fosters discipline and enhances game awareness right from the start. In addition to its high-quality features and robust design, this competitively priced set offers excellent value.
However, it’s worth noting that the overall performance of this setup could vary based on the playing environment and weather conditions. Overall, the Baden Volleyball Set provides a comprehensive and affordable solution for beginners to kickstart their volleyball experience.
Mikasa Squish Volleyball
Best Control Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ It Can Be Played Indoor/Outdoor
✓ Lightweight For Easy Control
✓ Attractive Design With Durability
✓ Waterproof And Suitable For Water-Based Games
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Size A Little Bit Smaller
The Mikasa Squish Volleyball is a fantastic product that our team discovered to be a perfect fit for beginners, especially young girls and boys. It has a softer feel, which reduces intimidation for those just starting their volleyball journey.
Additionally, its lightweight design makes it easier for young players to handle and control, greatly boosting the confidence of novice players as they practice their serves and volleys.
When it comes to durability, the Mikasa Squish Volleyball does not disappoint. Despite its soft exterior, it’s built to last, allowing young players to enjoy countless hours of play without worrying about wear and tear.
The ball comes in a variety of attractive colors and designs, adding an element of fun and excitement to every game. It’s suitable for all skill levels, allowing players to continue using it as they progress in their volleyball skills.
The Mikasa Squish Volleyball also stands out for its versatility. Additionally, it is waterproof, making it a perfect choice for pool games, beach outings, and other water-based activities. Moreover, its indoor and outdoor usability offers flexibility for users. Despite these high-end features, volleyball is affordable, providing great value for money.
WILSON Recreation Volleyball
Best Indoor/Outdoor Volleyballs
REASONS TO BUY
✓ It Is The Perfect Ball For Recreational Players
✓ Synthetic Leather Cover For A Nice Feel
✓ Butyl Rubber Bladder For Durability
✓ Suitable For Indoor/Outdoor Play
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ It Is A Little Bit Harder When Compared With Another Ball
The WILSON Recreation Volleyball’s synthetic leather cover gives it a great feel and is super soft to the touch. This ensures comfort during play, reducing the intimidation factor for novices starting to learn the game. The ball is also bouncy, offering an engaging and enjoyable playing experience right from the start.
In terms of durability, the WILSON Recreation Volleyball is impressive. Its synthetic leather cover provides a good feel and ensures longevity, enabling countless hours of play.
Furthermore, the ball features a Butyl rubber bladder, contributing to its durability and maintaining its shape and bounce over time. The ball’s high quality and durability make it perfect for backyard games, allowing beginners to practice and improve their skills in a relaxed environment.
The WILSON Recreation Volleyball also scores high on aesthetics, with its attractive colors appealing to both men and women. Its eye-catching design adds a touch of excitement to every game, whether played indoors or outdoors. Despite its high-quality features, the ball is reasonably priced, offering excellent value and making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Wilson Soft Play Volleyball
Best Leather Volleyball
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Sponge-Backed Synthetic Leather Cover
✓ Rubber Bladder For Accurate Shape
✓ Attractive Design With Different Color Options
✓ Affordable Price With Amazing Features
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Leather Is Suitable For Average Play!
The Wilson Soft Play Volleyball is last on our list but must still be more durable than the above models. Its sponge-backed synthetic leather cover gives the ball a soft feel, making it comfortable to handle and play. This feature significantly reduces the intimidation factor for novices, allowing them to focus on developing their skills rather than being wary of the ball’s impact.
The high-quality synthetic leather cover ensures longevity, allowing hours of play without compromising the ball’s quality. This volleyball also features a rubber bladder, which maintains its shape and bounces over time. Our testing team observed that these features combine to make the ball ideal for games in the backyard, park, or beach, giving beginners a versatile tool to practice and enjoy the game.
Visually, the Wilson Soft Play Volleyball is appealing, with different color options that match the product pictures accurately. This adds a layer of fun and excitement to the game. Despite being an official-size ball, it’s easy to play with, making it suitable for a wide range of players, regardless of their skill level. Despite offering these high-quality features, the ball is reasonably priced, making it excellent value.
Factors to Consider for Volleyball for Beginners
Choosing the proper volleyball as a beginner involves considering several factors. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Type of the Ball
First, it’s essential to understand why you need the ball. Are you planning to play indoors, outdoors, or both? Indoor volleyballs are made from soft leather and are lighter, while outdoor volleyballs are made from a more durable material designed to withstand harsh conditions.
Choose the Right Size
Volleyball sizes vary for different age groups. More petite balls are more appropriate for beginners and younger players as they’re easier to handle. The standard size for adults is size 5, with a 65-67 cm circumference.
Consider the Weight
The weight of the ball can significantly affect how it’s handled. Heavier balls can be harder to control but offer a more consistent flight path. Lighter balls are easier to handle but can be more affected by external factors like wind.
Check the Material
The material of the volleyball affects its durability and feel. Leather volleyballs are typical for indoor play due to their softness and high durability. Synthetic leather is often used for outdoor balls as it can withstand different weather conditions.
Test the Ball’s Bounce
Bounce or rebound is an essential factor. A ball that rebounds too much can be hard to control, while one that doesn’t bounce enough can make play difficult.
Assess the Price
Higher-priced volleyballs usually offer better quality and last longer, but there are also affordable options that suit beginners just fine.
Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the ball. It should fit your hand well, be easy to control, and suited to your level of play.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, if you’re still unsure about which volleyball to choose, our team highly recommends the Wilson K1 Volleyball and the Runleaps Volleyball, especially for beginners.
The Wilson K1 Volleyball stands out with its pro-size, comfortable feel, and innovative internal command lining that perfectly balances power and control.
On the other hand, The Runleaps Volleyball impresses with its lightweight design, high control, and versatile performance, making it ideal for novice players.
Both options are high-quality, durable, and beginner-friendly, providing new players an excellent platform to learn and hone their skills.