Must Have Volleyball Gear: 4 Essentials For All athletes

Posted: 1/23/24

Last updated: 9/27/24

Written by: Thalia A. Urena

4 essential volleyball items

When it comes to Volleyball there are a few essential items a player will need when first starting out. I remember going into my first summer captain’s practice and I was nervous to ask the Varsity captains what gear I should buy for tryouts. Even then, she listed a few items and mentioned how it's “optional” until officially making a team.

Throughout this post you’ll notice I’m not plugging any specific brands, or companies because most of that is subjective to what you like!

However, let’s dive into the 4 essential gear items I think volleyball players should consider having when going into a season. 

1. Knee pads

In the context of knee pads, most of my athletes prefer different brands, and styles.

One style that some people wear are commonly called “turtle knee pads”. People call them ‘turtle knee pads’ because they resemble the shell of a turtle with how sturdy/thick they are as well as oval shaped.

Some players prefer this style since it adds more protection for their knees on a fall. However I personally prefer a thinner/more flexible knee pad since I was a setter and needed to run more freely. So, it’s all about trial and error with knee pads to find what you like! 

If you don’t want to buy knee pads prior to tryouts I would suggest you ask the captains, coaches, or athletic director from your school if knee pads are given to every player if they make a team. Not all schools can do this due to limited financial resources, but be prepared to not dive during tryouts if you opt out of this prior to!

2. Volleyball shoes

Throughout my time as a coach I’ve come across some… questionable choices when it comes to the shoes people wear on the court.

Of course it’s important to note that not everyone has the financial ability to purchase the proper equipment, but you must remember that proper shoes do much more than improve your athletic performance results in a game… It can also aid in preventing you from injury (in comparison to wearing non-athletic shoes which will not support your ankles, quick movements, etc). 

Wearing non athletic shoes is a huge liability for injury, so having some form of athletic shoes, even if you cannot afford to buy new shoes just yet, is essential as a volleyball athlete.

If you cannot afford volleyball shoes (I still suggest you make it a priority to get it when it's feasible) you can use basketball shoes, or running shoes.. Most athletic shoes would be better than you wearing the crocs you wore to school that day! 

Especially if you’re going into your first tryout you want to appear athletic and ready to workout, so put this on your to do list if it’s not a possibility right now!

There are athletic stores with good volleyball shoes, but most athletes in modern times buy their shoes online. Everyone’s favorite brands will vary!

The first pair I bought my freshman year lasted me all four years of my high school career, so it’s a good investment when you take care of them… which leads us into our 3rd essential gear item!

3. After practice/game shoes

In the last section I mentioned that your shoes can last you a long time if you “take care of them” and that's where your shoes for after practice/games (and prior to) comes in.

The bottom of volleyball shoes have specific gripping to help aid in moving sideways, forward, etc. If we wore our volleyball shoes while walking to our car, gym, home, or the bus it would ruin the grip on your shoes. Think about the gravel, dirt, weather etc that would impact your shoes grip negatively!

So, bringing an additional pair of shoes to put on, on your way to and from the court is essential. What’s the point of spending money on good Volleyball shoes if we don't take care of them, right? 

I won't suggest you go out and buy fancy slides or slip ons because the purpose of this is just to protect your Volleyball shoes… so whatever you put on your feet after & before practices + games is up to you!

4. Appropriate volleyball attire

When seeing new and returning players walk into the gym for tryouts every year I have at least one player that is wearing jeans. I cannot tell you how odd it is to see that walking into a high intensity tryout!

Again, this is not to pass judgment. However I know most people own more than just a pair of jeans, so choosing to come into an athletic tryout without the proper clothing makes an impression on me as a coach, especially if it’s repetitive.

I’ve of course had those days where my varsity players forget their spandex and have to wear the pants they wore to school that day, but it alters their performance by a lot. So know that mistakes happen, but walking into a tryout/practice with jeans, a tank-top, dress top, etc won’t be the best look. 

Wear what is comfortable for your body, but you must ensure it's also appropriate for an athletic tryout/practice. Even basketball shorts would be better than jeans by a long shot, so just think in the context of athletic attire when packing your sports bag for practices.

Remember proper game attire differs for each school, and are strictly followed.

When thinking about proper tops I suggest a nice athletic shirt, long or short. I never suggest tank tops, blouses, sweatshirts, etc. Your school/program will have their own dress code (similar to the one you follow during the school day) so always ensure you meet those guidelines.

• Volleyball bag (Not essential) 

While a volleyball bag isn't an essential gear item to me, it can be a great organizer for people who struggle with keeping everything in one place! I say this isn’t essential because you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy a sports duffle bag from an athletic store, you can of course use any extra backpack etc you have at home. 

You want to ensure you don’t lose any of your important gear items during high intensity moments! Some of my players only brought one knee pad, one shoe, the wrong jersey, etc.. even with a sports bag! So having a bag to put your jerseys, knee pads, shoes, slides, etc are vital to staying organized and ready. 

To wrap this all up….

Everyone has different financial abilities, and resources given to them by the school they play for. Remember that these are strong suggestions, but to always accommodate your own personal limitations during your Volleyball journey. 

Used knee pads, used volleyball shoes, etc are still successful ways to prepare for your sport even if it looks different from other people. 

Continue to learn about your personal preferences, and your technical volleyball skills with these helpful and essential additions to your gym bag. 

Hope to see you in a future blog post! 

-Coach T