Youth volleyball equipment checklist

The short list

Volleyball is one of the simpler sports to equip. A young beginner usually needs comfortable athletic clothing, court shoes, knee pads, a water bottle and a ball to practice with at home. Your team or league will tell you about uniform requirements, so wait for that information before buying matching items.

Shoes

Indoor volleyball is played on a gym floor (beach and grass play have different footwear customs, so ask your program), so shoes should have a non-marking sole with good grip and cushioning. Look for shoes that support quick side-to-side movement and jumping. Running shoes can work for a first practice, but they are built for forward motion, so many families move to court shoes later. Some gyms do not allow shoes worn outside, so keep a clean pair for the court.

• Try shoes on with the socks your child will wear.
• Leave a little room for toes, but make sure the heel does not slip.
• Check the laces before each practice and tie them securely.
• Replace shoes when the grip wears down or the cushioning feels flat.

Clothing

Most players wear shorts or leggings and a breathable shirt or jersey. Clothing should allow arms to swing freely and legs to bend deeply. Avoid anything with zippers, hard buttons or loose strings that could scratch or catch. Hair should be tied back so it does not block vision. Your league may provide a uniform or specify colors and numbers, so ask before you purchase anything.

Protective gear

• Knee pads: many players wear them because floor dives and rolls are part of defense. Choose a pair that stays in place without cutting off circulation, and have your child bend and jump in them.
• Ankle braces or supportive sleeves: some players wear them. If your child has had an ankle or knee problem, ask a doctor whether extra support makes sense.
• Elbow pads and compression sleeves: optional, and some players like the extra cushioning on the forearms.
• Eyewear: if your child wears glasses, ask a coach or eye doctor about sports glasses or straps made for active play.

Protective gear is meant to reduce scrapes and bumps, not to remove all risk. Good technique and a proper warm-up matter just as much.

Practice ball

A ball at home lets your child practice passing against a wall, tossing to themselves and working on serves. Volleyballs come in different sizes and weights, and what suits a given age group varies by league, so ask your coach before buying one. Lighter training balls can be easier for beginners and are gentler on forearms. Keep the ball properly inflated according to its label.

Gear bag and extras

• A reusable water bottle with your child's name on it.
• A small towel and a spare shirt.
• Hair ties and a spare set of laces.
• Any medications your child needs, shared with the coach.
• A healthy snack for before or after practice.

Fit and safety tips

Check that gear fits now rather than buying large to grow into it. Pads that slide around or shoes that are too big can cause problems. Encourage your child to tell you or their coach right away if anything pinches, rubs or feels loose. Before each practice, take a quick look at the gear: laces tied, pads in place, jewelry removed. If your child has pain, swelling or a recurring problem, talk to a doctor or athletic trainer, not just a coach.

Not sure what to expect when the season starts? See how to prepare for volleyball season, and for the words your child will hear in practice, read volleyball terms for new parents. The hub at volleyball guides lists everything in one place.

Taking care of gear

A little care makes gear last through the season. Let shoes air out after practice, wash pads and clothing regularly, and store the ball somewhere cool and dry. Teach your child to pack their own bag with a checklist taped inside it. Kids who own the routine feel more ready and less rushed, and you avoid the last-minute search for a missing shoe. If a piece of gear is borrowed or handed down, check the fit and condition before using it.