Are you a high school volleyball coach or player looking for the best volleyball for your team? With so many sizes, materials, colors, and pressures to choose from, selecting the right volleyball can seem overwhelming.
Luckily, this comprehensive guide has all the answers you need to make the perfect choice for your team.
Well begin by discussing the standard-sized volleyball and the material, color, and pressure of the ball.
Well then move on to NFHS rules and regulations and the different types of volleyball equipment available for high schools.
Finally, well cover how to select the best volleyball for your team.
Ready to get started? Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
High school volleyball teams typically use a regulation size volleyball (or a size 5) and weigh 9-10 ounces.
The size 5 volleyball is larger than a size 4 volleyball, which is usually used in collegiate play.
The size 5 volleyball is made of leather or a composite material.
It has 18 panels and weighs between 9 and 10 ounces when inflated to the correct pressure.
The Standard-Sized Volleyball
When it comes to high school volleyball, the ball of choice is the standard-sized volleyball.
As set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), this volleyball is typically 9.4-10 inches in circumference and weighs between 9-10 ounces.
It must also be made of leather, rubber, or a composite material, and must be either white, yellow, or fluorescent yellow-green in color.
In addition to these rules and regulations, the ball must also be inflated to a pressure between 4.0 and 6.0 pounds per square inch.
This helps to ensure that the ball is a consistent size and weight, and that it is safe for players to use.
For teams looking to purchase volleyball balls, it is important to ensure that they meet all of the requirements set by the NFHS.
This will help to ensure that the ball is safe and that the team is following the rules and regulations of the game.
The Material of the Ball
When it comes to the material of the ball used by high school volleyball teams, it is important to note that the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has set strict regulations.
The ball must be made of leather, rubber, or a composite material in order for it to be used in official high school matches.
Leather is the most common material used for high school volleyball, as it provides the best grip and control when the ball is hit.
Rubber and composite materials are also allowed, but they are not as common as leather.
The benefits of using a leather volleyball include better control and grip, as well as a more consistent and durable material.
Leather is also more durable than rubber or composite materials, which means it can withstand many hours of gameplay without showing signs of wear and tear.
Additionally, leather balls are often easier to clean, making them more hygienic and ideal for high school teams that play on multiple courts in a single day.
The main downside of leather volleyball is its cost.
Leather balls tend to be more expensive than rubber or composite balls, making them an impractical choice for budget-conscious high school teams.
However, if you are looking for a reliable and durable material for your teams volleyball, then leather is the way to go.
The Color of the Ball
When it comes to the color of the ball for high school volleyball teams, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has set clear guidelines.
The ball must be either white, yellow, or fluorescent yellow-green in color.
Fluorescent yellow-green is a very bright neon color, and is often used to make the ball highly visible to the players and spectators.
This color is often referred to as “high-visibility yellow,” and is regulated by the NFHS.
The choice of colors is not just for aesthetics – it serves a purpose.
A white ball is often easier to see indoors, while a yellow ball may be easier to see outdoors, and a fluorescent yellow-green ball is the brightest and most visible option.
Additionally, the color of the ball may affect the way the ball performs in the air and on the court.
The color of the ball is not the only factor that affects a teams performance.
The NFHS also regulates the size and weight of the ball, as well as the pressure it should be inflated to.
All these factors must be taken into account when selecting a ball for a high school volleyball team.
The Pressure of the Ball
When it comes to high school volleyball, the pressure of the ball is an important factor that must be taken into consideration.
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the ball must be inflated to a pressure between 4.0 and 6.0 pounds per square inch.
This is to ensure that the ball is able to be properly hit by players and doesnt fly too far or too close to the net.
For beginners, inflating the ball to the right pressure can be quite challenging.
This is because the ball can either be overinflated, which will make it too hard and difficult to hit, or underinflated, which will make it too soft and easy to hit.
Its important to make sure the volleyball is inflated to the correct pressure, as it will affect the overall performance of the game.
One way to ensure the ball is properly inflated is to use a pressure gauge.
This is a device that is designed to measure the pressure of the ball.
It can be used to check if the ball is properly inflated or not.
If the pressure of the ball is too high or too low, the pressure gauge will let you know.
It is also important to remember that the pressure of the ball should not be changed frequently.
The pressure of the ball should be checked and adjusted only when necessary.
This is because changing the pressure of the ball too often can affect the games performance and may even cause injury.
In conclusion, it is important to make sure that the pressure of the ball is within the range set by the NFHS.
By using a pressure gauge and only adjusting the pressure when necessary, players can ensure that the ball is properly inflated and that the game is played at its best.
NFHS Rules and Regulations
When it comes to high school volleyball, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sets the standards on what type of ball teams must use.
All teams must use a standard-sized volleyball that is between 9.4 and 10 inches in circumference and weighs between 9 and 10 ounces.
The ball must be made of leather, rubber, or a composite material, and must be white, yellow, or fluorescent yellow-green in color.
It must also be inflated to a pressure between 4.0 and 6.0 pounds per square inch.
In addition to the specific rules and regulations regarding the size and material of the ball, the NFHS also sets guidelines for other aspects of the game.
For example, the NFHS requires that all volleyballs used in high school matches have a minimum of eight panels, with each panel at least 4.5 inches wide.
It also requires that all volleyballs have a minimum of 18 seams, with each seam no more than 0.25 inches wide.
The NFHS also sets the rules for the size of the court, the type of net that must be used, the size of the playing area, and the uniform requirements for players.
All of these rules must be followed for a high school match to be considered valid.
Furthermore, the NFHS also sets rules for the game itself, such as the minimum length of a game, the number of sets required to win a match, and the types of serves that can be used.
By abiding by the NFHS rules and regulations, high school volleyball teams ensure that they are playing an even and fair game.
By setting these standards, the NFHS hopes to promote competitive and enjoyable play among all high school teams.
Volleyball Equipment for High Schools
Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in high schools and the equipment used is an important part of the game.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sets the standard for the size, weight, and materials of the volleyball used by high school teams.
The standard volleyball must be between 9.4 and 10 inches in circumference and weigh between 9 and 10 ounces.
It must be made of leather, rubber, or a composite material, and must be white, yellow, or fluorescent yellow-green in color.
Additionally, the ball must be inflated to a pressure between 4.0 and 6.0 pounds per square inch.
In addition to the standard volleyball, high school teams must have other equipment to play the game.
Net systems are typically used to divide the court into two sides.
The net must be 32 feet long and 3 feet high, and may be constructed of either rope or cable.
The net must be securely fastened to each side and be held firmly in the center.
In order to keep the game running smoothly, teams must also have a set of official volleyballs and other necessary equipment.
These items include a scorekeepers table, a whistle, a first aid kit, and an appropriate floor surface.
Other items such as protective eyewear, knee pads, and ankle supports may be worn by the players, but this is up to the individual school.
High school volleyball teams must abide by all rules and regulations set by the NFHS.
This includes the size, weight, and materials of the volleyball, as well as the net size and floor surface.
It is important for teams to have the right equipment in order to play a safe and enjoyable game.
Selecting the Best Volleyball for Your Team
When it comes to selecting the best volleyball for your high school team, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, the size and weight of the volleyball should meet the standards set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
The volleyball size should measure between 9.4 and 10 inches in circumference and should weigh 9 to 10 ounces.
Additionally, the ball should be made of leather, rubber, or a composite material, and should be white, yellow, or fluorescent yellow-green in color.
Lastly, the ball must be inflated to a pressure between 4.0 and 6.0 pounds per square inch.
In addition to these requirements, it’s also important to consider the quality of the volleyball.
Many high school teams choose to invest in higher quality volleyballs, as they tend to be more durable and provide a better playing experience.
High quality volleyballs are typically made of higher quality materials, such as leather, synthetic leather, or rubber.
Additionally, they tend to have deeper seams, which allow for better control of the ball during play.
It’s also important to consider the construction of the volleyball.
Many high school teams choose to invest in volleyballs that are designed specifically for volleyball play.
These volleyballs are typically made with a special type of foam, which helps to reduce the impact of the ball on the floor or court.
Additionally, these volleyballs are usually constructed with extra padding, which helps to protect the players from injury.
Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of the volleyball.
High quality volleyballs can be expensive, so it’s important to consider the budget of your team before making a purchase.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the size of the team, as larger teams may require multiple volleyballs.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your team will have the best possible volleyball for their needs.
With the right volleyball, your team will be able to play at their highest level, while also staying safe and protected.
Final Thoughts
High school volleyball teams must be aware of the rules and regulations set by the National Federation of State High School Associations when selecting a volleyball for their team.
A standard-sized volleyball between 9.4 and 10 inches in circumference, made of leather, rubber, or a composite material, and white, yellow, or fluorescent yellow-green in color is the best choice for high school teams.
It must also be inflated to a pressure between 4.0 and 6.0 pounds per square inch for optimal performance.
By following these guidelines, high school teams can select the perfect volleyball for their team and ensure a successful season!
