Sand balls, shorts, tank tops, sports bras, beach socks, nets and posts: the beach page brings together everything you need to play beach-volley, from summer tournaments to impromptu games on the beach.
Whether you're a man, woman, or junior, you can find the lightweight beach gear, the ball suited for the wind, and the equipment to set up a pitch.
On the sand, you play two against two, barefoot, in the sun or with the wind in your face. No substitutes, no specialists: every player receives, sets and attacks. The court measures sixteen metres by eight, a little smaller than an indoor court, which explains the versatility required from each player. This versatility changes the equipment. The ball is softer, the clothing is lighter, and shoes are left in the changing room.
For tournaments, the OPTX AVP from Wilson, the official ball of the American professional circuit, and the V5B5000 from Molten, certified by FIVB, lead the way. For the beach and camping, the V5B1300 Breizh or the ball Seul au monde are more than enough. All can be found on the page beach volleyball balls.
Beachwear needs to dry quickly and never hinder a dive. Players wear shorts and vests, while female players wear bras and either briefs or fitted shorts. Lightweight materials wick away sweat and reduce friction with the sand. The beach textiles include these items.
Setting up a court requires a net, posts and ground markings. The beach volleyball accessories bring together this equipment, along with bands and beach socks, useful when the sand is hot or very cold.
Beach equipment is often available at low prices out of season. Check the special beach offers, the Black Friday beach in autumn, and then the beach sales in winter: a great way to prepare for the next season without spending too much.
A beach ball, light clothing and sunscreen are enough to get started. Beach volleyball is played barefoot, so no shoes are needed. If you're setting up your own court, add a net, posts, and markings.
It's not mandatory; most players play barefoot. Beach socks come in handy when the sand is burning in the summer or very cold at the start of the season. They also protect against small cuts.
The beach net is the same height as in indoor play: two metres forty-three for men, two metres twenty-four for women, and lower for juniors. An adjustable net allows you to adapt the court for each audience. Check the height specified by your tournament's rules.
Rinse it with clear water after the game to remove sand and salt, which can wear down the fibres. Then wash at a low temperature, without fabric softener, to preserve the elasticity. Dry it in the shade.
Yes, more and more clubs offer covered sand courts. Outdoors, the cold sand is manageable with beach socks and warmer clothing. It's a great way to keep up the rhythm between two seasons.