Volleyball and beach balls for Christmas
Sand or court? That's the first question to settle before giving one of the Christmas volley balls, as a beach ball, which is bigger and less inflated, is not played with like a gym ball.
Next come the level and age: official match ball for a club player, training ball for practice sessions, lighter model for kids, available individually or in packs.
The ball, a Christmas gift that doesn’t have a size
Giving a ball avoids the headache of clothing and shoe sizes: you just need to know the recipient's age and the surface they play on. It’s also a gift that comes out of the wrapping paper and goes straight into the bag, for holidays or when training resumes. This page gathers the balls from the Christmas selection, including both indoor and beach options.
Gym or beach: choose the ball according to the surface
An indoor ball is designed for wooden floors: glued panels, firm inflation, and a fast and precise trajectory. On the sand, you play with a slightly bigger ball that is inflated less, making it softer on the forearms and more sensitive to the wind. Its panels are often stitched together, a construction that better withstands sand grains and seawater. Each ball loses its qualities on the other's surface: it's best to know where the recipient will play.
Size 5 or lightweight ball: match the weight to the age
Indoors, the rule is the same for both men and women: a size 5 ball, weighing 260 to 280 grams. Children and young teens progress faster with a lightweight ball, either size 5 or size 4 depending on the model: a high pass becomes possible without stressing fingers too much, and the forearm pass is less painful. The age filter on this page separates adult and junior models, and the child's club can tell you which ball they use in their category.
Approved, training or recreational: three levels of balls to give
A club player will appreciate a competition ball approved by the federation, with a precise touch and a stable trajectory, the same as the one used in their matches. For training sessions, a training ball can withstand a series of serves and repeated receptions. A recreational ball, which is softer, is enough for a family game or to try out volley. Check the product sheet for which divisions a competition ball is certified.
Molten, Mikasa, Wilson, Nike, Errea: a page for each brand
- The Christmas Molten balls range from the V5M5000, approved by the FIVB, to lightweight beginner balls, along with a range of beach balls.
- The Christmas Mikasa balls come from the brand used in international FIVB competitions, including sets of V200W and V300W.
- The Christmas Wilson balls shine on the sand with the OPTX AVP and the ball from the movie Cast Away, but also play indoors with the Helix.
- The Christmas Nike balls focus on the All Court, a versatile ball for both indoor and outdoor play.
- The page Christmas Errea balls rounds out the offerings with the brand that outfits the French team.
Erima, Avento, or Softee also have some balls on the page, which can be found using the brand filter.
Ball sets: the collective gift for a club
A set of identical balls benefits an entire group: a youth section, a recreational team, a beach association. Several match and training balls are available in sets, like the V5M5000, V5M4000, or V5M2000-L from Molten. Everyone trains with the same feel, and on match day, no one is thrown off. A bag for balls makes a great addition to this type of gift.
Special offers, sales, clearance: balls at reduced prices
To give a good ball without exceeding your budget, the low budget gift ideas are a good start, and the Christmas special offers gather discounted items from the operation. All year round, the special ball offers and the ball clearance sales keep cheaper models available, and the ball sales take over after the holidays. Need a ball quickly: the balls shipped in 24h are ready to go.
Frequently asked questions
Which volley ball to give to a child for Christmas?
A lightweight ball, lighter than an adult ball, spares their fingers and forearms during learning. Depending on their age, they will play with a size 4 or a lightweight size 5 ball: their club can confirm this for you. The junior age filter on this page isolates these models.
Where to find a cheap volley ball for Christmas?
A training or recreational ball generally costs less than an approved match ball and is sufficient for playing with friends. Check out the special ball offers, which keep discounted models available all year. For a group, compare the set price to the unit price.
Should you give a pump with a volley ball?
It's a good idea, as many balls are shipped deflated. A needle pump with a pressure gauge allows you to adjust the pressure noted near the valve, keeping the ball's bounce and touch intact. A drop of water on the needle protects the valve during inflation.
What ball to play with family in the garden or at the beach?
A recreational ball or a soft stitched beach ball that handles grass and sand better than a match ball. Save the competition balls for the gym: their material wears out quickly outside. The beach-volley ball filter on the page highlights these models.
How to tell if a volley ball is approved?
The product sheet of a competition ball indicates its certification, either international with the FIVB or national with the French federation, and sometimes the relevant divisions. A ball without approval mention is suitable for training and recreational use. Before giving a match ball to a club player, ask them which one is used in their division.
