Volleyball Equipment, Sets, Nets, Systems & Volleyballs

How to buy the best volleyball system

Volleyball is the most popular of all the outdoor games for summer parties and picnics. It’s also an Olympic sport played by both Men and Women. So at Sports Unlimited, we offer many different systems to meet any volleyball need, from the backyard BBQ, to the heights of professional play. Whether you're on the beach for a few hours, planning your next party, or designing a more permanent volleyball court for serious year-round play, we have a volleyball net system that’s right for you.

When you're searching for a new volleyball system, it's easy to get confused or a little overwhelmed by the options and variety out there. So to help out, we created this guide to walk you through the different options and variations, so you can buy the best volleyball system for you.

What are the differences between a recreational system and an institutional system?

Volleyball sets can broadly be grouped into two main categories; recreational and institutional. recreational-volleyball

A recreational volleyball system is typically used in the backyard, lawn or beach. Most recreational sets are portable and not permanently installed, however, semi-permanent and permanent installation sets are available, and are designed for long-lasting use. These sets usually require the installation of a ground sleeve cemented into the ground 3 feet deep.

Institutional volleyball systems are made for gyms, schools, churches, etc., and are designed to offer superior post and net rigidity. Institutional sets meet NCAA, National High School Federation, and USVBA rules and regulations.

What are the key components of a typical volleyball system?



	Volleyball Poles: The poles support the volleyball net, and are a key component to withstanding net tension. A stronger pole typically means the volleyball system will withstand more net tension, which leads to better "out of net ball play." Poles are manufactured with several different types of materials: aircraft aluminum, galvanized steel, plastic, and even treated wood, each offering different features and at different price points. Aircraft aluminum generally offers the best strength-to-weight ratio, and not surprisingly, it's typically the most expensive pole material. Plastic poles are great for backyard parties and recreational use, since they're easy to transport and set up, and are fairly inexpensive. Looking for a portable recreational set? Consider a 2- or 3-piece pole that is easy to assemble and easy to breakdown. Great to just throw it in the trunk of your car and take to the beach or a friend’s house for a backyard barbeque! In need of something more permanent, or a set for your gym or school? Go with a 1-piece pole to get the most net rigidity and durability. Higher quality poles will also weather better and provide you with many years of solid volleyball play. Telescopic pole are also available that can be adjusted for men’s, women’s and coed regulation play. This is a great option when young kids will be playing, since you can lower the poles to help them learn the game!

	Volleyball Net: Volleyball nets are available in many different sizes, designed for everyone from the littlest kids to the most serious of adult play. A general regulation net is 39" tall and about 31' 2" in length. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the net is 3 feet tall and longer then 31 feet long so that it covers the entire width of the court. Regulation Net Dimensions: Men's regulation - From the court floor to the top of the net must measure 7 feet 11 5/8 inches Women's regulation - From the court floor to the top of the net must measure 7 feet 4 1/8 inches

What are some other things to consider when buying a new volleyball system?
Here are some questions to ask when buying a new volleyball system? Is it easy to assemble and breakdown? Most modern recreational systems are easy to put together and take apart when you're done playing. However, if the set's description doesn't explicitly state "easy to assemble" or something of that nature, that that as your warning. What color set do you want? Some systems offer a variety of net color or pole color options that can really spruce up a backyard or play area. Also, some colors are easier to see in low light, on the beach, or in the backyard. So make sure you're getting the net color that works best for your needs. Does your set include boundaries? Some systems include a rope court boundary to help identify the borders of the game. This is a great feature, and something you should think about. Do you have a volleyball? Not all sets include a volleyball, so be sure your new set includes one, or look to purchase one separately.

If you're looking for volleyball equipment, then you've come to the right place. Sports Unlimited has volleyball equipment for all levels of volleyball, including recreational volleyball nets for playing in the backyard, professional systems for competitive play, and even pool volleyball nets for the summer!

We have a wide selection of outdoor volleyball nets, from experienced brands including Park & Sun, Franklin, Cobra and First Team. So whether you're looking to set up a grass volleyball court or sand volleyball, SU has a net for you. When summer rolls around, you'll be ready to play on the ultimate volleyball court right in your own backyard!

We also have systems for indoor volleyball as well. Many of the indoor nets are built for competitive play, meeting the needs of NFHS, NCAA and FIVB specifications. You'll find volleyball nets that meet the height requirements for men and women's play. Select systems allow you to choose the padding color to match the school or team's colors. Not all gyms have the same floor configuration. That's why we offer portable volleyball nets and multiple floor configuration options.

Not sure what system to choose? Check out our Volleyball Net comparison chart to make your buying experience easier. Here you can shop systems in your price range while finding the right specifications for your needs. Also, call our knowledgeable customer service staff at 1-800-693-6368 for any questions.