Ranking of the best male volleyball players in 2025

Penalty serves win games, not games, but confidence – and volleyball selection is on the same list. The wrong sports equipment turns training into a fight for survival. The right one unlocks potential, reduces the risk of injury, makes the game process cleaner, more entertaining, more effective. In the article we will analyse how to choose a volleyball correctly.

Dimensions of volleyball equipment

Parameters determine everything. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has set a standard: circulation – 65-67 cm, diameter – about 21 cm. This is the kind of shell used in the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Children’s and training models can have a reduced volume of 60-63 cm to reduce the load on the wrists and facilitate coordination.

When deciding which ball to choose for volleyball, it is important to consider not only the age of the players, but also the purpose. Whether for practice, official matches or initial training, each type requires the right equipment. Ignoring the standard is a direct path to distorted technique and inefficient play.

Volleyball weight: balance between speed and control

The official weight is 260-280 grams. This is the result of hundreds of tests. Less weight makes feeding less predictable, increases air resistance, and makes machining more difficult. Heavy models cause rapid fatigue and overloading of the elbow joint.

Serious brands like Mikasa V200W and Molten V5M5000 strictly adhere to the standard. Each of their products passes accuracy control down to 0.5 grams.

The question: which ball to choose for volleyball, it is worth starting with these models. They meet international requirements and are used at the professional level.

Volleyball materials: What’s inside affects the result

The classic option is synthetic leather, which is resistant to wear and moisture. Modern developments include microfibre with EVA foam, providing a soft touch and elastic bounce.

Budget versions are covered with PVC – cheap, but slippery and short-lived. High-quality models use polyurethane in three layers: the outer one for durability, the middle one for cushioning, and the inner one for precise geometry.

When choosing which ball to choose for volleyball, experienced coaches focus on the appearance and internal structure. Microfibre reduces the impact load on the fingers, reduces the risk of micro-traumas and increases sensitivity.

Choose where you play: indoor vs. outdoor

A volleyball for the gym requires softness, perfect sphericity and minimal bounce on the floor. Example – Mikasa V200W, a model with 18 panels and anti-slip surface.

A volleyball for the street must be able to withstand asphalt, sand, moisture and sunlight. Wear-resistant coverings and sealing are important here. The ideal example is Wilson AVP Soft Play with a moisture-resistant shell and reinforced seam technology.

To understand exactly which equipment to choose for volleyball, the court must be taken into account. The wrong choice will lead to rapid deformation, loss of pressure and reduced playing comfort.

How to choose a sports equipment: a professional’s checklist

Every purchase is an investment. For a beginner, the choice turns into a quest. In order not to make a mistake, it is better to use a proven algorithm.

What ball to choose for volleyball, criteria:

1. Purpose – training, game, competition.
2. Coating – polyurethane, microfibre, PVC.
3. Weight – 260-280 g for adults, up to 250 g for juniors.
4. Size – standard for official games, reduced size for beginners.
5. Type of court – hall, street, sand.
6. Chamber – butyl chamber keeps air longer.
7. Manufacturer – Mikasa, Molten, Wilson, Gala.
8. Certificates – FIVB Approved, NFHS.
9. Moisture resistance – mandatory for outdoor models.
10. Warranty – at least 1 year for seams and pressure.

The list covers all aspects that help determine which ball to choose for volleyball.

Care of the volleyball

It is not a consumable, but a tool. With proper care, the ball retains its shape, pressure and elasticity for up to 3 years. Ignoring simple rules shortens the service life by 2-3 times.

Storage requires temperatures between 10 and 25 °C, without direct sunlight. Moisture and frost cause cracks, breaking the tightness. After playing outdoors, the ball should be wiped with a dry cloth, especially after a sandy or wet surface.

It is recommended to check the pressure every week. The standard is 0.30-0.325 kgf/cm². Levels lower than this result in unstable bounce, higher levels result in stiffness and risk of seam rupture. A pressure gauge with a fine needle is used for precise control.

It is essential to lubricate the needle before pumping. Otherwise there is a risk of damaging the valve. In regular use, the shell should be checked every 3 months. At the first signs of deformation, it is better to replace rather than repair.

To decide which ball to choose for volleyball, it is important to immediately assess how easy it is to maintain the model. The easier it is to maintain – the higher the real value of even an expensive purchase.

Quality or just expensive: how not to buy too much

Price does not guarantee results. Quality volleyball equipment always offers a clear combination: compliance with standards, resistance to stress, predictable flight behaviour.

A durable ball does not lose its shape after 1,000 strokes. In the more expensive models, the wear of the panels, the strength of the valve and the stability of the seams are tested. In the Molten V5M5000 series, each piece can withstand more than 5 bar of pressure without losing its shape.

Some brands inflate the price at the expense of design. Colour and style are a bonus, but not a selection parameter. You can also check the quality manually – press, roll on the floor, test for rebound symmetry. A deviation of 1-2 cm from the vertical is a signal of deviation from the norm.

When deciding which ball to choose for volleyball, it is not the price that matters, but the totality of characteristics. The most expensive is not always the best, the cheapest is not always a failure.

How to choose a basketball: conclusions

A clear understanding of the parameters, the court and the purpose of the gameplay, allows you to determine without error which ball to choose for volleyball. Ignoring standards, skimping on materials, choosing random brands leads to poor results and wasted time.

Prioritise functionality over wrapping. Experienced players and coaches always favour proven models with international certification and stable behaviour on the court. Accuracy, durability, predictability – three criteria that determine success in the game and in the selection.

Volleyball is a symbol of collective spirit, mass involvement and teamwork in the USSR. The sport became truly popular and one of the most important movements for hundreds of thousands of athletes across the Union.

How did volleyball in the USSR make its way from small halls to international arenas where the national team shone on the podiums? We’ll tell you in this article.

The beginnings and emergence of volleyball in the USSR

It all began in the 1920s, when volleyball first appeared on the streets and in the courtyards of the cities of the USSR. Unlike many other sports, it quickly attracted attention as it was easily accessible. A simple net, a ball and a group of friends were all that was needed to get started.

The first competitions were held on the courts of cultural centres and sports clubs, where small amateur teams were formed. Soviet volleyball quickly won the hearts of young people. In 1932, the first official tournament was held in Moscow, which became the starting point for the development of the sport in the country. From the very beginning, volleyball became the epitome of mass participation in the USSR – anyone could take part, regardless of age or profession.

Rise to the peak of popularity and first victories

In the mid-1940s, the format became increasingly popular. After the Great Patriotic War, volleyball in the USSR became a means of uniting society and restoring the spirit and physical fitness. Hundreds of sports sections were founded in which workers and students trained. Industrialisation also played an important role: factories and businesses set up their own teams and organised competitions.

The state supported the development of sport and used it as an instrument to promote a healthy lifestyle and patriotism. In 1953, the number of volleyball sections exceeded 10,000, demonstrating the great interest in the sport. The popularity of volleyball in the USSR grew from year to year, attracting new generations of athletes.

Soviet national team and international successes

The first USSR national volleyball team was founded in 1949, and a few years later the team entered the international arena. In 1952, the team took part in the first World Championship and won silver, which was a great success for the young team. From that moment on, a true era of dominance began.

The Soviet volleyball players not only won, but also set the tone for the development of international sport. Among the star players of this era, Yuri Chesnokov and Georgi Mondzolevsky stand out – their contribution to the team’s successes can hardly be overestimated. They brought home medals from European and World Championships and acted as true leaders on the court. Volleyball in the USSR gained worldwide recognition thanks to the physical preparation of the players and the unique team tactics developed by the coaches.

The role of the coaches

It is impossible not to mention the legendary coaches responsible for the success of the national team. Yuri Kleshchev and Valentin Silkis are names that have written golden pages in the history of Soviet volleyball. They developed unique training methods and emphasised teamwork. Kleshchev was the first to use the so-called ‘safety net system’, in which each player knew not only his position but also the tasks of the other team members. This strategy made the team flexible and unpredictable on the court.

Achievements and techniques of the USSR volleyball coaches:

1. Team tactics and team play. Kleshchev actively introduced training based on full understanding of the players. Each team member was obliged to know not only his tasks, but also the actions of his neighbours on the court, which allowed the team to act as a unit.
2. Development of psychological stability. Valentin Silkis developed a special psychological training programme that helped the players to deal with the pressure during important matches. He simulated critical situations to get the players used to keeping a cool head.
3. Emphasis on physical training. Both coaches introduced intensive physical training that included endurance exercises as well as specific drills to improve jumping and shooting power.
4. Individualised approach to the players. Silkis placed great emphasis on individual work with each athlete and developed unique training programmes tailored to each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
5. Analysing the opponents. The coaches actively analysed the opposing teams to identify weaknesses and exploit them as effectively as possible during the game.

Tournament history and unforgettable moments

The history of major volleyball tournaments shows how the USSR’s successes helped to strengthen its international position. Each competition in which the Soviet team took part became not only a sporting event, but also a demonstration of the country’s strength and cohesion. Victories in matches against strong opponents such as the United States and Japan emphasised the team’s preparation and perseverance. The successes in volleyball played an important role in diplomatic relations and created a positive image of the USSR on the international stage.

Volleyball tournaments

A particular success was the 1960 World Championship, where the Soviet team won gold by beating Czechoslovakia 3:1 in the final. This match took place in the Moscow stadium and the stands were filled to the last seat – tens of thousands of fans supported their team. Vyacheslav Zaitsev played at the highest level: every reception and every serve triggered a storm of applause. The tournament not only confirmed the strength of the national team, but also inspired thousands of young people to take up the sport of volleyball.

Legacy

Volleyball in the USSR has left an indelible mark on the world history of sport. This sport became a symbol of perseverance and team strength. Even though times have changed and the USSR no longer exists, the legacy of Soviet volleyball lives on in everyone who picks up a ball and takes to the court, believing that sport is not just a game, but a story to remember.