If you’re a young athlete getting into volleyball, the right equipment can make practice safer, more comfortable, and a lot more fun. But walking into a sporting goods store (or scrolling online) can also feel overwhelming—especially when every product claims to be “elite,” “pro,” or “game-changing.” This guide breaks down youth volleyball gearinto a simple, complete checklist so you can show up prepared for tryouts, team practices, or your first tournament weekend.

At Orange County Volleyball, we see it all the time: athletes who improve quickly once they’re equipped with the basics—good shoes, proper protection, and a setup that supports consistent reps. Whether you’re looking for volleyball equipment for beginners or you’re upgrading as you level up, this checklist will help you choose smart, avoid common mistakes, and focus on what matters most: getting better on the court.

Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
Start with the “big three”: volleyball shoes, knee pads, and a quality ball for home reps.
Prioritize fit and comfort over hype—especially for shoes and pads.
Build a simple system: bag + water bottle + small recovery kit so you’re never unprepared.
Beginners don’t need everything at once; use the Must-Have vs Nice-to-Have sections to buy in stages.
The best gear supports safe movement, confident defense, and consistent training—on and off the court.

The Youth Volleyball Gear Checklist (Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves)

Before we go item-by-item, here’s the fastest way to think about it:

Must-Haves (Show up ready)

Volleyball shoes (indoor court shoes)
Knee pads
Athletic socks
Water bottle
Practice clothes (shorts/leggings + moisture-wicking top)
Volleyball bag/backpack
Hair ties/headband (if needed) + basic hygiene items
Personal volleyball (highly recommended for beginners)

Nice-to-Haves (Helpful upgrades)

Ankle brace (as needed, especially with injury history)
Compression sleeves (knee/arm/calf)
Finger tape or athletic tape
Foam roller or massage ball
Resistance bands for warm-up
Small first-aid kit
Ball pump + needle
Light snacks for tournaments
Smartwatch/heart rate tracker (optional)

Now let’s break down each item and how to pick it.

Volleyball Shoes: The #1 Piece of Performance Gear

If you only invest in one “serious” item, make it shoes. The best volleyball shoes for young athletes are the ones that match your foot shape, feel stable on quick cuts, and keep you comfortable for long practices.

What to look for in volleyball shoes

1) Grip for indoor courts

Volleyball demands constant stop-and-go movement.
Look for a non-marking gum rubber outsole designed for indoor traction.

2) Cushioning that doesn’t feel “squishy”

You want shock absorption for jumping—but also a responsive feel for fast defense.
Too soft can feel unstable on lateral moves.

3) Lateral support and stability

Volleyball is heavy on side-to-side shuffles.
Choose a shoe with a stable base and supportive upper so your foot doesn’t slide around.

4) Proper fit

Snug but not painful. Your heel should feel locked in.
You should have a little room at the toe (not jammed), especially for growing athletes.

Common shoe mistakes beginners make

Wearing running shoes (too much forward-motion design, not enough lateral support)
Buying too big “to grow into” (leads to slipping, blisters, and instability)
Choosing style first instead of comfort and support

Pro tip: Try shoes on later in the day when feet are slightly more swollen—this helps you avoid buying a pair that feels tight after warm-ups.

Knee Pads: Comfort + Confidence in Defense

Knee pads are essential for learning how to move confidently on the floor—especially for beginners practicing digs, sprawls, and defensive slides.

How to choose knee pads

Coverage: Enough padding over the kneecap without restricting movement
Fit: Snug and secure, but not cutting off circulation
Mobility: You should be able to bend freely into athletic positions

Knee pad fit test

Do 10 quick squats and 10 short shuffles.
If pads slide down or twist, size or style isn’t right.

Beginner note: If you’re just learning, a little extra padding can help you feel comfortable with floor contact. As technique improves, many athletes prefer a slimmer pad for mobility.

Socks: The Underestimated Game-Changer

Good socks prevent blisters and help shoes fit the way they’re supposed to.

What to look for

Moisture-wicking material
Cushioning in heel/toe
No bunching inside the shoe

Avoid super-thin everyday socks. Volleyball practices are long, and foot comfort matters more than most athletes realize.

Practice Apparel: Move Freely and Stay Cool

Volleyball gear doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should support movement.

Essentials

Moisture-wicking shirt
Shorts or leggings you can lunge and jump in
Sports bra (as needed)
Optional: light long-sleeve top for warm-ups

Tournament tip

Bring a backup shirt and socks. Sweaty gear between matches can feel awful—and can raise blister risk.

Volleyball: Why Owning Your Own Ball Helps Beginners Improve Faster

For volleyball equipment for beginners, a personal ball is one of the best investments because it unlocks reps at home. Touches build skill—simple as that.

What to consider

Correct size: Most indoor volleyball is official size (often used in youth too, depending on league)
Feel: Some balls feel softer; others are firmer. Comfort matters for young hands and forearms.
Use case: Indoor vs outdoor (don’t destroy an indoor ball on concrete)

Bonus items

Ball pump + needle (because underinflated balls feel weird and train bad habits)

Volleyball Bag/Backpack: Build a “No-Fail” System

A bag isn’t just storage—it’s how you stay consistent. The goal is to keep your essentials together so you never show up missing something.

What to look for

Shoe compartment or breathable section (nice-to-have)
Water bottle holder
Space for knee pads, tape, snacks, and a small recovery tool

Simple habit: After every practice, restock your bag immediately (refill water, replace tape, toss in clean socks). You’ll thank yourself on busy school days.

Water Bottle + Hydration: Performance Starts Here

Hydration affects everything: energy, focus, muscle function, and recovery.

What to bring

A large water bottle (enough for full practice)
Optional: electrolyte drink for long sessions or tournaments

Tournament reminder

Dehydration sneaks up fast between matches. Sip consistently—don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

Protective and Support Gear: Ankle Braces, Sleeves, and More

Not every athlete needs braces or sleeves, but they can be helpful in the right situation.

Ankle braces: who needs them?

Athletes with a history of ankle sprains
Players who feel unstable landing from jumps
High-volume tournament schedules

Important: Braces aren’t a substitute for strong ankles. If you’re building stability and athleticism, pair smart gear with training. Orange County Volleyball also shares training ideas that support athletic development—this is a useful companion resource: strength and conditioning workouts for junior volleyball athletes.

Compression sleeves (knee/arm/calf)

Can help some athletes feel warm and supported
Not required, but some players love them for comfort

Finger Tape and Athletic Tape: Small Item, Big Help

Tape is common in volleyball for finger support (especially setters) and for minor tweaks like hotspots or small strains.

When tape is useful

Sore fingers from repetitive setting
Minor jam prevention
Blister prevention (toes/heels)

Beginner guidance: Don’t tape “just because.” If something hurts, assess technique and workload first, then use tape as extra support when appropriate.

Hair, Hygiene, and Comfort Items (Yes, These Matter)

These items won’t show up on highlight reels—but they can save your practice.

Quick checklist

Hair ties/headband
Deodorant
Small towel
Travel wipes (for quick cleanup)
Lip balm (dry gym air is real)

Recovery Tools: Keep Your Body Ready to Train

Young athletes improve fastest when they can train consistently—without nagging soreness becoming a bigger issue.

Great starter recovery tools

Foam roller (quads, calves, glutes)
Massage ball (feet, hips, shoulders)
Mini resistance band (warm-up activation)

A simple post-practice routine (5 minutes)

60 seconds calves
60 seconds quads
60 seconds glutes
60 seconds upper back (gentle)
60 seconds deep breathing + light stretching

Warm-Up and Training Accessories (Optional but Useful)

If you want to level up your prep, these are great additions:

Resistance bands

Perfect for warm-up activation:

Glute walks
Shoulder prep
Ankle stability movements

Jump rope

Great for quick footwork and conditioning—just keep it controlled and don’t overdo volume.

Small cones or markers

Helpful for footwork patterns, approach timing, and agility drills at home.

Position-Specific Gear Notes (Setter, Libero, Hitter)

Gear doesn’t drastically change by position, but a few patterns show up:

Setters

Finger tape is more common
Some prefer a slightly “faster” shoe feel for quick transitions

Liberos/defensive specialists

Knee pads are non-negotiable
Many like gear that supports fast floor movement (snug pads, stable shoes)

Hitters/middles

Cushioning and stability become big priorities due to jumping volume
Good socks + shoes reduce foot fatigue over time

Beginner Buying Guide: What to Get First (and What Can Wait)

If you’re just starting and want the simplest approach, here’s a smart order:

Step 1 (Start here)

Volleyball shoes
Knee pads
Athletic socks
Water bottle
Basic practice apparel

Step 2 (Build your training kit)

Personal volleyball
Volleyball bag/backpack
Tape (optional)

Step 3 (Upgrade for tournaments and high volume)

Recovery tool (foam roller or massage ball)
Snacks + small first-aid kit
Ankle brace (if needed)

This keeps things practical while still setting you up to train consistently.

Caring for Your Gear: Make It Last

Volleyball gear takes a beating—sweat, hard courts, and repeated impact.

Quick care tips

Air out shoes after every practice (don’t leave them sealed in your bag)
Hand wash or gentle wash knee pads; let them air dry
Keep tape, wipes, and small items in a zip pouch
Replace socks when they lose cushioning (blisters often start here)

FAQ

What is the most important youth volleyball gear for beginners?

Start with volleyball shoes and knee pads. Then add a personal ball if you want faster improvement from extra reps at home.

Do I need expensive gear to get better?

No. Consistency and coaching matter more than premium products. Choose gear that fits well and supports safe movement—especially shoes.

How do I know if I’m wearing the right volleyball shoes?

You should feel stable during lateral shuffles and quick stops, with no heel slipping and no pinching in the toe box. If your feet hurt mid-practice, your fit or support may be off.

Should young athletes wear ankle braces?

Only if needed—especially with previous ankle sprains or feelings of instability. Combine braces with strength and stability work for the best long-term results.

How the Right Gear Supports Faster Improvement

Volleyball rewards repetition: more quality touches, more confident movement, and better decision-making under pressure. Having the right setup—shoes that grip, pads that stay put, a bag that keeps you organized—removes small barriers that often stop athletes from training consistently.

If you’re serious about improving, gear is only one part of the equation. The biggest difference-maker is structured coaching, smart training habits, and a program that meets you where you are. If you’re looking for a supportive place to develop your skills, check out Orange County Volleyball’s training options and find a level that fits your goals.

Ready to train? Join a program built for youth athletes who want real progress on the court:
Explore Youth Volleyball Programs & Enroll