The Low Down on Volleyball Practice Clothes

When you were young and wanted to play a game of volleyball you probably just tossed on a pair of sneakers or sandals and walked out into your backyard. Of course, that was when the only diving you had to do was to rescue the ball before your younger siblings sent it flying out into the road! Now that you're a competitive player, the meaning of "appropriate volleyball gear" is going to take on new meaning-and a big part of that is going to include your practice clothes.

Why are practice clothes so important? Because no matter what anyone tells you, practice doesn't make perfect. You can practice all day long, but if you aren't practicing correctly you're never going to improve. That means that your practice clothes have to afford you the freedom and flexibility you need to move the way you want to move while still being comfortable.

Most players prefer t-shirts in a lightweight cotton or a soft mesh (like that worn by track runners) for their practice gear, both for their ability to move with your body and the fact that they don't chafe your skin when you start to get a little sweaty under the collar. Ladies, don't forget to add a good sports bra to the mix! Your regular bra won't offer enough support, and the clasps will begin to chafe against wet skin. A comfortable pair of shorts (again, either soft cotton or mesh) ending above the knee is also preferable to denim, because denim does not stretch, it chafes and it's going to limit your movement-and consequently, your performance.

If you're going to be playing, always wear white socks. That is, unless you'd like to see your feet and your very expensive volleyball shoes turn strange colors. In that case, wear whatever you want! Seriously though, white socks allow your feet more breathing room, and the color won't bleed when your feet start to sweat.

Your practice clothes might not seem like the most important piece of clothing you put on in a week, but they're going to have a major impact on the way you play. Come check out our collection of practice gear at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The Volleyball Gear You HAVE To Have

When it comes to buying volleyball gear, the bottom line that there are a lot of retailers that would love to talk you into buying a ton of equipment you don't really need in order to boost their profit margin. If you've got the money to spare that's fine, but if you're like most of us and living on a tight budget that slightly inflated list may mean the difference between purchasing high quality gear and second rate equipment that won't give you the performance quality you need.

Over the next few blog posts we're going to look at buying guidelines for your volleyball equipment so you're prepared when it's time to hit the stores, but before we do that I thought I should start by introducing you to the bare basics-the equipment you absolutely, positively cannot live without if you're talking about hitting the court on a regular basis.

First and foremost, you're going to need to purchase a good practice ball. There are hundreds of options out there to choose from, and a second-hand ball is just as good as a new one when you're first learning how to play if your budget is tight. As long as it's regulation sized, you're good to go.

Secondly, you're going to need a comfortable pair of shoes. You can play volleyball in jeans (although you shouldn't), you can play volleyball without proper knee pads, but you absolutely, positively cannot play indoor volleyball without a good pair of athletic shoes on your feet. (If you're a beach volleyball player this is a moot point when you're on the court; however, a good pair of sneakers is going to be vital for training.)

Speaking of training gear, you're going to want to make sure you've got some comfortable practice clothes handy. A great pair of spandex shorts, a comfortable pair of sweats and a tee-shirt that lets you move freely are the basic essentials. Ladies, don't forget to add a sports bra to your shopping list! Not only is it provide more support than a regular bra, it's a lot more comfortable when things start getting hot and sticky.

Knee pads are going to be a must sooner or later, so it's wise to pick them up to protect your joints from the very beginning. Luckly, knee pads now a days do protect the like they are suppose to! To make sure you're never left searching for your gear when it's time to hit the court, invest in a duffle or backpack reserved exclusively for your volleyball gear.

Unless you need to add a net to your collection (which you may if you don't play with an established league) these are the bare essentials you're going to need to get you started. Tune in on Friday for helpful hints on choosing a top of the line ball that will make sure you're primed and ready to play the game of your life when it's time for your first game!

Come check out our huge selection of volleyballs, kneepads, jerseys and other volleyball gear at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The Hottest Brand Names in Volleyball

When you're shopping for volleyball gear, whether it's a great pair of shoes or a practice ball for the backyard, you want to make sure you're not just getting the best for your money. You want to make sure you're getting the best for your game. It's often tempting to settle for second best and put away the difference for that weekend trip to Malibu, but the bottom line is that the last thing you want to do is cut corners when it comes to your equipment.

Not only does cheap equipment wear out faster (and usually at the worst possible moment), it can also have some nasty side effects. Fallen arches, blisters and banged up knees aren't fun, but that's exactly what you'll get when you cut corners on the quality of your gear.

Since I opened the doors of the Volleyball Pro Shop I've made it my mission to carry the hottest names in volleyball gear to make sure that my customers don't just get the best deals for their money. I want to make sure they get the best deal for their game. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to equipment, and it won't be long before you too develop your own personal taste in the style and brand of your volleyball gear; however, if you're new to the game and trying to figure out if you're being scammed by a slick sales pitch and a good price tag, here are some high quality brand names to look for:

Accessories and Cool Spandex: Pre-Wrap, Funkadelic Shorts

Shoes: Mizuno, Asics, Nike

Balls: Mikasa, Tachikara

Protective Gear and Uniforms: Mizuno, Tandem Sports, Adidas

You deserve the best every time you step out the court. Good equipment doesn't just benefit your game. It lasts longer, plays better and protects your game more smoothly than cheap imitations.

Come check out our huge selection of high quality gear at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.