Kneepads

Kneepads should feel snug without cutting off circulation, with the padding centred over your kneecap. They shouldn't slide down when you squat, shuffle or dive. Most brands size by the circumference around the middle of your knee, so measure with a soft tape and follow the size chart on each product. Try them on in a low defensive stance before your first practice. Shop all volleyball kneepads.

Follow the brand's size chart first. If you're right between two sizes, the smaller size is usually the better choice, since kneepads stretch slightly with wear and a loose pad slips down during play. If the smaller size feels tight behind the knee or leaves marks, go up a size. Sizing differs between Mizuno, Nike, Under Armour, Asics and Adidas, so don't assume your size carries over from one brand to another.

Thick, high-padding kneepads, like the Mizuno LR6, LR6 Pro and T10 Plus, give maximum protection for liberos, defensive specialists and players who dive often. Low-profile pads, like the Nike Streak and the Mizuno VS-1 Ultra, are lighter and less bulky, so hitters and middles can move and jump freely. Choose based on how often you hit the floor.

Youth kneepads are cut smaller so they stay in place on younger players' legs. Popular options include the Mizuno T10 Plus Youth, the Nike Streak Youth and Youth Essential, and the Under Armour Armour 2.0 Youth and Armour 3 Youth. Kids grow quickly, so check the fit at the start of each season, and pair the pads with a lighter training volleyball for beginners.

Beginners need kneepads just as much as experienced players, because learning to dig and dive means hitting the floor often. Durable, affordable choices include the Nike Essential and Varsity, the Under Armour Strive 3 and the Mizuno LR6. Choose a pad with good coverage over the kneecap, and upgrade later once you know your position and playing style.

Replace your kneepads when the padding feels flat or thin, you start feeling the floor through them, the elastic no longer holds them in place, or the fabric is torn. Players who practise several times a week often need a new pair every season. Washing them gently and air-drying them helps them last longer. Find your next pair in our kneepads collection.