Sleeves

Padded sleeves, like the Mizuno Padded Elbow Sleeves and the Nike Pro Hyperstrong Padded Elbow Sleeve 3.0, protect your elbows and forearms when you dive and dig on a hard floor. Lightweight compression sleeves, like the Nike Pro Dri-Fit Sleeves 4.0 and Mizuno Armsleeves, are thinner and focus on comfort, warmth and reducing the sting of passing. Liberos and defenders often choose padded sleeves, while hitters and setters usually prefer lightweight ones.

They don't replace good technique, but they make passing more comfortable. By softening the sting of hard serves and spikes, sleeves help players keep a steady platform instead of pulling their arms away, which is especially useful for beginners and during long passing drills. Many players also like the clean, consistent contact surface they create on the forearms. For drills, add a trainer from our volleyball training collection.

It depends on the product. Volleyball-specific models are often sold in pairs, like the Nike Dri-Fit Volleyball Sleeves (2-pack) and Nike Lightweight Sleeves 2.0, while many compression and shooter sleeves are sold as a single sleeve. Check the product title and description before ordering, and buy two if you want to wear one on each arm.

Arm sleeves should be snug enough to stay in place through passing, diving and arm swings without rolling down, but never tight enough to leave deep marks or feel restrictive. Most brands size by the circumference of your bicep or forearm, so measure and follow the size chart on each product. Padded sleeves should keep the padding centred over your elbow.

Yes. Youth sleeves are cut smaller so they stay up on younger players' arms. Options include the Nike Youth Pro Dri-Fit Sleeve and Pro Youth Dri-Fit Sleeves 4.0, plus youth arm sleeves from Lizard Skins and Jordan. They're a great way to help new players feel more confident passing. Complete their gear with youth kneepads.

In most leagues, yes. Arm sleeves are widely worn in school, club and adult volleyball. Some leagues and teams have uniform rules about colours, for example asking that sleeves match across the team, so check with your coach or league before game day. Black and white sleeves from Nike and Mizuno are the safest choices. Shop all volleyball sleeves.