Protection

Most players start with kneepads to protect their knees on digs, dives and floor drills. Many add ankle braces for stability when blocking and landing, especially after a past sprain, and arm or elbow sleeves to cushion the forearms during passing. Good volleyball shoes complete the setup.

Almost every indoor player wears them, and most coaches require them for practice. Liberos and defensive specialists, who dive the most, often choose thicker pads like the Mizuno LR6 Pro or Nike Vapor Elite, while hitters and middles often prefer lighter, low-profile pads for mobility. Beach players usually don't wear kneepads since the sand is softer. Shop all volleyball kneepads.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common volleyball injuries, often from landing on another player's foot at the net. Many players, especially blockers, hitters and anyone with a past sprain, wear braces for extra stability. Popular options include lace-up braces from McDavid, the Zamst A1 and A2-DX, and the Mizuno DXS2. If you're coming back from an injury, follow your doctor's or physiotherapist's advice. Shop all braces.

Arm sleeves cover your forearms to reduce the sting and redness from passing hard serves, protect your skin from floor burns when you dive, and keep your arms warm between plays. Lightweight options include the Mizuno Armsleeves and Nike Dri-Fit Volleyball Sleeves, while padded elbow sleeves add cushioning for diving. Shop all volleyball sleeves.

A kneepad has foam or gel padding over the kneecap to absorb impact when you hit the floor. A knee sleeve, like the Nike Pro Closed Patella Knee Sleeve, provides compression, warmth and a feeling of support but no impact padding. Players who want joint support often wear a sleeve, while anyone diving or digging on a hard court needs a padded kneepad. Find knee supports and straps in our braces collection.

Always check the care label first. Most kneepads and sleeves can be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle, ideally in a laundry bag, then air-dried; avoid the dryer, which can damage foam and elastic. Braces with plastic stays are usually best hand-washed. Air your gear out after every practice, and use Captodor odour spray and detergent to keep it fresh between washes.