When playing volleyball, you need the right gear to perform your best. You won’t improve your performance with these gears, but you’ll eliminate chances of any kind of injuries you may face. Safety is one most common aspects of these gears. One piece of essential accessory is a good set of arm pads. But how can you tell which alternatives are the best for you when there are so many? First understand the basics.
Volleyball is a physically challenging sport that can lead to serious injury if not played correctly. Playing the game correctly means ensuring that your arms are always protected. Thanks to volleyball arm pads, losing a finger or even an entire component due to an injury isn’t something you need to fear.
What are the Volleyball Arm Pads?
Arm pads are a great way to protect your arms from getting injured. They also help to prevent painful conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis, which might otherwise occur if you did not wear them. The best thing about arm pads is that they make it easier for players who have weak upper backs or even fallen arches in their feet (toes) as a result of prior injuries sustained during an intense training regimen to play better on the court because they help distribute weight consistently across the shoulders and upper back muscles.
They are composed of durable materials like neoprene. Most arm pads have velcro straps that help keep them in place; some even have padding inside for extra comfort.
Who Needs Volleyball Arm Pads?
There is much debate on whether volleyball arm pads are necessary for the sport or not. However, there is no denying that arm pads can provide players with a certain level of protection. If you are not sure if arm pads are suitable for you, here is a quick rundown of the different types of players who may need them:
- Beginners: Beginners need arm pads to protect themselves from injuries. They also need to learn the basics of volleyball, such as passing, setting, hitting, and blocking, before they can start playing without arm pads.
- Advanced Setters: Advanced setters are the backbone of your team. They need to be able to set with both hands, at different heights, and call out sets. You might consider getting them arm pads if they can’t do those things.
- Middle Blockers: Middle blockers are the other half of your team’s defense. Their job is to stop opposing hitters from getting a good pass-off so they can choose whether or not to block it. They need arm pads that protect them from injury while allowing them to move freely on the court.
- Hitters: Hitters need to protect their arms from the impact of the ball. If you’re hitting for a volley, your arm pads will be used to cushion the force of your swing and help prevent injury. This can also apply if you are playing as an individual hitter on offense or defense—you’ll want something that offers protection against other players’ hits.
- Liberos: Liberos need all of the above, but they also need to be able to dive for the ball. They’ll often be the ones who start a point and then pass it off to their teammate on the next play. If you’re playing a libero, you should have good arm protection because your hand will be exposed when diving for a ball or blocking an opponent’s hit.
The Different Types of Volleyball Arm Pads
There are a few different types of volleyball arm pads available on the market, and it can be complicated to decide which pair is right for you.
Closed-cell foam pad
Closed-cell foam pads offer a more comfortable experience while blocking and digging and protect against injury. This type of pad can also be used in indoor play because they are less prone to slipping than open-cell foam pads (which have less cushioning).
The main benefit of this type of arm pad is that it allows you to play volleyball without having your arm feel too tight or sore after long matches. It is popular among players who want their arms at their best when playing on hard surfaces like concrete courts.
While closed-cell foam pads aren’t as durable as other types, they make up for these shortcomings by being lightweight and easy to clean.
Open-cell foam pad
Open-cell foam pads are the cheapest and most common volleyball arm pads. They’re not as protective or comfortable as closed-cell foam, so an open cell might not be ideal if you play many games in the heat.
However, they have one advantage; they can be cut down to any size or shape. This makes them ideal for kids who need a custom fit and don’t have the money for professionally made pads.
Neoprene pad
Neoprene pads are a great way to protect your hands in volleyball. They’re lightweight and easy to wear, making them perfect for players who want extra cushioning without worrying about feeling weighed down by their gear.
However, they’re not as durable as other hand protectors and can tear if you play aggressively. Also, they can sometimes be restrictive and unbreathable.
So which type of volleyball arm pad is right for you? That depends on your needs and preferences. Do you need the most protection? Or maybe you are looking for something lightweight and form-fitting? Keep these things in mind when shopping for volleyball arm pads.
How to Choose the Right Volleyball Arm Pads?
So, how do you go about choosing suitable volleyball arm pads? It’s not as complicated as it appears. Before picking your pad, consider the following aspects.
- Comfort: The most crucial aspect of any sports equipment is comfort, and volleyball arm pads are no exception. So, it’s best to choose a pair of volleyball arm pads made with soft materials like foam or leather so that they won’t hurt your hands or arms during playtime.
- Protection: It’s also essential that your new equipment offers adequate protection against injuries caused by falls or hard hits. For example, some models may have reinforced stitching at critical areas where impact hits could occur (like on their handles). Others may include additional padding throughout their structure; either way works great.
- Durability: It’s also crucial that your new volleyball arm pad is built to last. To test the durability of an arm pad, press down on the top of your hand while wearing it and see how easily they give way. You should be able to push through with minimal effort. If they’re giving way too quickly, consider other options like leather or vinyl – these materials offer better resistance against pressure points that can cause discomfort in your arms over time.
- Aesthetics: It’s essential to consider the aesthetics of your new volleyball arm pad, as it may not be the only one that you wear. This means you’ll want to find an option that blends well with other equipment (like your jersey) while standing out from your teammates. In addition, being able to customize its appearance is another excellent way for players to express themselves through their sports equipment—just like you can with a customized team jersey.
Is It Worth Buying the Volleyball Arm Pads?
It depends on your situation. For example, arm pads could be beneficial if you are prone to elbow injuries. They can also be helpful if you are playing in a colder environment and need some extra insulation. But if you are not sure whether you will be playing for a long time, investing in a different piece of gear might be wiser. Volleyball arm pads can be expensive, and they might not be necessary if you are not going to use them all the time.
It’s up to you to decide whether they’re worth buying. This guide should have helped you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Volleyball arm pads can be a great way to protect your arms while playing, but it’s crucial to pick the best for you. Thankfully, many options are available, so you can be assured of getting the perfect volleyball arm pads for your requirements.
A good pair of volleyball arm pads can make all the difference in your game. Not only will they protect your arms from injury, but they can also help you play better by giving you more control and stopping the ball from slipping.