Do you want to know how to maintain the best possible conditions for your sand volleyball court? If so, you may consider buying an edge guard. Edge guards can help protect the edges of your court from wear and tear and provide a safe playing surface for your athletes. This buying guide will discuss the different factors to consider when purchasing an edge guard for your sand volleyball court.
Why do you need an Edge Guard?
When playing volleyball, you will often find yourself chasing the ball and trying to make a play without always knowing what’s in front of you, what you are about to land on. Unfortunately, you will land on the ground or, worse, concrete curb and injure yourself badly. You can avoid those injuries by using edge guards.
Edge guards help to create a safer playing surface by providing a physical barrier between the playing area and the rest of the sandpit. An edge guard is a strip of rubber or foam placed on the edge of the playing surface. It has a high compression value; hence you will land safely if you fall during the game. Further, it helps players prevent the ball from bouncing off the net or hitting the ground.
How does an Edge Guard maintain court?
Edge Guard helps to maintain the volleyball court by providing a durable and consistent surface for play. It can protect the entire court or areas prone to wear and tear. It can also save the court from particular types of damage, such as UV radiation or chemical spills. Finally, it helps to keep sand from being eroded by wind and weather and provides a barrier against animals and debris.
Installing an edge guard is a simple and effective way to improve the safety and appearance of your sand volleyball court. In addition to its practical purposes, the edge guard also serves an aesthetic purpose. It helps to create a clean and defined line between the playing area and the rest of the sandpit, making the court look more professional and inviting.
Choosing the Right Edge Guard
Before buying an edge guard for your sand volleyball court, there are a few considerations you should make:
- Type of Court: Edge Guards vary for different courts. There are two main types of sand volleyball courts: indoor and outdoor. Indoor courts are typically made of concrete or asphalt, while outdoor courts are usually made of sand. If you are using it on an indoor court, you will need a soft and flexible guard. If you use it on an outdoor court, you will need a durable guard to withstand the elements.
- Size of Court: Before buying an edge guard for a sand volleyball court, you should check the size of your court. You can’t buy an edge guard for tennis or basketball courts because these games require different measurements and materials. The size of the court will determine the length and width of the edge guard you need. You will also need to consider the net’s height, affecting how high up the edge guard needs to be installed.
- Level of Play: You also need to consider the level of play that will be taking place on your court. If you plan to host professional matches, you must choose an edge guard that meets all regulatory standards. On the other hand, if you do recreational playing, then any simple edge guard will work.
- Durability:Edge Guard should be made of high-quality materials that will withstand the elements and protect your court from sand erosion and severe hits. It should also be UV resistant, so it will not fade or deteriorate over time.
- Compression Value and Thickness: An edge guard must have a high compression value to prevent injuries. Try to look for materials with higher compression value if you play aggressively or competitively. At the same time, you want to ensure that the edge guard is thick enough to protect the court from wear and tear.
- Aesthetics: Last but not least, aesthetics plays a huge role in determining your edge guard. Choose a good-looking edge guard, which matches the surroundings, and makes everyone love to play on the court!
Types of Edge Guard
Different materials used in volleyball edge guards provide various benefits. To find the best for you, you must first know the pros and cons of each one.
Foam Edge Guard
A few different edge guards are available for volleyball, but foam edge guards are the most popular. Foam edge guards offer superior protection against impact and are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
However, they can impede the natural movement of the ball, causing it to bounce erratically. Additionally, they can make it more difficult for players to keep their footing, as the foam can be slippery.
Rubber Edge Guard
One of the biggest pros to using a rubber edge guard is that it can help prolong the court’s life. This edge guard will protect the court from any damage that things like weather or animals could cause. This will help keep the court in good condition for longer.
However, rubber edge guards can be a trip hazard. If not installed properly, it can stick out of the ground and be a tripping hazard for players.
Plastic Edge Guard
Plastic edge guards are relatively inexpensive and offer a bit of padding. The good thing about them is that they can be easily cut to fit the specific dimensions of your volleyball court.
On the other hand, they are not very durable and can easily be damaged. They do not provide much protection from impact and can increase the risk of injury.
Synthetic Edge Guard
A synthetic edge guard is made from natural and synthetic materials, resulting in a hybrid material. The main benefit of synthetic rubber is that it’s very durable, so it lasts longer than other materials. It also has high chemical and heat resistance and can withstand harsh environments.
However, a significant disadvantage of synthetic edge guards is that they can be very slippery, leading to players slipping and falling on the court. Synthetic edge guards can also be abrasive, damaging the court’s playing surface.
Vinyl Edge Guard
Vinyl has high durability that can withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option. Vinyl edge guards are easy to install, and you can do it yourself if you’re handy.
One problem with vinyl edge guards is that they are not as durable as their synthetic counterparts. This means that they will need to be replaced more often, which can be costly. They can also become slippery when wet, which is dangerous for players.
Based on the different properties of different materials, you can choose the one best suited for your needs.
Why is Edge Guard the best alternative?
Many think of edging the court by pouring concrete curbs, PVC Pipes, netter barriers, gravels, or sandbags. None of those are permanent solutions and provide a safe environment for players. Edge Guards, on the other hand, are a much safer, cheaper, and permanent solution to this problem for the following reasons:
- An edge guard is specifically designed to protect the court’s edges from sand and wind, while netter and inflatable barriers are mainly used for other purposes.
- An edge guard is made of a durable material that can withstand the elements and heavy use, while inflatable walls and sandbags can be easily damaged.
- An edge guard is easy to install and remove, while other options can be more complex and time-consuming.
- Edge Guard is much lighter than netting barriers and won’t weigh down your court.
- Edge Guard is way more affordable than other options.
Additional tips to know before installing Edge Guard
While you already know how to buy the right edge guard, here are some tips you should know before installing it.
- Always start with a clean court. Remove any previous lines or markings with a power washer or hose.
- Use sand that is fine and clean, without any rocks or debris.
- Use a long, straight 2×4 or similar object to guide your edging.
- Make a shallow trench around the perimeter of the court.
- Fill the trench with sand, using a tamping tool to compact it.
- Apply adhesive on all sides of the edge guard.
Conclusion
There you have it! Now that you know what to look for in an edge guard, you’re ready to make your purchase. Just remember to take your time, do your research, and ask plenty of questions. With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect edge guard for your needs.