How Much Does a Volleyball Weigh?

Hey there volleyball players! Have you ever picked up a volleyball and thought, “Hmm, I wonder how much this thing weighs?” Well, wonder no more! Today, we’re diving into the world of volleyballs to discover just how heavy they really are. Spoiler alert: it’s not as heavy as a giant pumpkin, but it’s not as light as a feather either!

So… How Much Does a Volleyball Weigh?

The official weight of a volleyball is between 9.2 and 9.9 ounces (that’s about 260 to 280 grams).

That’s not very heavy at all! To give you an idea, 9.9 ounces is about the same weight as a can of soda. Yes, you heard that right—a can of soda! Imagine playing volleyball with a soda can. It wouldn’t be quite as fun though, since soda cans don’t bounce very well.

Volleyballs are carefully designed to be just the right weight. This makes them easy to hit, set, and spike without wearing out the players’ arms. Plus, at this weight, the ball flies through the air at just the right speed for exciting rallies and powerful serves.

However, that’s not all. Official volleyballs must also be at a certain circumference and PSI level. The ball must be 65-67 centimeters in circumference, and air pressure needs to be 4.26-4.61 psi.

Now that you know a little more about volleyball specs, let’s see what else is in the same weight class.

• A Box of Chocolates: If you’ve ever gotten a box of chocolates, you might be surprised to know that it weighs about the same as a volleyball. But be careful—don’t try to spike a box of chocolates. It could get messy!
• A Small Bag of Chips: Next time you grab a snack, pick up a small bag of chips. Feel that weight? It’s pretty close to a volleyball!
• A Bouncy Ball: Those little rubber balls you find in toy stores are also close in weight to a volleyball. They’re just a lot smaller and more likely to bounce out of control.

Isn’t it cool how everyday objects can help us understand the weight of a volleyball?

~ Fun Fact ~

Did you know that volleyball was invented in 1895 by a man named William G. Morgan? He originally called the game “Mintonette.” It was meant to be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball, but the name didn’t stick.

When a player suggested the name “volleyball” because of how the ball is volleyed back and forth, everyone agreed it was the perfect fit. And that’s how volleyball got its name!

You might be wondering if a volleyball used for beach volleyball is heavier or lighter than one played with indoors. Great question! Beach volleyballs are usually a tiny bit bigger and softer than indoor volleyballs, but their weight is about the same—still between 9.2 and 9.9 ounces.

The difference lies in the feel of the ball. Beach volleyballs are designed to handle the outdoor elements like sand and wind, making them perfect for those fun, sunny beach games!

Weight is super important for the game. If it’s too heavy, it would be difficult to play, especially for younger players. If it’s too light, it might just float away on a windy day! The perfect weight ensures the ball can be served, passed, and spiked with just the right amount of force. It’s all about balance!

Volleyball is a popular sport all over the world, from the United States to Brazil, and from Japan to Italy. No matter where you go, the weight of a volleyball stays the same. This consistency helps players from different countries compete fairly in international tournaments like the Olympics.

So, there you have it! The next time you pick up a volleyball, you’ll know that it weighs between 9.2 and 9.9 ounces, just like a can of soda or a small bag of chips. Whether you’re playing indoors or on the beach, you can appreciate how this perfectly weighted ball makes the game of volleyball so much fun.

Now that you’re a volleyball weight expert, grab a ball and some friends, and get ready to serve, spike, and score!