Sand volleyball team holding up shirts What to wear when playing sand volleyball

What to Wear When Playing Sand Volleyball

If you’re new to sand volleyball, you might have brushed up on the rules, checked for leagues and tournaments in your area, and maybe even started some conditioning workouts. But there’s a simple aspect of sand volleyball you may have overlooked–what clothing should you wear while playing?

When you’ve committed to a volleyball league, your team is counting on you to show up, rain or shine. Here at Volleyball Beach in Ozark, Missouri, we play year-round and have indoor and outdoor courts. We’re known as “the beach within reach”–but there’s no ocean nearby, of course! So our players wear a variety of clothing to feel their most comfortable no matter what the weather brings. 

In this post, we share our best advice about what to wear while playing sand volleyball.

Related Post: Jump Conditioning Exercises For Beach Volleyball

Sand Volleyball Clothing: Dress Smart By Layering

Because sand volleyball is often played outdoors (unless you are playing inside Volleyball Beach’s giant dome), you’ll want to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. In Southwest Missouri, where Volleyball Beach is located, weather can change drastically from day to day or even within an hour. This is why seasoned sand volleyball enthusiasts recommend wearing several layers of clothing so you’re fully prepared for whatever the weather brings. 

Layer 1: Hot Weather Clothing 

For your innermost layer of clothing, you should wear items you plan to wear in the hottest, sunniest weather. Because our facility at Volleyball Beach is not near a body of water, our players usually forgo swimming suits for breathable shorts and tank tops. If you are playing on an indoor court inside our big dome, it can get fairly warm, so cool, breathable clothes might be your best option.

Layer 2: Chilly Weather Clothing

Your second layer of clothing should consist of items you’d wear during slightly chillier weather–maybe on a cloudy day when there’s a cool breeze, during early spring or fall in the Midwest. 

Because you’ll be working up a sweat, there’s no need to wear thicker, heavier material. Our players usually opt for a simple long-sleeved, still-breathable shirt and lightweight sweatpants. Every piece of clothing should be flexible for quick and easy movement on the volleyball court. 

Related Post: 5 Amazing Benefits of Joining a Sand Volleyball League 

Layer 3: Rain and Wind-Protective Clothing

Your outermost layer of clothing should be outerwear that can protect against rain and wind. Since volleyball is life for many league players, they don’t mind coming out if there’s a bit of chill, mist, or wind. 

If you think the temperature outside will be a bit chilly, windy, or rainy, it’s a great idea to wear a wind-breaker jacket and moisture-wicking athletic pants as your last and final layer. 

Sand Volleyball Accessories

Don’t get so caught up in planning your clothing that you forget about your sand volleyball accessories! 

Even though Volleyball Beach plays year-round, the height of sand volleyball season is summer, so you won’t want to forget your sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher!), hats or visors, and sunglasses. 

You’ll also want to bring a bottle of cold water and a towel to wipe your sweat. 

Worried about your feet getting burned in the hot sand? They’ve got something for that now–sand socks! Sand socks can help league players avoid blisters and abrasions from frequent running in the sand and can help protect your feet from hot sand that has been baking in the sun all day.

Related Post: Do You Need Shoes For Sand Volleyball?

Play Sand Volleyball at Volleyball Beach Ozark

Here at Volleyball Beach in Ozark, Missouri, we invite you to come and play no matter what you’re wearing! We’re open all year round and have both indoor and outdoor sand volleyball courts. For more information about sand volleyball, sponsored or corporate events, leagues, or tournaments, visit us in person,  contact us online or give us a call at 417-771-9330.