In a physically active sport like volleyball, it's almost impossible to avoid contact with the court floor. Whether your volleyball career is just starting or you're an old-timer, the knees are your first contact with the floor and will absorb the fall. Added and unanticipated pressure on the knees means risking injury.

It's an unfortunate truth of volleyball. The process of running fast, stopping abruptly, and shifting control of the body to the arms and hands can overstress the knees. When suddenly slammed to the floor without warning on closed-cell synthetics or wood, the knees are involuntary participants and feel the brunt of contact. It's true, a properly fitted knee pad is protective.

Knee pads are to knee protective gear, as helmet is to concussion protective gear. They provide substantial protection from both bruses and scrapes. Scraping happens more often than you might think.

An extra added benefit of wearing knee pads is in practice, the second you have knee pads on then warm-ups become practice-like.

There are many options for knee pads. They come in a variety of styles, colors, materials, and thicknesses.

Common Knee Injuries in Volleyball

• Contusions and scrapes from frequent contact with the court

• Tendons or ligaments strained from repeated motion or awkward landings

• Repeated impact on the connective tissue, causing inflammation or swelling

The volleyball knee pads reduce friction, absorb shock and preserve knee health in the long run. They cushion players against injuries and the athlete is more dynamically and confident in playing when on-court.

Types of Volleyball Knee Pads

When selecting new knee pads it can make a big difference by understanding what types are available. Here are some of the most common types of volleyball knee pads:

Foam Knee Pads

• Lightweight and flexible

• Best suited for new or recreational players

• Provides basic cushioning and mobility

Gel Knee Pads

• Provides superior shock absorption and durability

• Designed for advanced players or long training sessions

• Retain shape and comfort

Compression Knee Sleeves

• Provides light protection for the knee and muscle support

• Best for the player recovering from mild injury

• Supports muscle recovery by improving blood circulation and decreasing muscle fatigue

Professional-Grade Knee Pads

• Designed for competitive play and indoor court

• Provides a combination of high-density padding with a breathable fabric

• Made for durability and performance

There is a purpose for each type based on skill level, playing surface, body comfort, and personal preference.

Selecting Knee Pads Volleyball

The performance and comfort can significantly rely on the right knee pads. Here’s what to think about:

• Fit and Comfort: Knee pads must fit well so that you can move. A loose knee pad will also slip during a game whereas a tight one will limit blood circulation.

• Fabric Quality: Select padding that has breathable moisture-wicking fabrics that can wick the sweat and avoid irritation.

• Padding Thickness: Thicker padding the better protection you will have. A thinner padding should be used in beach or casual play.

• Durability: Find stitching of high quality which does not tear, or material stretched which will be durable.

• Brand Name: It is always best to select a brand name knee pad, which is reputed to be sport performance and reliable protection.

It is important to remember that the pads of your right knee have to fit your knee, not be rigid, almost like a second skin, and still provide protection.

Care and Maintenance Tips

It is important to follow these tips to preserve your volleyball knee pads occupant and increase your life.

• Washing: Knee pads- Hand wash with a light detergent. You can use soft mode in the laundry machine.

• Air Dry: Don't use the dryer! Air Drying is the best way to keep your knee pads from becoming too stretched out and loosing their elasticity.

• Storage: Avoid sport bag storage. After wearing it, kneepads should air dry on the floor or a shelf to avoid odor habitation.

• Replacement: Replace your knee pads when they no longer provide protection due to flattened padding or loose material to maximize your performance.

Benefits of Volleyball Knee Pads

In case you wear volleyball knee pads, it is not simply injury prevention. Knee pads also have more than injury prevention benefits to the athletes. Some of these benefits are:

• Injury protection: They ensure that you are not bruised, cut, and strained when throwing yourself to play the ball.

• Freedom: They enable you to leap and move without any second thought.

• Comfort: Reduces the pain and discomfort due to the constant impact with the ground.

• Performance: They maintain concentration and play fast.

And as soon as you attach the appropriate knee pads, you are going to not only feel your protection getting better but you are going to feel more confident in your motions and diving.

Conclusion

For every volleyball player, regardless of their level of play from beginner to professional, have volleyball knee pads as part of their gear is a must! They are the ideal combination of safety, comfort, and performance advantage that will allow an athlete to go beyond their limits without the worry of being injured. With a good pair of knee pads, your knees will stay protected, your focus will be on the sport, and you will continue to love the sport of volleyball with every dive.