Knee pads are more common in indoor volleyball compared to beach volleyball. However, this doesn’t mean that they are useless for sand volleyball players …
Indeed, some players might have a bad knee and in such a case knee pads would help support the vulnerable knee to avoid making the situation any worse.
In this article, I breakdown the details explaining the importance of knee pads for the sport. I also explain couple important equipment that you might need for your safety!
(3 Reasons) How important are knee pads for beach volleyball?
It may seem strange wearing knee pads in beach volleyball because some might assume that they are not necessary because of the sand.
Indeed, sand is a softer surface than wood or concrete, but that does not mean that it is 100% safe.
The first reason for wearing knee pads is related to old injuries. Players that have an knee injury tend to wear knee pads while playing. They should help stabilize the knee and hold it in place, like all other parts of the knee.
Quick Tip: If you’ve got a bad knee and want to play beach volleyball, then you should pick knee pads that are tight enough to help stabilize your knees and not too tight to the point to compromise your movements. For examples, these quality knee pads would definitely help in this regard.
The second reason is the cushioning that the knee pads provide. Sand is softer than wood or concrete, but it can be rough on the skin more than those two. Knee pads can provide you with additional cushioning when it comes to a hard game and a tough opponent.
The next reason is simply the prevention of possible injury. As we have mentioned earlier, knee pads help the knee stay in place. They help it get stronger in times of need. When a volleyball player lands inappropriately on his knee it may turn and twist or just give in to pressure.
Knee pads recommendation for sand volleyball …
These quality knee pads (Check it Here at Amazon) is a good model and is universal for both men and women. They are also intended for use by people that have bad knee.
They do a good job holding your knees tightly in place and stabilizing the joint and are an excellent solution for pain relief. They can be worn off field as well.
They are adapted for high speed and intensive sports, like basketball, football, volleyball etc.
In addition, they can provide your knees with enough air and decent comfort.
You might notice that they do not have a cushion, well that is because they are made for a variety of activities. However, the lack of the cushioning does not take their role away and they are capable of fulfilling their role entirely without getting in the players way when playing beach volleyball.
Per the Rules: Are knee pads mandatory, optional or forbidden?
Knee pads are not mandatory in beach volleyball. It all comes down to the player and his willingness to wear them. Rules are not strict on this regard.
They are not forbidden either! Of course that would be absurd, because by forbidding a protective piece of equipment you will virtually take the safety away from the players.
Some players are required to wear knee pads or knee braces by their doctor, if they have sustained an injury in the past or if they have had a mild injury recently and they want or are ready to play, they can do so but with a knee pad that the doctor has prescribed them.
BTW, I believe you should learn about how safe is beach volleyball … This will educate you on the most common risks and how to properly deal with them …
Other important equipment for beach volleyball …
Besides knee pads, beach volleyball players use other types of gear that help them battle the sun, heat, sand and the opponents.
First on our list are sunglasses. They help players battle the sun‘s rays. The light coming from the sun can get really annoying and it can interfere with your gameplay very often and it can prevent you from focusing on the game.
Wearing sunglasses can help you see better and clearer while playing in the sun.
Another piece of equipment that players often use is the cap. Women volleyball players often use the open caps which make it possible for their hair/horse tails to stick out and interfere in the game less.
The caps can help you a lot when battling the sun and the heat. It can protect you from an eventual heat wave, and they usually absorb sweat really easy. In this category we can also list the bandanas that some players like to wear on their heads. The bandanas are an even better solution when it comes to sweat absorption.
Third and final piece of equipment on our list are the arm sleeves that some players also like to use. The arm sleeves can be useful for the prevention of muscle contraction during the game and also for sweat absorption. They are also a great option if you want to prevent some injuries when having contact with the ball.
Bonus Tip: To protect your feet from sand heat and sharp objects that might be buried there, you might think about using sand socks. These have nothing to do with regular socks. Instead they are specialized socks for sand that can fully protect your feet. For example, you can check these sand socks to know what they actually look like.
Is it common to have knee injury in beach volleyball?
Beach volleyball players can sustain multiple injuries throughout their career. The most common injuries are those of the knee, ankle and fingers.
Knee injuries can be very severe at times. The most common injuries are the tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, other ligament sprains and meniscus tears.
Besides that there are injuries that are related to the overuse of the muscles. Those kinds of injuries are a result of no adequate recovery time.
In 2003 in a study that was conducted, 40% of players have had an overuse injury. Those injuries were mainly located in the lower back, the knee and the shoulder.
Over 75% of athletes that had reported an overuse injury had been diagnosed with patellar tendonopathy, or the jumper’s knee. The other injuries of the toe and of the shoulder are not so common, but they are unpleasant nonetheless.
Beach volleyball is a relatively safe sport and with proper rest and proper management of your body before the game and after the game it should be all fine.
Knee injuries are some of the most unpleasant and the most difficult injuries to recover from.
So, play safe and be responsible when it comes to the maintenance of your body.
Finally, I highly invite you to learn about these tips to help protect your feed in sand volleyball …
Final Thoughts …
If you are going to have a hard practice session or an actual competitive sand volleyball game, then I really invite you to use knee pads even if you are confident about your knee state …
I totally understand that it might look weird especially if your partners are not using them. Yet, you probably should not care about that and still ensure your knees are properly protected …
Not only against potential injuries, but also to provide more longevity for your knees.
One more and last thing, I would love that you check this full list of important beach volleyball equipment. I think you will find it very interesting …