In volleyball the perimeter lines makes it easy to determine whether a ball is in or out.
However with the ball always being kept up in the air you may think.
‘How do we know if the ball is played over the net within the correct parameters?’
Well this is where the Volleyball Antenna (Sometimes known as the Aerial) comes into play.
The volleyball antenna is a rod which is attached to the net at each end directly above the lines. These rods are often red and white in colour, the patterns consists of a large red section followed by a large white section which is repeated the full length of the rod.
The purpose of this colours is to contrast one another to make it clear to officials if a fault occurs.Antennas are used on both Indoor Volleyball courts and outdoor courts such as Beach Volleyball.
So as stated above the purpose of the antenna is help identify faults within play. Lets take a deeper look into this.
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What Faults Does The Antenna Show
As stated the Antennas are placed directly above the outside of the lines, this signifies where the court finishes on either side.
In volleyball the ball must pass over the net between the sidelines, by using antennas a line judge or referee can clearly determine whether the ball travelled round or even over the antenna when crossing the net.
If something like this does occur a fault would be called.
It is also illegal for the ball or a player to touch the aerial during play. This means if a player tries to hit the ball down the line but the ball brushes against the aerial this again would be a fault.
The same would be true if the hitter or even the blocking player touched the aerial during the battle at the net.
Aerials actually play a larger role than you may think.
It volleyball the ball can be played off the net to keep the rally alive.
However, this is only true if the ball hits the net within the playing area (The playing area being between the sidelines). With this in mind if the ball hits the aerial, net outside the aerial or the support ropes. The ball would be deemed out of bounds and not playable.
Again having the large colourful aerials fixed to the net this helps referee’s make a quick and easy decision.
One of the last reasons Aerials can be helpful applies only to indoor volleyball.
In Indoor Volleyball it is illegal to cross the centre line which separates one side from the opponent’s side. This means if the ball is shanked out of bounds and is travelling round the post to the other teams side, a player from the same team (normally the setter) could not run under the net and chase down the ball.
However, this rule only stands if the player steps over the line within the playing zone which as we know is between the sidelines.
This means a player could run under the net between the antenna and post without causing any fault.
It is worth noting though that if the ball is shanked and it is going out on the opponent’s side, if the ball did happen to go between the aerials when mispassed, the ball is seen as being returned and your team can not recover it.
The same would be true if the ball was shanked round the post but the player who chased it down returned the ball over or between the aerials, this again would be considered a fault.
How Are Volleyball Antenna Secured To The Net?
There are actually a few different designs when it comes to volleyball antennas.
The main designs I have personally used and installed are the following:
- Velcro Fixings
- String Fixings
- Clamp-on Fixings
The most commonly used aerials in Beach volleyball that I have found is the velcro antennas.
Velco Antenna
The velcro antenna is by far the easiest to install.
There is built in opening in which the rod is placed, simply hook the non-antenna side over the net and dangle it down the face of the net.
The antenna is then offered up to the net directly above the outside of the sideline, using the velcro on the other side of the net fix the velcro to the antenna containing side by sticking them together through the openings in the net.
Sting Antenna
The next Antenna is one of the most fiddly antennas to install and that is the string antenna.
This again has a built in antenna pouch on one side and a free side that is hooked over the net.
Once the antenna is resting over the net there is strings and holes that resemble shoe string lace holes.
The string is then passed through the net and then through the holes where it is tightened in position.
Being that is is only secured between the net, depending on how small the squares are through the net this can cause a lot of sliding or movement of the antenna during play. This is one reason why they are generally only used indoor and not outdoor, where the wind may cause them to move.
Clamp-on Antenna
The last Antenna is the clamp on fixing.
This Antenna is the most popular choice for nearly all competitive indoor play as it offers easy installation and due to the top and bottom clamps it stays secure in whichever position they are fixed.
To install the antenna is simply offered up the net where the top clamp is hooked over the net before being pushed inwards where it will clamp in place.
As the Antenna is pushed inwards towards the net the bottom clamp can be maneuvered into place on the bottom of the net before again clamping on.
This antennas feature a patented design as they are suitable for both 36” nets and 1m nets.
Volleyball Antenna Materials
The actual volleyball antenna itself is constructed using fibreglass. Fibreglass is a very versatile product which offers good durability and does not fatigue when used in miserable weather.
Being that it is fibreglass and can be quite easy to put back together and repair if it becomes damaged through play.
Which Antenna Should You Get?
If you are hoping to pick up some Antennas to make your games more official my recommendations would be solely based on which classification of Volleyball you were playing.
If you are a beach volleyball player then the Velcro option is definitely going to be the most suitable option.
The velcro is very strong and robust and does not easily wear. Being that it is strong, it is easy to fix in whichever position you require it to be fixed and it is not likely to move position during wet and windy spells.
If you are an indoor player then the only recommendation I can even think about offering is the clamp-on antenna. Although the string will be cheaper and do a similar job for the hassle involved in securing the antenna properly, then you have to compete with how large the open squares are on the net.
It simply just doesn’t offer the best experience.
If you are an Indoor Volleyball Player stick with the Clamp-on Antenna.
When it comes to Volleyball equipment generally I like to stick with main brands as their products are built and perfected through years of trials and tribulations. These companies know what its like to be playing beach volleyball in 60kmh winds and they know what its like being 24-24 all in a set that can decide the outcome of a game.
With this in mind, our recommendations are as follows:
Outdoor Volleyball Antenna:
Indoor Volleyball Antenna: