When you’re updating your gym or outfitting a new facility, choosing the right volleyball net system plays a big role in your program’s long-term success. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel unsure about what really matters.
We’ve worked with coaches, athletic directors, and club leaders across the country, and we’ve seen firsthand how common missteps in equipment selection can lead to frustration, wasted budgets, or underperforming gear. Avoiding these mistakes can set your program up for long-term success.
Mistake #1: Prioritizing Price Over Longevity
Choosing the cheapest net system may seem smart in the short term—but low-cost systems often wear out quickly, lose tension, or require constant maintenance. Over time, that bargain buy can turn into a bigger expense.
What to focus on instead: Look for systems built to handle high-volume use, season after season, without cutting corners on materials or craftsmanship. It’s not about paying more—it’s about getting more from what you pay for.
Mistake #2: Choosing Equipment That’s Hard to Move or Adjust
Some systems look great on paper but become a daily hassle in practice. Heavy poles, confusing adjustment mechanisms, or awkward storage requirements can create a lot of friction—especially for teams that share facilities or frequently switch between setups.
Tip: Think about who’s setting up your nets day-to-day. Coaches, School Staff, even athletes themselves often handle the job. Choosing gear that’s lightweight, intuitive, and quick to adjust means more time on the court and less time fumbling with hardware.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Who Will Be Using the System
Your equipment should match your environment—not just your budget. If you’re running a multi-sport gym or have limited staff, you need a net system that fits into your routine without slowing it down.
A few questions to ask:
- Is setup straightforward enough for students or School Staff?
- Can height adjustments be made easily?
- Does the system stay consistent from one setup to the next?
Ease-of-use isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity for busy programs.
Mistake #4: Failing to Plan for Multi-Level Play
A lot of schools and clubs serve multiple teams across different age groups or competition levels. If your net system isn’t easy to adjust for various heights, you’re setting yourself up for extra work and potential compliance issues.
What to look for: Reliable, clearly marked height settings and smooth adjustability for youth, high school, and collegiate play. Versatility ensures your system can grow with your program.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Net Tension Consistency
A sagging net may seem minor, but it can affect everything from drills to match integrity. Inconsistent tension frustrates players, disrupts play, and often signals a system that wasn’t built for the demands of regular use.
Solution: Invest in systems with dependable tensioning mechanisms that stay taut throughout practices and games. The best setups maintain tightness without constant tweaking or hardware failures.
Set Your Program Up for Success
Choosing the right volleyball net system is about finding equipment that works for your program—day in and day out. It should support consistent play, stand up to regular use, and make setup simple.
Sterling Volleyball’s E Series Poles are built with exactly that in mind: durable, lightweight, and engineered for dependable performance at a budget-conscious price. It’s a system designed by people who understand what coaches and athletic directors need day in and day out.
👉 Talk with our team about building the right setup for your program.
