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Friction burn holes in Volleyball attire

Holes in volleyball attire (compression shorts, kneepads, sliders, or sleeves) are a common issue for players and indicates intense friction, which can also cause skin injuries like floor burns if not properly protected. It is important to wear appropriate gear to reduce the damage to your skin. Friction burns primarily result from contact with the court surface during a dive or slide.

Causes and Prevention

Friction and Heat: The rapid, high-impact slide across the court generates significant heat, which can melt or abrade the synthetic fibers in your gear, creating a burn hole.

Improper Technique: Diving with incorrect form, such as dropping directly onto your knees or wrists instead of performing a smooth roll or slide across your chest/torso, increases direct friction with the floor.

Court Surface: The type and condition of the court flooring (e.g., highly polished hardwood, specific synthetic surfaces) can affect the amount of friction generated.

Material Quality: Some materials are more prone to burning through than others. High-quality gear designed for durability may last longer, but even the best gear can be damaged by hard impacts and friction.

Solutions

Improve Diving Technique: Focus on proper form, which involves staying low to the ground and performing a rolling motion to distribute impact and reduce direct friction on one spot. This is often considered more crucial than relying solely on protective gear. Search some online tutorials.

Physical Conditioning: Working on footwork and anticipation can help you move to the ball more effectively, reducing the need for last-ditch, high-impact dives.

Use Proper Equipment: Make sure your gear is designed for indoor court use and is not worn out. Ripped or poorly fitting gear may not offer adequate protection.

Knee Pads or Sliders: Sliders are specifically designed to protect against abrasions during slides, while kneepads provide overall impact absorption for various movements like diving. Ensure you are wearing quality equipment that is correctly positioned to cover the contact area.

Arm Sleeves: If you’re getting burns on your arms or wrists, wearing arm sleeves can help your arm glide along the floor more smoothly.