Traditional volleyballs apparently have 18 panels. The
Mikasa MVA200 volleyball, which they are using in the Olympics, only has 8 panels, which allow for greater hand contact on the ball, a better feel, and therefore greater accuracy and control. According to Wired, the Mikasa also sounds different when you hit it; it doesn't "have the same satisfying pop as a traditional volleyball." Which sounds like a challenge to hit it even harder, but maybe that's just us. See all
Mikasa volleyball gear.
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