What Are The Rules Of Beach Volleyball?

Beach volleyball is an outdoor sport played on a sand court between two teams of two players. The two teams use an inflated ball to hit back and forth over a raised net with the goal of making it land on the opponent’s side of the court. Keep reading to learn the most important rules of beach volleyball.

Objective

The main objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net, trying to make it impossible for the opposite team to return back over the net. Generally speaking, one team will hit the ball over the net with a serve, and the two teams will rally the ball back and forth. Once the rally is finished because one team cannot return the ball, a point is granted to the team that forced the error.

Three Touches Rule

There are several rules that are heavily enforced in beach volleyball. One of the most important rules in beach volleyball is that players are only allowed to touch the ball a total of three times between their own team before sending the ball back over the net. No one can touch the ball two times in a row, and touches that come off the block count as one touch.

Illegal Touches and Moves

Another rule that is important to remember in beach volleyball is that there are some touches or moves that are illegal in the game. Unlike indoor volleyball, players cannot tip or dink the volleyball with their open hand. Since only two athletes play on the court during a game, they can not get to the ball fast enough to recover open-handed tips or dinks. Therefore, the move is not allowed.

Net Rules

Different from indoor volleyball, players are allowed to cross underneath the net to the opposing team’s side of the court to retrieve a ball during the game. The caveat to this permission is that any crossing underneath of the net that interferes with the opposing team’s play will count as a foul.

Player Positions

Players in beach volleyball also do not have set positions. This means that each player can position themselves at any spot on the court for any play and they will not receive a penalty for it. Players must remain on their side of the court, and they must start inside the bounds of the court when the play starts.

Players and Equipment

Each beach volleyball team has two players. These players compete on a eight-meter by 16-meter sand court, with a net raised to seven feet, 11 inches for men and seven feet, four inches for women. The net is placed in the middle of the court, equal distance from both end lines.

The players use an inflated ball that is often bright in color to be easily visible in all weather conditions. The ball weighs between 9-10 ounces, which is heavier than a standard indoor ball. Players are required to wear a uniform while playing. For women, this may include a shirt and shorts set or a swimsuit. For men, this includes appropriate shorts with optional top clothing.

Scoring

Beach volleyball is played using the rally scoring method. The match is played to the best out of three sets. The first two sets are played to 21 points, and if a third set is needed it is played to 15 points. A team must win every set with a two-point margin of victory. There is no point cap in beach volleyball, so the sets will continue on until one team successfully gains a two-point lead.

After every seven points within the first two sets, and five points during the third set, the teams are required to switch sides of the court. A time out will also be called after every accumulated 21 points. The first team that wins two out of the three sets will win the match. 

Penalties

There are many penalties in beach volleyball. Any violation of basic rules will result in a point for the opposing team. When contacting the ball, players are not allowed to have a fourth hit, prolong their ball contact, have assistance when playing the ball, or have multiple contacts.

Athletes are not allowed to reach over the net or touch the net during the game. Balls that are hit out of bounds or into the net will also result in a point for the opposing team.

Players can also be penalized for inappropriate behavior. This could result in yellow or red cards from the referee. Players can also be penalized for any actions that delay the game.

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