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Beach volleyball follows a defined set of rules designed to match its outdoor setting and two player format. While the sport shares its roots with indoor volleyball, beach volleyball rules place greater emphasis on all around skill, ball control, and adaptability to environmental conditions. Understanding these rules provides clarity on how matches are structured and how play is regulated.
Beach volleyball is played with two players per team and no substitutions during normal play. Each player is responsible for all aspects of the game, including serving, passing, setting, attacking, and defense. The court measures 16 meters long by 8 meters wide and is divided evenly by the net. This smaller court size reflects the reduced number of players while maintaining balanced spacing.
Net height depends on the competition category. Men’s beach volleyball nets are set at 2.43 meters, while women’s nets are set at 2.24 meters. These measurements are taken at the center of the net, with a small allowable variance at the posts due to tension. Youth and junior competitions may use adjusted net heights based on age group.
Beach volleyball matches are played using rally scoring, meaning a point is awarded on every rally. Matches are typically best of three sets. The first two sets are played to 21 points, and a third deciding set is played to 15 points if needed. A team must win a set by at least two points.
To account for outdoor conditions such as wind and sun, teams switch sides of the court regularly. In the first two sets, teams switch sides every seven points. In a deciding third set, teams switch every five points. These switches help minimize environmental advantages over the course of the match.
Ball handling is more strictly regulated in beach volleyball than in indoor volleyball. Sets must be clean and free of prolonged contact or excessive spin, especially when performed overhead. Open hand tips using the fingers are not allowed. Attacks using the hand must be executed with a closed fist or knuckles.
A block counts as one of the team’s three allowed contacts in beach volleyball. After a block, the team has only two remaining contacts to return the ball over the net. This rule increases the importance of defensive positioning and communication following net play.
Only one serve attempt is allowed per rally. Serves that contact the net and continue over are considered faults. Servers must stand behind the end line until contact is made with the ball. Serving order alternates between teammates throughout the match.
Attacking actions are subject to specific restrictions. Players may not use open handed fingertip attacks. Net contact that interferes with play is considered a fault. Incidental contact may be allowed depending on the situation, but players are expected to avoid the net during play.
Each team is allowed one timeout per set, lasting 30 seconds. Technical timeouts occur automatically when the combined score reaches a specific point in earlier sets, depending on competition level. Breaks between sets allow players to recover and prepare for changing conditions.
Beach volleyball matches are typically officiated by a small officiating crew, often consisting of a first referee, second referee, and line judges. The reduced number of officials places greater responsibility on players to understand and respect the rules during play.
Beach volleyball rules are structured to support fair play within an outdoor, two player format. The emphasis on strict ball handling, limited substitutions, and environmental adjustments creates a style of play that rewards versatility and consistency. These rules shape how the game unfolds and distinguish beach volleyball from other versions of the sport.
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