Beach Volleyball Rules & Regulations

General Rules

Teams: Each team consists of two players with no substitutions allowed.

Court Size: The court is 16 meters long and 8 meters wide.

Net Height: The net height is 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women.

Ball: The ball is slightly larger and lighter than an indoor volleyball.

Scoring

Match Format: Matches are typically best of three sets.

Winning a Set: The first two sets are played to 21 points, and the third (if necessary) is played to 15 points. Teams must win by at least 2 points.

Scoring System: Rally scoring is used, meaning a point is scored on every serve regardless of which team served.

Serving

Service Order: Teams alternate serves every point.

Service Area: Players must serve from behind the end line and within the sidelines.

Serve Types: Any type of serve (overhand, underhand, jump serve) is allowed.

Play

Touches: Each team is allowed up to three touches to return the ball over the net.

Attack Hits: The ball can be attacked from any height, and there are no restrictions on who can hit the ball over the net.

Block Touch: A block touch counts as one of the three allowed touches.

Open-Hand Tips: Players are not allowed to tip the ball using an open hand.

Ball Handling: Players must hit the ball cleanly; carrying, lifting, or throwing the ball is not allowed.

Rotation and Positioning

Player Positioning: There are no rotational positions; players can move freely on their side of the court.

Player Roles: Players typically specialize in blocking and defense but can switch roles as needed.

Faults

Net Faults: Touching the net during play is a fault, except if the ball is driven into the net and causes it to touch an opponent.

Double Hit: A player cannot hit the ball twice consecutively.

Four Hits: A team cannot hit the ball more than three times before returning it over the net.

Out of Bounds: The ball is out if it lands outside the court boundaries.

Time-Outs and Breaks

Time-Outs: Each team is allowed one 30-second time-out per set.

Technical Time-Out: In sets to 21 points, there is a technical time-out when the combined score reaches 21 points.

These rules outline the basic structure and regulations of beach volleyball, ensuring fair play and competitive balance in the game.