Beach Volleyball Rules

Beach volleyball originated in South California, now it is an Olympics team event. Presently, this game is now popular all over the world and even in landlocked countries like Switzerland.

Basics of Volleyball
Before we get to the basic volleyball rules, it is important that one knows the basics of volleyball like the court measurement etc. The beach volley ball court measures 26.25 feet by 52.5 feet. The game is played with two players on each side but recreational games are played with 6 players on each side. Points are scored by making the ball touch the ground in the opponents ground, much like tennis. The game is played in sets of three, the first team to win two sets wins the match. A set is won after reaching the score of 21, the third set is played only till 15 as it is a tie breaker.

The measurement of indoor volleyball court is 29.52 feet by 59.05 feet and 36 feet across. Indoor volley ball is played with six players. The attack line is situated 10 feet from the net, on either side. The game is also played with four players on each side. The players switch positions in clockwise direction and the servers also change accordingly. Unlike beach volley ball, indoor volleyball is played in sets of five. To win, a team must be two points ahead of the other team.

Terminology Used
If on a serve, no one from the opposing team touches the ball then it is called an "Ace". If the ball goes to the opposing team as a result of a fault then it is known as a "Sideout". A "Roof" is when a player jumps over the height of the net to block the ball. A "Stuff" is when a roof happens and the ball goes back to the player who spiked the ball. When a player makes a save from a difficult attack then it is known as a "Dig". A ''Kill'' is made when a spike ends in a point or a side out.

Rules and Regulations

• As far as beach volleyball is concerned, players can reach under the net to score as long as they don't hamper the opposing teams play.
• The ball can only be served from in front of the end line after contact had been made.
• This serve must be over handed or under handed. A soft dink is not allowed.
• The scores are monitored whenever the ball is dropped. Maximum of three hits are allowed per side.
• It is okay if the ball grazes the net on a serve and also if the ball lands on the boundary line.
• A player is not supposed to attack or block a serve.
• Only the front row players can switch positions that too after a serve.
• Touching the net while the ball is in play is a foul.

Indoor Beach Volleyball Rules
Beach volleyball and indoor beach volleyball are almost similar, but the two have some differences.

• In indoor beach volleyball, the players can't reach across the net to play the ball, unlike beach volleyball.
• The side that serves first, must do so from behind the end line.
• A point is also scored if the opposing team touches the net.
• If two players hit the ball at the same time, they can't hit it again in succession.
• Taking more than 8 seconds to serve is also a fault.
• A player can only serve the ball once.
• A player cannot make two consecutive hits.
• In a coed game, male and female must be positioned alternatively.
• A block is not included as one of the three hits. Only if both the hands are used will it be called a block.
• Points are only scored on each teams individual serve.

So these were some basic volleyball rules. You must have noticed that the rules are very similar with a few exceptions. Enjoy your summer and get that awesome tan!